Opportunity Information: Apply for F20AS00057
The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program is a competitive federal grant opportunity run by the U.S. Department of the Interior through the Fish and Wildlife Service. It was created under the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (Title III, Section 301, Public Law 101-646; 16 U.S.C. 3951-3956) to help protect coastal wetland ecosystems over the long term. The program focuses on practical, on-the-ground conservation work in coastal areas, specifically supporting projects that acquire wetlands (or interests in land), restore degraded wetland habitats, and enhance existing wetlands to improve their ecological function and resilience.
A key feature of this program is that it provides matching grants, meaning eligible applicants are expected to contribute non-federal matching funds or resources alongside the federal award. Funding is awarded through a competitive process rather than by formula, so proposals are judged against each other based on program criteria and overall conservation value. The intended applicants are government agencies at the State level, including State governments as well as eligible U.S. Commonwealth and Territory agencies, which are treated as eligible "State" entities under the program. This structure is designed to put primary responsibility in the hands of state and territorial agencies that manage coastal resources and can carry projects from planning through implementation and long-term stewardship.
The money behind the program comes from user-based revenue streams tied to boating and recreational fishing. Specifically, revenues are collected from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, electric motors and sonar, and from import duties on fishing tackle, yachts, and pleasure craft, along with a portion of the federal gasoline tax attributed to motorboats and small engines. Those revenues are deposited into the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which is then used to support programs like this one. This funding approach links conservation investment to activities that benefit from healthy aquatic and coastal systems, reinforcing a long-standing conservation model in which recreation-related revenues help pay for habitat protection and restoration.
For the specific opportunity listing provided (Funding Opportunity Number F20AS00057), the program was categorized as a discretionary grant in the environment and natural resources area (CFDA 15.614). It anticipated making about 25 awards, with an award ceiling of $1,000,000 per grant. The notice was created on February 18, 2020, and had an original closing date of June 26, 2020. While the details of project selection criteria are not included in the text you provided, the overall intent is clear: to fund high-impact coastal wetland projects that can demonstrate durable conservation outcomes and contribute to the sustained health and function of coastal wetland ecosystems.
Finally, the listing notes that the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act (Public Law 114-94) authorized funding for the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program through Fiscal Year 2021. In practical terms, that authorization statement signals congressional backing for program funding during that period, aligning this grant opportunity with the broader federal commitment to maintaining and restoring critical coastal habitats that support biodiversity, fisheries, water quality, storm buffering, and other ecosystem services communities rely on.Apply for F20AS00057
- The Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service in the environment, natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.614.
- This funding opportunity was created on Feb 18, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 26, 2020. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 25 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program (F20AS00057) - FAQs
What is the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program?
It is a competitive federal grant program run by the U.S. Department of the Interior through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The program supports long-term protection of coastal wetland ecosystems through practical, on-the-ground conservation work.
What law created and authorizes this program?
The program was created under the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (Title III, Section 301, Public Law 101-646; 16 U.S.C. 3951-3956). The listing also notes that the FAST Act (Public Law 114-94) authorized funding for the program through Fiscal Year 2021.
Which federal agency administers the grant?
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers the program under the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Is this grant competitive or formula-based?
It is competitive. Awards are made through a competitive process, meaning proposals are judged against one another rather than distributed by a formula.
What types of projects does the program fund?
The program focuses on coastal wetland conservation actions, specifically projects that (1) acquire wetlands (or interests in land), (2) restore degraded wetland habitats, and (3) enhance existing wetlands to improve ecological function and resilience.
What does "acquire wetlands (or interests in land)" mean in this program?
Based on the listing language, the program can support acquisition of wetlands and also acquisition of interests in land, which indicates funding may be used to secure qualifying property interests that support long-term wetland conservation.
Does the program support restoration of degraded wetlands?
Yes. Restoring degraded wetland habitats is one of the program's core project types.
Does the program support enhancement projects?
Yes. Enhancing existing wetlands to improve their ecological function and resilience is explicitly included in the program purpose.
Where must projects be located?
Projects are intended for coastal areas and are focused on coastal wetland ecosystems.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are State-level government agencies, including U.S. Commonwealth and Territory agencies that are treated as eligible "State" entities under the program.
Are local governments, nonprofits, universities, or individuals eligible applicants under this listing?
The information provided identifies State-level government agencies (including eligible Commonwealth and Territory agencies) as the intended applicants. No other applicant types are described in the provided text.
Is a non-federal match required?
Yes. This is a matching grant program, so eligible applicants are expected to contribute non-federal matching funds or resources alongside the federal award.
Is this opportunity considered discretionary funding?
Yes. The listing categorizes it as a discretionary grant opportunity in the environment and natural resources area.
What is the CFDA number for this program?
The listing references CFDA 15.614.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?
The Funding Opportunity Number provided is F20AS00057.
How many awards were expected under this opportunity?
The listing anticipated making about 25 awards.
What was the maximum award amount?
The award ceiling listed was $1,000,000 per grant.
When was the notice created?
The notice was created on February 18, 2020.
What was the original closing date?
The original closing date stated in the listing was June 26, 2020.
Where does the funding for this program come from?
The funding is tied to user-based revenues related to boating and recreational fishing. Revenues come from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, electric motors and sonar, import duties on fishing tackle, yachts, and pleasure craft, and a portion of the federal gasoline tax attributed to motorboats and small engines. These revenues are deposited into the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund.
What is the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund?
It is the fund into which the program's user-based revenues are deposited, and it supports programs like the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program.
What is the overall goal of the program?
The overall goal is long-term protection and improvement of coastal wetland ecosystems by funding high-impact projects that can deliver durable conservation outcomes and sustain the health and function of coastal wetlands.
What kinds of benefits are associated with healthy coastal wetlands under this listing?
The listing links coastal wetland conservation to benefits such as biodiversity support, fisheries, water quality, storm buffering, and other ecosystem services that communities rely on.
Are the project selection criteria included in the provided listing text?
No. The text provided notes that selection criteria details are not included, but it does state that proposals are judged competitively based on program criteria and overall conservation value.
Why does the program emphasize State and Territory agencies as applicants?
The structure is described as placing primary responsibility in the hands of state and territorial agencies that manage coastal resources and can carry projects from planning through implementation and long-term stewardship.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Environment, Natural Resources
Next opportunity: CDMRP Ovarian Cancer Research Program Investigator-Initiated Research Award
Previous opportunity: Annual Program Statement
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for F20AS00057
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (F20AS00057) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Great Lakes Restoration, Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program 2020 Apply for F20AS00059 Funding Number: F20AS00059 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Joint Venture Habitat Restoration and Protection Apply for F20AS00060 Funding Number: F20AS00060 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| NAWCA 2021 Mexico Standard Grant Apply for F20AS00065 Funding Number: F20AS00065 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| MARINE BIODIVERISTY CONSERVATION ACTIVITY Apply for RFI 621 20 EG 00001 Funding Number: RFI 621 20 EG 00001 Agency: Agency for International Development, Tanzania USAID-Dar es Salaam Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $15,000,000 |
| BLM-CO Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Project Apply for L20AS00081 Funding Number: L20AS00081 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Quantify changing environmental conditions to inform decisions about allowed means of winter access to subsistence resources Apply for P20AS00039 Funding Number: P20AS00039 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $508,530 |
| Council-Selected Restoration Component 2020 Funded Priorities List 3a Apply for CP GT3 20 001 Funding Number: CP GT3 20 001 Agency: Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $26,880,000 |
| Lake Clark National Park and Preserve Subsistence Harvest Surveys Apply for P20AS00048 Funding Number: P20AS00048 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| NAWCA 2021-2 Canada Grants Apply for F20AS00066 Funding Number: F20AS00066 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| NAWCA 2021 Mexico Standard Grant Apply for F20AS00069 Funding Number: F20AS00069 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY 2020 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Traditional Conservation Grants Apply for F20AS00070 Funding Number: F20AS00070 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2020 Candidate Conservation Action Funds Apply for F20AS00071 Funding Number: F20AS00071 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Recovery Challenge Apply for F20AS00072 Funding Number: F20AS00072 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Recovery Implementation Apply for F20AS00073 Funding Number: F20AS00073 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| USDA Forest Service - Great Lakes RFA 2020 Apply for USDA FS 2020 GLRI Funding Number: USDA FS 2020 GLRI Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| BLM-CO Statewide Orphan Wells Project Apply for L20AS00097 Funding Number: L20AS00097 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| BLM-CO Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Project - Gunnison Field Office Apply for L20AS00101 Funding Number: L20AS00101 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $650,000 |
| Forest Service Northeast and Midwest Landscape Scale Restoration 2021 Apply for USDA FS 2021 LSR Funding Number: USDA FS 2021 LSR Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| BLM-CO Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Project - San Luis Valley Field Office Apply for L20AS00105 Funding Number: L20AS00105 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Forest Service Wildfire Risk Reduction / Wildfire Response RFA 2021 Apply for USDA FS 2021 WRR WR Funding Number: USDA FS 2021 WRR WR Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $150,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "F20AS00057", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.