The Coastal Program FY26 grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers financial and technical help to protect and restore habitats for fish and wildlife in coastal areas. This is done through partnerships with various organizations and landowners. Projects must align with conservation priorities and be based on solid scientific principles.
Who it's for: This grant is for a wide range of entities, including government bodies, tribal organizations, nonprofits, educational institutions, businesses, and individuals who are interested in conservation projects in coastal areas.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Failure to contact a local Coastal Program office before applying
- Projects not aligned with the missions of the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Lack of collaboration with Service field staff
- Projects not based on sound biological principles
- Applications submitted after the deadline
What You May Need
- Contact information for your local Coastal Program office
- A project proposal aligned with conservation priorities
- Documentation of collaboration with Service field staff
- Proof of eligibility (e.g., nonprofit status, government entity)
- Detailed project budget
- Strategic plan reference
- Scientific data supporting the project
- Completed application form
- Letters of support from partners
Cautions
- Contact the local Coastal Program office before applying
- Ensure project aligns with strategic conservation priorities
- Collaborate with Service field staff
- Adhere to scientific and biological principles
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include: Special district governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, individuals, county governments, independent school districts, state governments, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, public and state institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations, small businesses, city or township governments, private institutions of higher education, other Native American tribal organizations, and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status.
Overview
This grant is for a wide range of entities, including government bodies, tribal organizations, nonprofits, educational institutions, businesses, and individuals who are interested in conservation projects in coastal areas.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Failure to contact a local Coastal Program office before applying
- Projects not aligned with the missions of the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Lack of collaboration with Service field staff
- Projects not based on sound biological principles
- Applications submitted after the deadline
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to support projects that protect and restore fish and wildlife habitats in priority coastal ecosystems. This includes technical assistance, project development, and implementation.
Total Program Funding
$6,000,000
Expected Awards
150
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- May 19, 2026
- Deadline
- Sep 30, 2026(109 days)
- Archive Date
- Oct 1, 2030
Application Checklist
- Contact local Coastal Program office
- Develop project proposal with Service field staff
- Ensure project aligns with conservation priorities
- Prepare detailed budget
- Gather scientific data and support
- Complete application form
- Submit application by deadline