F26AS00069 Coastal Program FY26

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program is a federal funding opportunity designed to support conservation partnerships that protect and restore fish and wildlife habitats in priority coastal ecosystems across the United States and its territories. Administered under the U.S. Department of the Interior, the program operates as a collaborative initiative that brings together federal staff, state and Tribal agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, private landowners, and other stakeholders. The program is grounded in the Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2023 and emphasizes voluntary, science-based conservation actions that align with regional strategic habitat conservation plans. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide both technical and financial assistance for projects that conserve, restore, and enhance coastal habitats such as wetlands, estuaries, dunes, and riparian areas. These habitats are critical for supporting migratory birds, marine mammals, sea turtles, and other species of conservation concern, including federally listed and at-risk species. In addition to ecological benefits, the program supports projects that improve water quality, strengthen natural infrastructure, and enhance community resilience to storms and environmental stressors. Projects are expected to produce measurable, long-term conservation outcomes and align with the broader mission of the Department of the Interior and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Funding is distributed through cooperative agreements or grants, with substantial involvement from federal program staff throughout the project lifecycle. The estimated total program funding is six million dollars, with individual awards typically ranging up to five hundred thousand dollars. While there is no required cost sharing, the program notes that funded projects often leverage significant partner contributions. Certain costs are explicitly unallowable, including land acquisition, compensatory mitigation activities, pre-award expenses, and unauthorized equipment purchases. Projects must adhere to federal cost principles and demonstrate that all expenses are reasonable, necessary, and directly tied to approved activities. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing state, county, city, and township governments; Tribal governments and organizations; public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status; individuals; and for-profit entities including small businesses. However, all applicants must coordinate with their local Coastal Program office prior to developing or submitting an application, as projects are developed collaboratively with program staff and must align with regional priorities. Additionally, applicants must register in SAM.gov (except individuals) and apply through the GrantSolutions platform unless they qualify for simplified application procedures. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms such as the SF-424, budget information forms, and a detailed project narrative outlining objectives, activities, beneficiaries, and expected outcomes. Applicants must also provide a budget narrative, disclosures related to conflicts of interest, and statements regarding duplication of effort. The project narrative is limited to three pages of text and must include specific details about conservation goals, species and habitats impacted, project timeline, and coordination with partners. Applications are reviewed through a multi-step process that includes eligibility screening, merit review based on conservation impact and alignment with program priorities, and risk assessment. The timeline for this opportunity is structured with both rolling and annual considerations. While applications are accepted on a rolling basis and the final submission deadline is September 30, 2026, applicants seeking funding within fiscal year 2026 are strongly encouraged to submit by May 30, 2026. Late applications may be deferred to the next fiscal cycle. Awards are contingent on funding availability, and applicants must be invited to submit through coordination with program staff. The anticipated project start date is May 19, 2026, with projects potentially extending through September 30, 2030. Applicants are encouraged to engage with program staff early and throughout the process to ensure alignment and competitiveness. Overall, the Coastal Program emphasizes partnership-driven conservation that integrates ecological science with community needs. By fostering collaboration and leveraging resources, the program aims to deliver durable conservation outcomes that benefit both wildlife and human communities in coastal regions. Contact information is available through regional Coastal Program offices, with a national point of contact reachable via email for additional guidance and support.

Coordinate early with local Coastal Program staff to ensure alignment with regional priorities; ensure project demonstrates measurable conservation outcomes and aligns with strategic habitat plans; avoid ineligible costs such as land acquisition or mitigation activities