This grant supports the National Estuarine Research Reserve System by funding land acquisition and construction projects to enhance research and education in estuarine areas. The goal is to protect key land and water areas and improve facilities for research and education. Each project can receive between $500,000 and $3,000,000, with a total of $8.5 million available for Fiscal Year 2026.
Who it's for: This grant is for designated lead Reserve agencies or universities located in coastal states that are part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. These entities must be involved in research and educational activities related to estuarine areas.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not being a designated lead Reserve agency or university in a coastal state
- Proposing a project outside the scope of land acquisition, construction, or planning & design
- Requesting funds exceeding the specified caps ($3,000,000 for acquisition/construction, $500,000 for planning/design)
- Not meeting cost-sharing/matching requirements
What You May Need
- Detailed project proposal
- Budget plan
- Proof of eligibility as a Reserve lead agency or university
- Cost-sharing/matching plan
- Sustainability design standards documentation
- Timeline for project completion
- Environmental impact assessment
- Letters of support or partnership agreements
- Proof of compliance with federal regulations
Cautions
- Projects must align with the NERRS mission and objectives
- Funds are subject to availability and negotiation with NOAA
- Cost-sharing/matching is required
- Complex projects may require extended timelines but cannot exceed 60 months
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include designated lead Reserve agencies or universities in coastal states that are part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. These entities must be involved in research and educational activities related to estuarine areas. The eligibility is unrestricted within these parameters, meaning any such agency or university can apply.
Overview
This grant is for designated lead Reserve agencies or universities located in coastal states that are part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. These entities must be involved in research and educational activities related to estuarine areas.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not being a designated lead Reserve agency or university in a coastal state
- Proposing a project outside the scope of land acquisition, construction, or planning & design
- Requesting funds exceeding the specified caps ($3,000,000 for acquisition/construction, $500,000 for planning/design)
- Not meeting cost-sharing/matching requirements
Use of Funds
Funds can be used for land acquisition, construction of facilities, and planning & design projects that support the NERRS mission. This includes enhancing research and educational facilities, expanding reserve boundaries, and improving monitoring infrastructure.
Total Program Funding
$8,500,000
Expected Awards
20
Cost Sharing
Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Jul 17, 2026
- Deadline
- Sep 18, 2026(62 days)
- Archive Date
- Oct 18, 2026
Application Checklist
- Confirm eligibility as a Reserve lead agency or university
- Develop a comprehensive project proposal
- Prepare a detailed budget and cost-sharing plan
- Gather necessary documentation for sustainability standards
- Complete an environmental impact assessment
- Secure letters of support or partnership agreements
- Ensure compliance with federal regulations
- Submit application by the deadline