U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program

The Coastal Program is a voluntary partnership-based program that works with communities, private landowners, and local organizations to conserve, restore, and enhance coastal habitats. Through collaborative projects, the program provides technical expertise and targeted financial assistance to support healthy coastal ecosystems that benefit fish, wildlife, and the people who depend on them.

The program works with partners to restore coastal wetlands, dunes, estuaries, and riparian areas that provide essential habitat for migratory birds, marine mammals, sea turtles, and threatened and endangered species. Coastal Program staff help partners identify conservation opportunities, develop science-based project plans, and secure the resources needed to implement habitat restoration and protection efforts.

• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Coastal Program provides technical and financial assistance to partners to support projects that protect and restore fish and wildlife habitats on public and private lands in priority coastal ecosystems.

• This support is provided through cooperative agreements with conservation partners and landowners, including state and Tribal agencies.

• Eligible Applicants: State governments; County governments; City or township governments; Special district governments; Independent school districts; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Private institutions of higher education; Individuals; For profit organizations other than small businesses; Small businesses

• The Coastal Program reserves the right to reject projects that do not align with the regional strategic implementation plans or program priorities.

• The Coastal Program does not support projects that generate compensatory mitigation credits under a Federal or state regulatory program or accept mitigation or in-lieu funds as non-Federal cost share for a project.

• The Coastal Program does not fund land acquisition, although it can support title searches and real estate appraisals.

• Before applying, all applicants except individuals applying as a natural person must be registered in SAM.gov.

Each Coastal Program project is guided by an approved agreement that outlines goals, expected outcomes, and specific activities. These agreements also describe the project budget and the terms under which funding is provided.

Certain costs are not allowable under the Coastal Program. These include land acquisition, activities unrelated to approved project objectives, pre-award expenses, unauthorized equipment purchases, and indirect costs that exceed the negotiated rate. Projects are also not eligible for funding if they are required as compensatory mitigation or are otherwise mandated under Federal or State regulatory programs.

For every federal dollar invested, the program typically leverages more than $6 in partner contributions. If all other considerations are equal, priority for funding will be given to projects that have a greater longevity, involve higher monetary and non-monetary partner contributions, and are the most cost-effective.

Applicants seeking technical or financial assistance from the Coastal Program are required to contact a local Program office BEFORE developing or submitting an application. Projects are developed collaboratively by partners and Service field staff.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Interested applicants should reach out to local Coastal Program office for more information and deadlines. Informal award notice is given before recipients are invited to apply via Grant Solutions. Formal award notices will be sent after the GrantSolutions application is received, reviewed and approved.

The Coastal Program encourages interested stakeholders to contact regional and local program staff throughout the year for technical support and additional information regarding funding cycles and availability.

• FY26 Notice of Funding Opportunity F26AS00069 on Grants.gov

• Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2023 (Public Law 118-138)

• Coastal Program national and regional contacts

• Coastal Program Brochure