Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Coastal Zone Management Projects of Special Merit Competition.
Donor Name: Department of Commerce
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes
Deadline: 01/17/2025
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
The objective of Section 309 is to encourage States or Territories with federally-approved coastal management programs (CMPs) to continually improve their programs. The intent of Projects of Special Merit (PSM) funding is to offer CMPs the opportunity to develop innovative projects that further their approved enhancement area strategies and focus on national priorities. The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to make grants to a CMP for the development and submission of Federally approved program changes that support attainment of one or more enhancement area objectives established at 15 C.F.R. § 923.122. PSM funds will be awarded on a competitive basis to CMPs. Proposed projects shall further the objectives of an approved enhancement area strategy but shall not be essential to meeting specific benchmarks in the strategy. PSM projects shall not be dependent on longterm levels of funding to succeed. Coastal Zone Management Program Regulations at 15 C.F.R. Part 923 apply to this Announcement, and program policies and procedures are further implemented through the provisions in this announcement.
Program Priorities
Proposals must focus on one or more of the following priority enhancement area objectives:
- Coastal Hazards: Preventing or significantly reducing threats to life and property by eliminating development and redevelopment in high-hazard areas, managing development in other hazard areas, and anticipating and managing the effects of potential sea-level rise and Great Lakes level change. Projects may support state, local, or regional coastal hazards initiatives that are prioritized within a CMP’s 2021- 2025 Section 309 Assessment and Strategy.
- Ocean and Great Lakes Resources: Planning for the use of ocean and Great Lakes resources. Projects may support state, sub-regional, or regional planning initiatives that are prioritized within a CMP’s 2021-2025 Section 309 Assessment and Strategy.
- Wetlands: Protection, restoration, or enhancement of the existing coastal wetlands base, or creation of new coastal wetlands. Projects may support state, local, or regional wetlands initiatives that are prioritized within a CMP’s 2021-2025 Section 309 Assessment and Strategy.
The NOAA Office for Coastal Management (OCM) encourages applicants and awardees to advance the principles of equity and inclusion when developing and implementing their work. Supporting the principles of equity and inclusion in this funding competition means:
- paying particular attention to underserved communities and populations experiencing heightened vulnerabilities and disproportionate impacts relating to wetlands, ocean or Great Lakes resource management, and coastal hazards including climate change; and
- seeking engagement with, input from, and partnerships with communities, groups and individuals who have not historically been actively engaged in, or may be underrepresented in the work of state or territorial coastal management programs.
Funding Information
Total anticipated funding for PSM is approximately $1.5 million or 15% of Section 309 funds for FY 2025. Funding is subject to the availability of FY 2025 appropriations, and so the allocation may vary depending on the total Section 309 funds available. It is estimated that approximately 5-10 proposals ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 will be selected. The maximum amount that may be requested for the federal share of a PSM is $250,000. Funds not allocated for PSM awards will be returned to the weighted formula allocation under Section 309.
Grant Period
The standard financial assistance award period for FY 2025-funded projects is 18 months.
Uses of Funds
Funds may be used for any of the following allowable uses which support the attainment of a program change:
- Project personnel costs;
- Supplies;
- Overhead or indirect costs;
- Travel;
- Equipment (pursuant to relevant OMB guidance);
- Projects, studies and reports; and
- Pass-through or contractual costs including contracts, sub-awards, personal service contracts with individuals, memoranda of agreement/understanding, and other forms of pass-through funding for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of Section 309.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
