The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), provides support to ensure that coastal habitats and fish and wildlife species thrive well into the future. Each year, grants ranging from $50,000 to $1 million are awarded to acquire, restore, enhance, and/or manage coastal wetlands and associated uplands and contribute to the long-term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems. These grants are only awarded to eligible State, Commonwealth, or Territory agencies. However, agencies often collaborate with partners such as land trusts, Tribes, conservation organizations, and other entities to plan and deliver the conservation outcomes.
In the FY USFWS 2022 grant cycle, more than $20 million was awarded to conserve 61,000 acres across the U.S. Ten of those grants were awarded within the Pacific Birds region to acquire, restore or enhance about 900 acres. In addition to helping fish and wildlife, many of the projects will help mitigate the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems and communities.
Within Pacific Birds boundaries, eligible project areas include the coastal regions of Alaska, Washington, Oregon and northern California, as well as Hawaiʻi. American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam are also within the scope of the grant program.
The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program is a competitive grant program with a minimum non-Federal match requirement (or cost-share) of 25%. The application deadline by the appropriate State, Commonwealth, or Territory agency is usually in late June of each year. Each authorized agency has its own application procedures and deadlines for working with partners. It is important to contact these agencies directly well ahead of the submission date if you have a project that you think is appropriate for a National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant.
State or USFWS personnel (listed under contacts below) are ultimately the best people to talk to about a potential proposal. As a Habitat Joint Venture working to conserve habitats that support birds, Pacific Birds also has an interest in helping you succeed at acquiring, restoring or enhancing coastal acres. We can assist as you consider your potential project, help you evaluate the bird and habitat values of the project acreage, or work with you to seek out potential partners and match funds. We can also help you identify how your potential project aligns with Pacific Birds priorities, major bird conservation plans, and species of concern lists–all of which will strengthen your proposal.
Please contact us if you would like assistance from the Joint Venture.