Coastal Wetlands Grants

Background

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program (NCWCGP) was established to acquire, restore, and enhance wetlands in coastal states through competitive matching grants to state agencies. The primary goal of the NCWCGP is the long‐term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems. Only legislatively approved state agencies may submit applications to the NCWCGP. Since 2013, OWEB has been an approved agency. OWEB serves as the official grantee of the federal award and makes the federal funds available to local conservation and restoration partners through sub-grants. All sub-grants are subject to the Rules and guidelines of OWEB’s grant programs.

Eligible Project Types

All projects must ensure long-term conservation. Eligible projects under the NCWCGP include:

Acquisition of a real property interest (permanent conservation easement or fee title) in coastal lands or coastal wetlands ecosystems from willing sellers, and/or
Restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems.

Application Process

Contact Jillian McCarthy to discuss your interest in applying for a NCWCGP grant. Applicants must schedule a pre-application consultation prior to application submittal.

Land Acquisition Grants

OWEB issues a solicitation for Coastal Wetlands Land Acquisition Grant applications in the fall of each year.

Deadlines coincide with the Fall Open Solicitation Land Acquisition Grant applications.
Applicants should use the Land Acquisition Online Grant application. All applications are submitted through the online system.

Restoration Grants

OWEB issues a solicitation for Coastal Wetlands Restoration Grant applications in the spring of each year.

Deadlines coincide with the Spring Open Solicitation Restoration Grant applications.
Applicants should use the Restoration Online Grant application. All applications are submitted through the online system.
Applicants must upload a completed Project Summary, Project Narrative, Budget Narrative, and Ranking Criteria in accordance with the USFWS current Notice of Funding Opportunity as an attachment to the application.

Apply Online

Applications are accepted in the fall of each year and are submitted entirely through our online system. Deadlines will be posted once each grant offering opens.

Obtain a login (username and password).
If your organization already has an OGMS login, skip to step 2.

An OGMS login is required to access the online grant application. Only one login per organization is allowed. If no login exists for an organization, please email Leilani Sullivan to request one. Include the following in your email:
Organization name and address
Grantee Contact Information: name, title, email address, and phone number for the person who will receive all communication from OWEB and sign any grant agreements.
Payee Contact Information: name, email address, and phone number for the person who keeps records and submits payment requests and documentation.
FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number). OWEB may enter into agreements only with legally established entities. OWEB will review potential applicants prior to creating an OGMS login.
DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number. Though not required at application, each grantee must have an active DUNS number verifiable through the System for Award Management (SAM) before a grant agreement will be released.

Log in to the Online Application.
Guidance to help you fill out the application is always available in the top navigation bar of the online application. An application template is also available after you log in and choose "Create a New Application."

Please contact Jillian McCarthy with questions.

Application Timeline

Land Acquisition Projects

June - July: Local partner (applicant) initiates pre-application consultation with Jillian McCarthy.

October: Local partner submits land acquisition application via OWEB’s online system.

December – February: Acquisition Review Team reviews grant applications, conducts site tours, and makes funding recommendations. USFWS announces NCWCGP offering (typically in January).

March: OWEB Management determines funding lines for land acquisition grant applications with consideration of reviewer funding recommendations and available funding.

April: OWEB Board makes funding decision on OWEB grant application and decision to submit NCWCG application at Board meeting. Local partner and OWEB work together to develop the draft federal application.

May: OWEB submits draft application on behalf of the local partner to USFWS for preliminary review and feedback.

May – June: OWEB seeks legislative approval to submit NCWCG application. Local partner and OWEB work together to address USFWS feedback and develop final grant application.

June: OWEB submits final application on behalf of the local partner to USFWS.

January – April: USFWS grant awards are announced.

Restoration Projects

January - March: Local partner (applicant) initiates pre-application consultation with Jillian McCarthy.

April: Local partner submits restoration application via OWEB’s online system, including the draft federal grant application. OWEB Board makes decision to submit NCWCG application at Board meeting, contingent upon OWEB Board award in October.

May: OWEB submits draft application on behalf of the local partner to USFWS for preliminary review and feedback.

May - June: Regional Review Team reviews grant applications, conducts site tours, and makes funding recommendations. OWEB seeks legislative approval to submit NCWCG application. Local partners and OWEB work together to address USFWS feedback and develop final grant application.

June: OWEB submits final application on behalf of the local partner to USFWS, contingent upon board award in October.

October: OWEB Board makes funding decision on OWEB grant application. If not awarded, OWEB withdraws the federal application.