Select Priority Funding Opportunities
The fourth step is identifying funding and financing opportunities that align with your project needs, goals, and priority benefits. The below database includes 50+ available grants, but is designed to help you find the best funding opportunities to match your selected priority project as well as the contact information needed to establish relationships with the program administrators.
To narrow down the list, first, identify your applicant type. This could be “State Governments,” “Local Governments,” “Tribal Governments,” and “Other.” Next, select the project driver that best identifies the key factor that motivated you to begin the selected priority project. The project driver filter options are “Conservation & Restoration,” “Flooding,” “Infrastructure Resilience,” “Recreation,” and “Stormwater.”
From there, you can select your key project goal. The project goal filter options are “Coastal Resilience,” “Economic Development,” “Water Quality Development,” and “Wildlife Habitat & Biodiversity.” The project goals often reflect your community needs.
Finally, select the state where your project will be located. From the dropdown menu, you can select “Michigan,” “Wisconsin,” or “All” for a project that will bridge across both states.
Once you’ve found your priority fund options, use the “Print This” or “Email This” buttons to save your selections.
Start exploring!
Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes States
Project Type: Planning; Construction
Using appropriations to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) anticipates providing grants to support implementation of Great Lakes State Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans (State AIS Plans). All state grants will be awarded based on a competitive process for which only Great Lakes states or their designee are eligible. Funding is provided to support implementation of State AIS Plans which helps states in preventing introduction and spread of AIS on state and surrounding lands.
Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.
Go to Grant WebsiteGrant Priorities
Grant priorities include projects that:
- Demonstrate interagency/inter-organizational coordination and collaboration
- Have major component(s) that substantially involve other state(s) or large entities/organizations, beyond transferring funds to a sub-recipient what is the potential for the proposed activity to substantially (in scope or scale) address vectors for AIS infiltration (i.e., prevention) into the Great Lakes
- Substantially (in scope or scale) implement/improve early detection efforts in key areas in the Great Lakes
- Substantially (in scope or scale) implement/improve rapid response efforts in the Great Lakes
- Substantially (in scope or scale) implement/improve containment efforts
- Substantially (in scope or scale) reduce the abundance of established AIS (i.e., in the water actions to eliminate an AIS that IS widely established in the Great Lakes, from a new location) in the Great Lakes
- Promote long-term societal, economic, and environmental sustainability goals
For a complete list of grant priorities and review criteria, please refer to the grant full announcement.
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
Proposed work must either be within the Great Lakes Basin or near enough to the basin that it contributes substantially to the prevention and/or control of AIS in the Great Lakes Basin. Activities such as outreach, boat ramp inspections, and/or law enforcement are often done outside the basin but make substantial contributions when work is done in areas where people are likely to transit (and thereby potentially transfer AIS) into the Great Lakes Basin. Early detection, rapid response, and/or control efforts outside the basin must address:
- Species with a substantial potential for interbasin transfer (e.g., hydrilla in a waterbody near the Great Lakes Basin that receives heavy boat use).
- Species of significant concern to the Great Lakes community within a Great Lakes state.
- Activities where the primary motivation is to prevent transfer of AIS into the Great Lakes Basin.
Click on the next section to learn more about the matching requirements for this funding opportunity.
Matching Requirements
Cost sharing or matching funds are not required to be eligible for this grant opportunity. However, cost sharing is considered in one of the grant review criteria listed under the Application Review Information section later in this grant opportunity document. With respect to that criterion, all non-federal types of cost share are eligible, e.g., in-kind contributions.
Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.
Eligible Costs
Examples of eligible activities include:
- outreach
- boat inspections
- law enforcement
- early detection
- rapid response
- control efforts
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.
Project Timeline
Projects should be completed within 2 years, although projects may be completed in up to 4 years with strong justification. Please contact grant administrator using the “Contact Information” section below to discuss if your project is anticipated to extend beyond 2 years.
Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.
Application Deadline
All pre-proposals, including the Project Narrative and Budget Narrative, must be received no later than 11:59 pm Central Standard Time on December 31, 2025. Pre-proposals are acceptable application submissions for the project ranking phase and must contain the information described in the Project Narrative and Budget Narrative below. Pre-proposals will be ranked to determine funding levels for each at which time applicants will be contacted via email and required to submit full proposals described below. Pre-proposals should be submitted via email.
Once funding levels are established, applicants will be notified of approved funding amounts via email and must then submit each of the application materials listed below via GrantSolutions. All applicants must submit the Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. This form is available with the announcement on Grants.gov and in GrantSolutions.
Click on the next section to access the Contact Information for this funding opportunity.
Contact Information
For programmatic technical assistance, please contact:
Nathan Evans, Fish and Wildlife Service
Phone: (612) 286-4212
For program administration assistance, please contact:
Mallory Mackey, Fish and Wildlife Service
Phone: (612) 713-5106
For help regarding Grants.gov, please contact:
Customer support
Phone: (800) 518-4726
For help regarding GrantSolutions, please contact:
Customer Support
Phone: (866) 577-0771
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Coastal Zone Management Habitat Protection and Restoration Competition
Project Type: Planning; Construction
The FY24 BIL Coastal Zone Management Habitat Protection and Restoration Competition will award grants to eligible state and territory Coastal Zone Management Programs (CZM Programs) for coastal habitat restoration; coastal habitat restoration planning, engineering, and design; and coastal land conservation projects that support the goals and intent of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP), and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law).
This grant program seeks projects that enhance coastal resilience. Strengthening coastal resilience means preparing and adapting coastal communities to mitigate the impacts of and more quickly recover after extreme events such as hurricanes, coastal storms, flooding, and sea level rise. Habitat restoration and natural and nature-based infrastructure and solutions are critical to doing so by protecting lives and property; sustaining commercial, recreational, and subsistence fishing; recovering threatened and endangered species; and maintaining and fostering vibrant coastal economies and lifestyles.
Total anticipated funding for this Federal award announcement is approximately $100 million, subject to availability of funding and final administrative funding allocations.
Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.
Go to Grant WebsiteGrant Priorities
The NOAA Office for Coastal Management (OCM) will prioritize:
- Projects that are “shovel ready” or reasonably advanced in the acquisition due diligence process
- Habitat restoration planning, engineering, and design projects that will create a pipeline of future projects
- Proposals that include on-the-ground implementation over those that include only pre-implementation activities
- Projects that include the principles of equity and inclusion in their proposals and performance of work
- Projects with benefits to tribal, indigenous, and/or underserved communities
- Projects that appropriately consider and elevate local or indigenous knowledge in project design, implementation, and evaluation
- Projects that advance the Justice40 Initiative. Established by Executive Order 14008 on “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad,” it set a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments in climate, clean energy, and other areas will flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized and overburdened by pollution and underinvestment
- Projects that increase the geographic distribution of funds across coastal states
- The broadening of the participation of Minority Service Institutions, including historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, and Asian American and Pacific Islander serving institutions that work in underserved areas. DOC/NOAA encourages applicants to include partners and contributors from any of the above groups or institutions.
To further explore this grant’s program priorities, please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity.
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility requirements include:
- Projects must be located on publicly-owned land, or land where a public entity holds a lease or easement that provides for adequate public control of the property
- Project applications should include a letter of support from the public entity who holds title or a legal interest on the project site
- Non-governmental organizations may not serve as the lead applicant for land conservation projects, as they are not eligible to hold title to lands acquired with these funds.
- Letters of Intent must be submitted by a CZM Program and each Program may submit no more than three proposals (letters of intent) for this competition.
Click on the next section to learn more about the matching requirements for this funding opportunity.
Matching Requirements
There is no non-Federal matching requirement for this funding.
However, applicants are strongly encouraged to combine NOAA Federal funding with formal non-federal matching contributions or informal leveraged funds from a broad range of sources in the public and private sectors to demonstrate stakeholder support, partnership, and collaboration for the proposed work. Such cost sharing is an element considered in the evaluation criteria.
Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.
Eligible Costs
Eligible projects include:
- habitat restoration projects
- habitat restoration planning, engineering, and design projects
- land conservation projects
- a combination of categories.
Generally, allowable costs include salaries, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, and training, as long as the costs are determined to be necessary, reasonable, and allocable to the award.
Ineligible projects include:
- activities that constitute legally required mitigation for the adverse effects of an activity regulated or otherwise governed by state or Federal law;
- activities that constitute mitigation for natural resource damages under Federal or state law
- activities that are required by a separate consent decree, court order, statute or regulation.
See also Section III.C. of the Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional ineligible projects and costs.
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.
Project Timeline
Projects are expected to be scoped in a manner that would allow them to be completed within 3 years of the start date of the award. NOAA may extend an award for a total performance period of up to 5 years if circumstances warrant, such as unforeseen circumstances that prevent the project from being completed within the original period of performance.
It is anticipated that projects funded under this announcement will have an award start date of August, 1, 2025. Applicants may submit proposals with a project period of 12 to 36 months, or, for habitat restoration projects only, applicants may request a project period of up to 48 months to allow for at least one year of post-restoration monitoring.
Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.
Application Deadline
Applications must be received by and validated by Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern time on April 16, 2025.
The standard SF-424 application package is available online. If this is not feasible, application packages may be requested from the Office for Coastal Management via email.
All applicants must be registered in SAM before submitting its application and provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) in its application.
Click on the next section to access the Contact Information for this funding opportunity.
Contact Information
Clean Water Fund Program
Project Type: Planning; Construction
The Clean Water Fund Program (CWFP) is one of two revolving loan funds established under the Wisconsin Environmental Improvement Fund (EIF) and the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP). CWFP provides financial assistance to municipalities for wastewater and storm water infrastructure projects. It includes projects for compliance with a municipality’s WPDES permit. The EIF is jointly administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Administration (DOA).
Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.
Go to Loan WebsiteProgram Priorities
Each state has the flexibility to choose their own priorities and select projects. These priorities can be found in each state’s Intended Use Plan.
Short-Term Goals:
- Provide additional economic assistance in the form of principal forgiveness with the highest amounts allocated to those applicants with the greatest financial need.
- Provide additional assistance, in the form of principal forgiveness, to municipalities that qualify under the affordability criteria to help offset the cost of compliance with more protective phosphorus limits.
- Provide additional assistance, in the form of principal forgiveness, to help offset the costs of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) regionalization projects.
- Provide matching funds in the form of principal forgiveness to municipalities that are working with Focus on Energy to upgrade the energy efficiency of their WWTPs.
- Allocate a minimum of 10% of capitalization grant funds to projects or portions of projects that incorporate water or energy efficiency, are considered green infrastructure, or are environmentally innovative.
- Work with internal and external parties to identify options for funding innovative projects that enhance water quality, including nonpoint-source pilot projects for meeting phosphorus requirements through water quality trading.
- Explore avenues to support pre-apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship, and youth training programs that open pathways to employment.
- Conduct public outreach and education regarding program policies, procedures, and participation.
- Evaluate the feasibility, benefit, and public opinion of incentivizing projects that target unsewered areas serving existing homes.
Long-Term Goals:
- Develop strategies and mechanisms to promote regionalization as a viable alternative for small, economically challenged communities with declining populations and aging WWTPs.
- Protect the public health and environmental quality of the state of Wisconsin.
- Manage the revolving loan fund in such a way as to protect its long-term integrity and enable it to revolve in perpetuity.
- Provide economic assistance to municipalities, including those that may not have substantial credit histories, for the purposes of constructing and maintaining water quality related infrastructure.
- Identify and implement innovative programs necessary to fill funding gaps in the state for meeting water quality standards and objectives.
- Implement policy changes that encourage municipalities to make their wastewater treatment systems and stormwater systems more resilient, sustainable, and adaptive to climate change impacts.
- Continue to refine strategies, programs, and mechanisms to ensure that municipalities are able to address the highest priority water quality problems.
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
The threshold for eligibility includes:
- Facility plan approval letter required for all projects – no exceptions.
- Design Life Calculation Worksheet is now required for all projects (even 20-year loan terms) unless the project consists solely of installation or replacement of pipeline.
- If requesting funding for Planning & Design costs, be certain to include the associated contract or contracts for all requested costs.
Click on the next section to learn more about the matching requirements for this funding opportunity.
Matching Requirements
The required 20% state match for the Base and Supplemental capitalization grant is authorized under state law and will be generated from revenue bonds. All state matching funds will be disbursed to loan recipients before the state makes the first draw of federal funds from the capitalization grant. Thereafter, all draws against the grant will be made at a cash draw ratio of 100% federal funds. No state match is required for the Emerging Contaminants capitalization grant.
Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.
Eligible Costs
Eligible costs include:
- Compliance Maintenance and New/Changed Limits Projects: These projects are necessary to maintain compliance with permit requirements or implement new or changed limits required by law.
- Water Meter Projects: These projects are eligible when the municipality requesting funding does not have a public drinking water system, and only where meters will be added or replaced throughout the entire system.
- Septage Receiving Facilities: 2005 Wisconsin Act 347 was enacted in April 2006. This Act pertained to septage receiving facilities and provides a 0% interest rate on projects or portions of projects funded by the CWFP that are for the receiving, treatment, and/or disposition of septage.
- Urban Stormwater and Urban Nonpoint Source Projects: These projects must be primarily water quality related. Portions of a project solely for flood control or future growth are funded at market rate. This includes Green Infrastructure projects on public or private property. Contact Environmental Loans with questions about project eligibility.
- Unsewered Projects: These projects are only eligible for market rate financing unless 2/3 or more of the initial wastewater flow will come from homes that were in existence for at least 20 years prior to the date of the application.
- Violator Projects and those Portions of Projects that Provide Industrial and Reserve Capacity: Eligible projects or portions of projects in these categories receive market rate funds.
- Pilot Projects: Non-traditional CWFP projects (such as water quality trading) as part of the CWFP Pilot Projects Program are eligible for loans with an interest rate as low as 0%.
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.
Project Timeline
The project timeline is up to 30 years or the useful life of project, whichever is less.
Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit applications for CWFP SFY 2026 funding is September 30, 2025. Applicants must have an eligible project on the SFY25 Project Priority List. Applications must include a facility plan approval letter and approvable plans and specs,.
The deadline to submit an Intent to Apply (ITA) for SFY2026 is October 31, 2025.
All CWFP applications, other than those for the Pilot Projects Program, are required to be submitted through the online application system. Information on accessing and using the online application system is available on the DNR website.
Click on the next section to access the Contact Information for this funding opportunity.
Contact Information
For general questions, please contact:
Lisa Bushby, Clean Water Fund Program Coordinator
Phone: (608) 358-3330
For questions on environmental loans, please contact:
Matt Marcum, Environmental Loans Section Manager
Phone: (608) 575-8825
For questions on environmental loans, please contact:
Becky Scott, Environmental Loans Section Manager
Phone: (608) 513-9351
For questions related to stormwater, please contact:
Sarah Bolitho, CWFP Storm Water Specialist
Phone: (608) 960-2927
Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Project Type: Planning; Construction
Michigan’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program is a low interest loan financing program that assists qualified local municipalities with the construction of necessary wastewater and storm water infrastructure projects. These projects improve water quality, the environment, and protect public health. Michigan’s CWSRF program has allocated over $5.7 billion in low interest loans to over 670 projects around the State since 1988. Of that amount, $106 million has been awarded as loan principal forgiveness since 2010. For more information on the CWSRF program, view the CWSRF Info Sheet.
Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.
Go to Loan WebsiteGrant Priorities
Michigan’s short-term program goals include:
- Oversee the update of the Clean Water Needs Survey to ensure maximum participation from communities and that non-traditional project types are included.
- Apply for all 3 CWSRF federal grants and ensure requirements of the grant terms and conditions are met including American Recovery Plan Act funding.
- Assist borrowers listed on the annual PPL in meeting CWSRF requirements to successfully close on a loan.
- Develop program procedures related to the new CWSRF state legislation.
- Procure and maintain a new data system for tracking CWSRF and related state grant programs.
- Hire and train new CWSRF program staff.
Michigan’s long-term program goals include:
- Maintain the fiscal integrity of the fund to ensure it remains viable and self-perpetuating to meet the long-range water quality needs of the State. MFA utilizes a financial consultant to advise EGLE on decisions surrounding financing levels, interest rates, additional subsidization, and other financing attributes.
- Target outreach and assistance to communities that have never utilized CWSRF.
- Obtain maximum capitalization of the fund for the State while generating sufficient investment and loan interest earnings for debt service of the state match revenue bonds.
- Maintain and develop relationships with other funding and financing agencies and water quality organizations to ensure resources are directed in a holistic approach.
- Maintain and refine procedures to prevent fraud and ensure a system of checks and balances.
Green Project Reserve
As part of the FY2022 federal appropriations, WIFFS is required to provide a minimum of 10 percent (4,975,100) of the base capitalization grant for project components that meet the Green Project Reserve (GPR) requirements. This includes projects that incorporate green infrastructure, energy, water efficiency, or are environmentally innovative.
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
An approvable loan application must include:
- Complete CWSRF application including Parts I-III.
- Detailed project description, cost breakdown, and schedule.
- Financial documentation demonstrating ability to repay the loan.
- Any necessary executed intermunicipal service agreements.
- An approved project plan.
- Set of approved plans and specifications including construction permit(s) if required.
- Resolution from the applicant designating a project representative and approving the project scope.
- A fiscal sustainability plan.
Click on the next section to learn more about the matching requirements for this funding opportunity.
Matching Requirements
The BIL General Supplemental dollars require a 10% state match.
Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.
Eligible Costs
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) provides low-interest loans for projects that improve water quality and protect public health. CWSRF loans may be used for design and construction of the following:
- Wastewater treatment facilities
- Sewer rehabilitation
- Collection systems Application Process
- Combined sewer separation
- Storm water conveyance and treatment facilities
- Inflow/infiltration correction
- Sewer overflow correction
- Nonpoint source pollution control
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.
Project Timeline
Up to 30 years or useful life of project, whichever is less.
Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.
Application Deadline
Potential applicants to the CWSRF should first review the CWSRF Eligibility Guidance. Eligible applicants must submit the Intent to Apply (ITA) form below to be considered for funding and financing opportunities. All financing determinations are based on applicant eligibility, priority points, and availability of funds. Applicants should apply for a project with the expectation the program is a loan program first and foremost.
The Intent to Apply (ITA) form is accepting submissions for fiscal year 2026. The form must be submitted by November 1, 2025. You can preview the ITA form before submittal to view the information required to complete the form.
Click on the next section to access the Contact Information for this funding opportunity.
Contact Information
For questions and inquiries, please contact:
Kelly Green, Administrator, Water Infrastructure Funding and Financing Section
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
Phone: (517) 284-5433
Coastal Habitat Restoration & Resilience Grants for Tribes and Underserved Communities
Project Type: Planning; Construction
$45 million in funding is available for projects that will advance the coastal habitat restoration and climate resilience priorities of tribes and underserved communities under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Through this funding, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office for Coastal Management will help support community-driven habitat restoration and build the capacity of tribes and underserved communities to more fully participate in restoration activities.
Of the $45 million in funding available, $20 million is specifically available to U.S. federally recognized tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and organizations that represent tribes through formal legal agreements. The remaining $25 million will be available to all eligible applicants, to support opportunities for tribes and underserved communities to meaningfully engage in coastal habitat restoration activities.
Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.
Go to Grant WebsiteGrant Priorities
Grant priorities include:
- Building organizational capacity that supports underserved communities resilience to climate hazards including participation in municipal or regional-scale resilience planning, project planning and feasibility studies, stakeholder engagement, proposal development for future funding, and outreach and education
- Restoration project activities that enhance underserved communities resilience to climate hazards including demonstration projects, such as engineering and design, permitting, on-the-ground restoration, and pre- and post-project implementation monitoring
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
The following threshold requirements must be met to be eligible for this funding opportunity:
- NOAA does not have one tool, or a preferred method for you to use to identify and/or prove your underserved status. The applicant’s responsibility is to describe how the community has been underserved. There are a variety of resources available to identify underserved communities, such as interviews, surveys, studies or plans developed by local governments, U.S. Census Bureau Information, etc. For more information, please click here.
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s matching requirements.
Matching Requirements
A non-federal match not required to apply, and non-federal match is not included in the Evaluation Criteria, and therefore not included in scores during the technical review process. Non-federal match and/or leverage funds may be optionally included within the application to demonstrate stakeholder support for the proposed work.
Stakeholder support, such as documentation demonstrating contributions of time, meeting space, funding, etc. that demonstrate the community’s commitment to the project and/or its chances of success is part of the evaluation criteria.
Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.
Eligible Costs
Eligible costs:
- Through this funding, NOAA will help support community-driven habitat restoration and build the capacity of tribes and underserved communities to more fully participate in restoration activities, including nature-based solutions. Projects selected through this opportunity will span several types of activities, including capacity building, actionable science support, and restoration.
Ineligible costs:
- A proposal that is focused SOLELY on the acquisition of real property, such as land is not eligible.
- Funding for hard infrastructure ONLY for water quality improvement is not eligible.
- Basic research is not eligible under this funding opportunity.
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.
Project Timeline
The recommended project period is three years. A shorter project period is acceptable, and there is potential for up to five years, if necessary and approved by NOAA.
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.
Application Deadline & Forms
Proposals must be received through Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern time on May 12, 2025.
Applicants should apply through the Grants.gov website. A complete standard NOAA financial assistance application package should be submitted in accordance with the guidelines in the Notice of Funding Opportunity announcement posted to Grants.gov. Each application must include the application forms from the SF-424 form family.
Click on the “Contact Information” section below to find out about current grant cycles and to get in touch with this funding opportunity’s program officers.
Contact Information
For questions regarding the funding opportunity or referrals to a regional point of contact, please contact:
Julia Royster, Competition Manager
Phone: (301) 427-8686
Flood Mitigation Assistance Program
Project Type: Planning; Construction
The Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program is a competitive program that provides funding to states, federally recognized Tribal governments, U.S. territories, and local governments. Since the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 was signed into law, funds are used for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program.
Currently, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program, and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program. Through BRIC, FEMA invests in a variety of mitigation activities with an added focus on infrastructure projects benefitting disadvantaged communities, nature-based solutions, climate resilience and adaption, and adopting hazard resistant building codes.
Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.
Go to Grant WebsiteGrant Priorities
Grant priorities are:
- Capacity and Capability Building (C&CB) Activities, e.g., mitigation plans, technical assistance by states to communities, and project scoping
- Localized Flood Risk Reduction Projects
- Individual Flood Mitigation Projects
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
FEMA requires state, local, federally recognized Tribal governments, and U.S. territories to develop and adopt hazard mitigation plans as a condition for receiving certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance, including funding for hazard mitigation assistance projects. For more information, refer to the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance.
Additionally, Projects must:
- Be cost-effective
- Be located in a participating NFIP Community (in good standing)
- Meet applicable NFIP flood insurance policy requirements
- Align with the applicable hazard mitigation plan
- Meet all environmental and historic preservation (EHP) requirements
- Meet other program requirements
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s matching requirements.
Matching Requirements
Generally, the cost share for this program is 75% federal cost share and 25% non-federal cost share. Contributions of cash, third-party in-kind services, materials, or any combination thereof, may be accepted as part of the non-federal cost share.
FEMA may contribute increased federal cost share for properties that are insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at the time of application and meet the definitions of Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) or Repetitive Loss (RL). Additionally, FEMA may contribute up to 90% federal cost share (for eligible costs) for activities or projects that impact properties with NFIP insurance that are located within a census tract with a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) score of not less than 0.5001.
Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.
Eligible Costs
The Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program funds activities and projects, including:
- Capability and Capacity Building Activities
- Mitigation Plans
- Technical Assistance by States to Communities
- Project Scoping
- Localized Flood Risk Reduction Projects
- Individual Flood Mitigation Projects
- Management Costs
Additional capability and capacity building activities also may be funded, including:
- Partnership Development to Conduct Eligible Mitigation Activities
- Enhancing Local Floodplain Management
- Severe Repetitive Loss/Repetitive Loss Strategy Development
- Other Capability and Capacity Building Activities
A sampling of eligible project types is profiled in the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Mitigation Action Portfolio (MAP) and serve as case studies in innovative mitigation at a variety of project scales.
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.
Project Timeline
The Period of Performance (POP) is 36 months starting on the dates of the recipient’s federal award.
Given the complexity of the Localized Flood Risk Reduction Projects, the applicant may submit a request for a longer POP in the application for FEMA to review and approve. A longer POP for a Localized Flood Risk Reduction Project must be requested, documented, reasonable, and justified. Any subsequent amendments to the federal award will not extend the POP unless explicitly stated. Please refer to the “Contact Information” section below to contact the program officers for any questions regarding the project timeline.
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by February 14, 2026, 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Flood Mitigation Assistance will not accept paper applications.
U.S. territories, and federal recognized Tribal government can submit applications on behalf of subapplicants for FMA funding in the FEMA Grants Outcomes (GO). Learn more about the FEMA GO system, including user guides and templates. Or directly access the FEMA GO portal.
Applicants may have their own priorities and or requirements when screening their subapplications. Subapplicants cannot submit directly to FEMA and must submit their subapplications to their applicant for review and submission and should contact their State Hazard Mitigation Officer to find out their deadline to submit subapplications.
Click on the next section to get in touch with this funding opportunity’s program officers.
Contact Information
For FEMA GO: Email the FEMA GO Helpdesk or call (877) 585-3242.
For Hazard Mitigation Assistance-specific questions: Call the HMA Helpline at (866) 222-3580 or Region 5 FEMA contact at (202) 646-2500.
If applicants do not know who to contact or if there are programmatic questions or concerns, please contact the FEMA Grants Information Desk by e-mail OR by phone at (800) 368-6498, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Wisconsin State Contact – Heather Thole; Phone: (608) 282-5301; Wisconsin Emergency Management, 2400 Wright Street, P.O. Box 7865, Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7865
Michigan State Contact – Matt Schnepp; Phone: (517) 284-3950; Fax: (517) 284-3857; Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, Michigan State Police, PO Box 30634, Lansing, Michigan 48909
Region 5 Contacts (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI)
- General – Phone: (312) 408-5500
- Congressional/Intergovernmental – Phone: (312) 408-4427
- News Desk – Phone: (312) 408-4455
- Tribal Affairs – Phone: (312) 408-5286
Great Lakes Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program
Project Type: Planning; Construction
The Great Lakes Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program provides grants to local and state units of government and nonprofit organizations to install erosion and sediment control practices in the Great Lakes basin to address nutrient and sediment loading by funding the implementation of projects. Since 2010, funding for the program has been provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The program is able to support projects that are not typically funded by other U.S. EPA or USDA cost-share programs, allowing the program to fund innovative and unique projects.
The Great Lakes Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program is a state and federal partnership managed by the Great Lakes Commission in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), and the eight Great Lakes states. It is directed by a regional Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Task Force that includes representatives from the eight Great Lakes states, NRCS and U.S. EPA. The Task Force reviews yearly needs in the basin and adapts the grant program to meet current needs. It employs a rigorous review process that selects projects expected to generate the most impactful environmental and economic benefits for the Great Lakes region.
Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.
Go to Grant WebsiteGrant Priorities
Projects must be located within the United States portion of the Great Lakes basin. Projects seeking to improve conditions within an inland lake of the Great Lakes basin must demonstrate benefits to local communities in the basin, beyond lakefront property owners, in order to be considered. Projects with a discernable benefit to a Great Lake are likely to be preferred during scoring of proposals.
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
Only areas within the United States portion of the Great Lakes basin are eligible for funding. To be considered for funding, applicants must:
- Demonstrate sufficient experience in the successful administration of similarly sized projects, including sufficient staffing
- Be cognizant that, as a reimbursement-based grant program, GLSNRP grantees must assure that sufficient funds are available to pay for activities
- Provide sufficient context to demonstrate a strategic approach to sediment and nutrient load reduction as incorporated within a government endorsed watershed plan5 and complementing existing work in the area
- Benefit the water quality of the Great Lakes basin
Click on the next section to learn more about the matching requirements for this funding opportunity.
Matching Requirements
A twenty-five percent match will be required of each project , and although additional match greater than twenty-five percent is welcome, excess match does not affect scoring.
The following list provides some examples of acceptable match, but is not intended to be exhaustive:
- Technical and/or administrative assistance provided by the applicant, other entities, or persons not paid for with the grant or with federal funds.
- All or a portion of the applicant’s indirect costs not otherwise paid for with the grant or with federal funds.
- Use of local and state agency vehicles or equipment other than those of the applicant.
- Cost-share agreements from landowners.Unpaid members of local task forces, watershed councils, work groups, citizen groups, etc. are considered volunteers, and may be calculated at the prevailing national minimum wage (currently $7.25/hour) unless justification is provided for a higher rate. Skilled labor may be charged at a higher rate with additional, detailed justification.
Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.
Eligible Costs
Under this year’s program, GLSNRP will fund two types of projects aimed at reducing nonpoint source loading of nutrients and sediment to the Great Lakes: Agricultural Projects, and Streambank/Shoreline Projects.
- An Agricultural Project focuses on reducing nutrient loads from agricultural lands through systems of conservation practices that avoid, control, or trap nutrients and sediment.
- A Streambank/Shoreline project focuses on reducing nutrient and sediment loading from Great Lakes tributaries through implementation of climate resilient, natural techniques, such as floodplain reconnection, to prevent runoff and erosion.
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.
Project Timeline
All work must be completed within a four-year period, inclusive of the time required to obtain all permits and approvals.
Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.
Application Deadline
Applications are due on April 29, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. EST. Instructions, templates, and the web application form are available here.
Click on the next section to access the Contact Information for this funding opportunity.
Contact Information
Land and Water Conservation Fund
Project Type: Planning; Construction
Created by Congress in 1964, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) provides grants for projects that protect natural areas, water resources, and the nation’s cultural heritage, as well as projects that provide recreation opportunities.
In Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources administers the state’s LCWF program in partnership with the National Park Service. DNR strongly encourages applicants to contact their regional project manager as early as possible in the planning stages of a project, ideally within three months prior to submitting an application.
Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.
Go to Grant Website
Grant Priorities
WDNR’s Grant Program Guidance details LWCF funding priorities including projects that:
- Are on waterfront properties open to the public and focuses on preserving and enhancing natural wildlife and areas
- Meet the needs of urban areas
- Provide recreation opportunities for elderly, minority, disabled, and low-income populations
- Acquire land in areas with limited outdoor recreation facilities
- Provide multi-use and multi-season facilities
- Enhance or preserve natural beauty
- Are proposed by applicants which have sufficient financial resources to adequately maintain and operate the project
- Have other priority characteristics specified in law/statute/code or the LWCF Federal Financial Assistance Manual, Vol. 72
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
The following are threshold requirements that must be met to be eligible for this funding opportunity:
- LWCF projects must be specified in a local adopted and approved Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP), or otherwise known as a Parks and Open Space Plan. A CORP must be updated every five years.
- The project must also be consistent with the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) adopted by the DNR. The SCORP identifies in-county public camp sites and access to nature walks as top needs in the state.
- Applicants must also have a current signed resolution (within the past 2 years) from the applicant’s governing board approving the project. The resolution must outline the governing board’s commitment of funding to complete the project. A sample resolution meeting these requirements can be found here.
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s matching requirements.
Matching Requirements
Matching funds must be equal to or greater than the amount of the grant award, i.e., a 50% match.
Grant recipients may charge reasonable user fees (e.g. state park daily entrance or camping fee) to defray operation and maintenance costs. However, any income accruing from the property should be used for purposes that support the original grant contract. Income accruing to an area receiving assistance during the project period from a source other than the intended recreational use must be used to reduce the total costs of the project.
Typically, federal grants cannot be used to provide matching funds for other federal grants. Common allowable sources of matching funds include:
- Applicant funds, e.g., general funds, fee revenues, etc.
- Financial donations from private organizations and individuals
- Municipal labor, equipment, and materials provided by the municipal applicant
- In-kind donations of labor, services, materials, and equipment from private organizations and individuals
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligible costs.
Eligible Costs
Eligible costs include:
- Pre-engineering costs for development projects
- Direct costs which are supported by time sheets, vouchers or similar documentation reflecting specific assignment to a project are eligible project costs
- Equipment rental at rates that not exceed the county machinery rates established annually by the department of transportation
- Actual fringe benefits paid as part of the direct labor costs claimed
- Engineering or planning fees necessary to complete eligible items, which may be recovered retroactively
Ineligible costs include:
- Construction costs incurred prior to the date of the grant award
- Purchase of equipment
- Income-generating facilities (e.g. concession buildings)
- Stand-alone maintenance facilities that do not specifically serve the grant property
- Facilities developed on property that was acquired via condemnation
- Donated labor, materials, land, or other activities which do not result in an actual expenditure by the sponsor and indirect costs are not allowable in the claim
- Buildings primarily devoted to operation and maintenance
An applicant’s eligible and ineligible costs will be further defined during the discussions with the regional program officer (please click on “Contact Information” section below for links).
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.
Project Timeline
Projects that can be completed within 3 years receive priority.
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.
Application Deadline & Forms
Complete grant applications must be submitted electronically to the Regional Project Manager by 11:59pm on May 1. Applications are accepted annually.
The time between submitting a complete application and receiving a grant contract ranges from 6-18 months depending on the details of each project. An application submitted in May 1, 2025, could receive funding sometime between November 1, 2025, and November 1, 2026.
The application form for the LCWF program is available on DNR’s website here and instructions here. To apply for a LCWF grant, applicants will need a Unique Entity ID (UEI) number that can be obtained by going to SAM.gov.
Click on the next section for contact information for this funding opportunity.
Contact Information
Wisconsin Statewide Contact:
Pam Rood, Financial Assistance, Division of Internal Services, Facilities and Land
Phone: (608) 333-3718
Wisconsin Northeast Regional Contact:
Jessica Terrien, Regional Project Manager, Land and Water Conservation Fund
Phone: (920) 461-2680
Wisconsin Northern Regional Contact:
Pat Anderson, Regional Project Manager, Land and Water Conservation Fund
Phone: (715) 416-5020
Wisconsin South Central Regional Contact:
Mary Rothenmaier, Regional Project Manager, Land and Water Conservation Fund
Phone: (608) 720-0121
Wisconsin Southeast Regional Contact:
Jeremy Holtz, Regional Project Manager, Land and Water Conservation Fund
Phone: (920) 883-7428
Wisconsin West Central Regional Contact:
Kurt Byfield, Regional Project Manager, Land and Water Conservation Fund
Phone: (608) 501-4274
Michigan Coastal Management Program
Project Type: Planning; Construction
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE), Water Resources Division (WRD) Michigan Coastal Management Program (MCMP) offers grant funds to assist in the development of vibrant and resilient coastal communities through the protection and restoration of our sensitive coastal resources and biologically diverse ecosystems. This grant funding supports the efforts of coastal communities, non-profit organizations, universities, and Tribal governments to protect, preserve, restore, enhance, and wisely develop our coastal resources along the longest freshwater coastline in the nation.
These grant funds are made possible through the partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), pursuant to the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.
Go to Grant WebsiteGrant Priorities
MCMP grant priorities include the development of vibrant and resilient coastal communities through the protection and restoration of Michigan’s sensitive coastal resources and biologically diverse ecosystems.
Grant Focus Areas:
- Coastal Water Dependent Uses and Community Development – plan and manage future growth and development on lands adjacent to the coast, while protecting coastal natural resources, maritime heritage resources, water-dependent livelihoods, outdoor recreation, and other assets and activities that contribute to the community’s sense of place
- Coastal Waters – protect and manage coastal waters, including planning and installing nature-based solutions like vegetated buffers, raingardens, and living shorelines to manage and slow the flow of stormwater and coastal flooding
- Coastal Hazards – increase coastal communities’ understanding of the risks associated with living on the coast from coastal erosion, flooding, stormwater, and urban heat to build upon the ability to absorb, respond, and adapt to impacts from coastal storms and Great Lakes water level variabilities
- Coastal Habitat – protect, preserve, and restore healthy coastal wetlands, beaches, and dunes
- Public Access – protect, restore, create, and enhance public access to the Great Lakes using approaches that support coastal communities; foster appreciation of our natural, cultural, and historic resources; and create coastal tourism opportunities
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
Site-specific, low-cost construction projects, and land acquisitions must be located entirely within the approved MCMP coastal boundary. Coastal zone boundary maps are available through the MCMP’s website.
Please contact the grant administrators using the links in the “Contact Information” section below for the most up-to-date information on eligibility requirements.
Click on the next section to learn more about the matching requirements for this funding opportunity.
Matching Requirements
All applicants must demonstrate the ability to provide a 1-to-1, non-federal match and provide documentation of committed funds and the source of such funds. Match may be in the form of cash, in-kind services, or donations.
Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.
Eligible Costs
Eligible costs include:
- Planning – includes a variety of proposed actions that meet the needs of coastal communities and typically result in the development of a Master Plan, conservation, or recreational plan, or plans that expand upon coastal values and characteristics.
- Feasibility, Engineering, and Design – includes site specific investigations such as feasibility studies, creation of conceptual designs, and/or final engineering plans that lead to a low-cost construction, habitat restoration, or other on-the-ground implementation work.
- Low-Cost Construction – includes projects that physically alter publicly owned property for site specific enhanced public access, habitat restoration, installation of bioengineering and green infrastructure practices, and installation of signage.
- Land Conservation Through Acquisition – includes projects that propose land acquisition, purchase of easements, and purchase of development rights. Note: Only units of government or public entities are eligible for this funding and all purchases must demonstrate significant ecological value, need for protection, and must be managed in perpetuity.
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.
Project Timeline
The period of performance for MCMP grants are 12-15 months.
Grant Funding Opportunities are released in October of each year. Grant awards announcement are typically released the following Summer with awards beginning October 1.
Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.
Application Deadline
The Grant Funding Opportunity (GFO) is released annually in the fall with applications due mid-December.
If you are interested in funding through the MCMP, complete and submit its Project Interest Form and one of the MCMP Focus Area Coordinators will follow up with you.
Please contact grant administrators for the most up-to-date information related to application deadlines and forms.
Click on the next section to access the Contact Information for this funding opportunity.
Contact Information
For questions or inquiries, please contact:
Ronda Wuycheck, Program Manager
Phone: (517) 420-5921
Adam Arend, Community Development Coordinator
Phone: (517) 231-2793
Emily Kirkpatrick, Coastal Hazards Coordinator
Phone: (517) 290-5476
Dave Schuberg, Coastal Habitat Coordinator
Phone: (517) 331-1792
Melissa Letosky, Coastal Waters Coordinator
Phone: (517) 416-7001
National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants
Project Type: Planning; Construction
The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants Program annually provides grants of up to $1 million to coastal and Great Lakes states to protect, restore and enhance coastal wetland ecosystems and associated uplands. The Program is funded by revenues collected from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, electric motors and sonar, import duties on fishing tackle, yachts and pleasure craft, a portion of the gasoline tax attributable to motorboats and small engines, and interest on the fund, under the authority of the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950.
The grant program is co-administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program and the Coastal Program.
Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.
Go to Grant WebsiteGrant Priorities
Grant priorities include projects that:
- support the goals of the National Wetlands Priority Conservation Plan
- provide long-term conservation
- conserve maritime forest on coastal barrier islands
- benefit threatened and endangered species
- encourage public-private partnerships
- complement other conservation projects.
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
All projects must ensure long‐term conservation (at least 20 years) of coastal wetland resources. Eligible applicants include States adjacent to the Great Lakes, among others. Tribes, local governments, conservation organizations, and private landowners are encouraged to work with state agencies to develop a project and submit an application.
For more information about the eligibility requirements for this funding opportunity, please contact the program officers using the “Contact Information” section below.
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s matching requirements.
Matching Requirements
States provide 50% of the project cost or 25% if the state has a land conservation program. Match can be provided by the state or partners and may include the value of previously conserved land and in-kind contributions.
For more information about matching requirements, please reference the Notice of Funding Opportunity here.
Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.
Eligible Costs
The NCWCG Program provides eligible State agencies with grants for projects that protect and restore valuable coastal wetland resources. Eligible costs include:
- Acquisition of a real property interest (e.g., conservation easement or fee title) in coastal lands or waters (coastal wetlands ecosystems) from willing sellers or partners for long‐term conservation
- Restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems
- A combination of acquisition, restoration, enhancement, and management.
Ineligible Costs include:
- Projects that are not eligible for NCWCG Program funding include:1. Projects to create wetlands where wetlands did not previously exist are ineligible
- Projects to acquire and/or restore upper portions of watersheds where benefits to the coastal wetlands ecosystem are not significant and direct.
For more information on eligible and ineligible costs, please click here.
Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s project timeline.
Project Timeline
The period of performance for this funding opportunity appears to be flexible but typically within 12 months.
Please click the Notice of Funding Opportunity here for details, and reference the “Contact Information” section below to get in touch with program officers.
Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.
Application Deadline & Forms
Grant application packages must be submitted in GrantSolutions.gov or Grants.gov no later than Friday, July 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. The grant opportunity can be found here.
Tribes, local governments, conservation organizations, and private landowners are encouraged to work with state agencies to develop a project and submit an application.
We strongly encourage you to email a draft of your application to your WSFR Regional Office and/or Coastal Program contact (see “Contact Information” section below) at least four weeks prior to the due date (i.e., by May 24, 2024) for pre-deadline review.
Contact Information
For technical questions regarding the grant application, please contact:
Nick Popoff
Midwest Region 3 (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin) may contact the regional grant contacts by completing the online messaging forms linked below for:
Mandy Kamps, USWS Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Office of Conservation Investment
Jessico Collier, USWS Great Lakes Coastal Restoration and Partnerships Coordinator, Green Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office Coastal Program
Phone: (920) 866-1728
Elizabeth Berg, USWS Coastal Program Biologist, Midwest Region Headquarters Ecological Services Coastal Program
Phone: (612) 713-5138
Christie Deloria-Sheffield, USWS Great Lakes Coastal Program Coordinator, Midwest Region Headquarters Coastal Program
Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants
Project Type: Planning; Construction
$240 million in funding is available for habitat restoration and coastal resilience through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Under BIL, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is supporting habitat restoration efforts that will help strengthen the climate resilience of coastal ecosystems and communities.
Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants fund projects that will have a transformative impact for coastal communities and tribes across the country. This grant program prioritizes habitat restoration actions that rebuild productive and sustainable fisheries, contribute to the recovery and conservation of threatened and endangered species, use natural infrastructure to reduce damage from flooding and storms, promote resilient ecosystems and communities, and yield socioeconomic benefits. NOAA anticipates $240M in total funds to be available for this competition.
Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.
Go to Grant WebsiteGrant Priorities
Grant priorities include :
- Sustaining productive fisheries and strengthening ecosystem resilience
- Endangered Species Act: Listed Species
- Magnuson-Stevens Act: Managed Species
- Saltwater Recreational Fisheries
- Great Lakes: Native Species
- Enhancing community resilience to climate hazards and providing other co-benefits
- Fostering regionally important habitat restoration
- Providing benefit to Tribal, Indigenous, and/or Underserved Communities, including through partnerships
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Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants for this funding opportunity must meet the following eligibility thresholds:
- The project location must be coastal, marine, or estuarine areas that benefit species or fisheries that are outlined within the program priorities
- Standard Federal (SF)-424 forms
- Proposal content:- Project Summary and Project Narrative- Budget Narrative- Supplemental Materials and Project Designs
Click on the next section to learn more about the matching requirements for this funding opportunity.
Matching Requirements
There are no cost share requirements. Cost share is encouraged, however, and is an element within the evaluation criteria. Cost share may include formal, non-federal match funds, and/or informal leverage from a broad range of sources.
Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.
Eligible Costs
Eligible costs are projects that have the greatest potential to provide holistic benefits through habitat-based approaches that strengthen both the ecosystem and community resilience.
Projects can include:
- restoring marine, estuarine, coastal and Great Lakes ecosystems
- rebuilding sustainable fisheries and contribute to the recovery of threatened and endangered species
- protecting the safety and well-being of coastal communities by using natural infrastructure to reduce damage from flooding and storms
- supporting benefits that healthy habitats provide, such as clean drinking water and industries like boating, fishing, and tourism.
Ineligible costs include projects that focus solely on:
- marine debris prevention and removal
- acquisition of real property
- beach renourishment for recreation.
Additional ineligible activities include:
- hard infrastructure for water quality
- consent decree, court order, statutes
- effectiveness monitoring and research
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.
Project Timeline
Period of performance for projects funded through this grant is approximately three years.
Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.
Application Deadline
Proposals must be received through Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern time on April 16, 2025. Please check back for updates on new grant cycles.
Applicants should apply through the Grants.gov website. A complete standard NOAA financial assistance application package should be submitted in accordance with the guidelines in the Notice of Funding Opportunity announcement. Each application must include the application forms from the SF-424 form family.
Click on the next section to access the Contact Information for this funding opportunity.
Contact Information
For general questions and inquiries regarding this funding opportunity, email:
Natalie McLenaghan, Competition Manager
For questions regarding Grants.gov registration and submission:
Grants.gov Support
(800) 518-4726
Website
Wisconsin Headwaters to Coast Initiative
Project Type: Planning; Construction
The Headwaters to Coast Initiative (H2C) is a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The program was initiated in 2022 to develop a partner driven, watershed-wide conservation blueprint for the Lake Superior basin of Wisconsin. Funding for this program is available for communities in Northern Wisconsin and includes Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas and Iron counties. Projects seeking approximately $200,000 will be prioritized under this program but applicants can apply for up to $500,000.
Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.
Go to Grant Website
Grant Priorities
Grant priorities for this funding opportunity include:
- Habitat connectivity and functionality
- Shoreline restoration
- Partnerships in the Wisconsin Lake Superior Basin
- Healthy habitats and biodiversity
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
The H2c program is an “invitation only” grant. The program administrators invite potential grant recipients to participate in “pitch parties” where the potential grantees propose their projects. The H2C program hosts two virtual pitch parties per year. Invitations to pitch meetings must be obtained from the Lake Superior Collaborative. To get invited to a pitch party, interested applicants need to sign up for Lake Superior Collaborative’s Newsletter and contact the program administrator, Catie Geib via email at catie.geib@wisc.edu or by phone at (715) 577-1361 for the most up-to-date information on eligibility as this program is actively evolving.
Click on the next section to learn more about the matching requirements for this funding opportunity.
Matching Requirements
Cost sharing is not required, although it is highly encouraged. Cost share may be monetary or in-kind contributions and will vary from project to project.
Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.
Eligible Costs
Funding for projects that support multi-partner, collaborative teams will be prioritized. Projects should address restoration and habitat resiliency projects identified by partners and fall within the Wisconsin, Lake Superior basin area. Eligible costs are determined on a per-project basis but must be related to restoration or habitat resilience. Contact program administrator Catie Geib at catie.geib@wisc.edu for more information.
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.
Project Timeline
Projects under this program are typically completed in 12 months or less. If a project takes longer than 12 months to complete, recipients are required to submit interim performance reports on the frequency established in the Notice of Award.
Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.
Application Deadline
There is n o official application deadline or application from for this program. Grants awarded in 2026 will be the final grants available under this program. All projects must be approved through biannual pitch meeting mentioned above.
For more information regarding the timing of future pitch meetings, applicants should reach out to the Lake Superior Collaborative and sign up for their quarterly newsletter or reach out to the program administrator, Catie Geib at catie.geib@wisc.edu.
Click on the next section to access the Contact Information for this funding opportunity.
Contact Information
Wisconsin Recreational Trails Program
Project Type: Planning; Construction
The Recreational Trails Program is a federal program that provides funds to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail uses. RTP grants are to be used on trail projects that further a specific goal or are included in the State Comprehensive Recreation Plan (SCORP) or a local plan referenced in the SCORP.
In Wisconsin, this program is administered by the Department of Natural Resources.
Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.
Go to Grant WebsiteGrant Priorities
Grant Priorities include:
- Rehabilitation and maintenance of existing trails and trailhead facilities;
- Development of new trails, trail linkages and trailhead facilities (some restrictions apply on federal lands); and
- Acquisition of property for trails in areas with limited trail opportunities.
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility requirements include:
- RTP funds may only be used on trails which have been identified in or which further a specific goal of a local, county, or state trail plan included or referenced in the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). These include traditional trails as well as water trails recognized by the DNR.
Please note that applications for acquisition projects are not being accepted for State Fiscal Year 2024.
Click on the next section to learn more about the matching requirements for this funding opportunity.
Matching Requirements
Eligible sponsors may be reimbursed for up to 80% of eligible project costs.
Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.
Eligible Costs
Eligible costs include:
- Maintenance and restoration of existing trails
- Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages
- Construction of new trails. Construction of new trails crossing federal lands only where permissible under other law, necessary and required by a statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan, approved by the DNR and the administering federal agency and consistent with applicable federal land management plans and policies.
- Acquisition of easements and fee simple title to property for recreational trails or recreational trail corridors (must comply with the provisions of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended).
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.
Project Timeline
If your project is selected for funding, you will be notified of a tentative award approximately 4 months after the application deadline. Final award and payment will be subject to several additional required reviews, including, in some cases, approval of the Natural Resources Board and the Joint Committee on Finance. The time between submitting a complete application and receiving a grant contract ranges from six to eighteen months.
For the most up to date information on project timelines and period of performance, please contact the grant managers using the “Contact Information” section below.
Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.
Application Deadline
Applications are typically due on May 1 each year. Please contact the grant program manager using the “Contact Information” section below to confirm application deadlines.
Stewardship Local Assistance Programs (STEW), Federal Land and Water Conservation Program (LWCF) and the Federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grant Program Guidance and Application Materials available using the links below:
- 2025 Grant Guidelines | Appendix A to Guidelines
- Stewardship Local Assistance, Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund and Recreational Trails Program grant application Form 8700-191
- Application Answer Template (Form 8700-338)
- Recreation Grant Project Cost estimate worksheet Form 8700-014
- Environmental Hazards Assessment Form 1800-001
- Public Access & Acceptable Uses Form 8700-322 *
- Sample resolution for outdoor recreation aids
*One method to resolve PDF problems such as the [Please wait…] error is to use IE mode in Microsoft Edge Chromium. Another option is to save a copy of the file to your device for offline use, then open the file with Adobe Reader. For more PDF troubleshooting tips, please click here.
Click on the next section to access the Contact Information for this funding opportunity.
Contact Information
For assistance with RTP grants, contact:
Bobbi Winebar, WDNR Grant Program Manager
Phone: (920) 461-2595
Your regional DNR grant project manager
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