The purpose of this notice is to solicit grant proposals from eligible National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERRs or Reserves) for coastal habitat restoration; coastal habitat restoration planning, engineering, anddesign; 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) (BIL, Public Law 117-58, 135 STAT. 1356 (Nov. 15, 2021).

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) supports NOAA’s efforts to reduce the impacts of climate change. A key pillar is resilience to climate change and its impacts, throughout our communities and ecosystems. Specifically, this NOFO seeks projects that enhance coastal resilience. Coastal areas support the nation’s largest and often fastest-growing population centers as well as key natural assets. 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.

Estimated Total Program Funding: $13,500,000
Expected Number of Awards: 25
Award Ceiling: $4,000,000
Award Floor: $200,000

Application Deadline: August 15, 2024 (Letters of Intent); January 9, 2025 (Full Proposals)