National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026
About This Grant
The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) consists of estuarine areas of the United States and its territories designated and managed for research and educational purposes (Reserve) as specified in 15 C.F.R. Part 921. By funding Reserve lead agencies and universities to conduct land acquisition and construction projects that support the NERRS mission, NOAA will strengthen protection of key land and water areas, enhance long-term protection of Reserve areas for research and education, and provide for facility and exhibit construction activities that meet the highest sustainable design standards possible. Each Reserve was designated to ensure its effectiveness as a conservation unit and as a site for long-term research and monitoring. In maintaining their effectiveness, the Reserves may find it necessary to expand their boundaries through strategically planned land acquisitions and/or to develop or enhance their reserve facilities, including their in-situ monitoring infrastructure, to meet the demands of research, monitoring, and education program objectives. NOAA anticipates approximately $8.5 million in Fiscal Year 2026 will be available to designated lead Reserve agencies or universities in coastal states. NOAA anticipates funding between 5-20 construction, acquisition, and/or planning & design projects. Project periods are expected to range from 12 36 months. Complex construction projects may request extended project periods, but the cumulative must not exceed 60 months. Final project selections are subject to availability of funds and negotiation with NOAA. Acquisition or construction projects have a $3,000,000 federal funding cap . Stand-alone planning and design projects have a $500,000 federal funding cap. At the discretion of NOAA s Office for Coastal Management, up to 10% of the Fiscal Year 2026 funds will be reserved for critical reserve vehicle or vessel needs. These funds will be awarded noncompetitively to stand-alone vehicle or vessel project applications that address a critical reserve need.
Grant Summary
National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026 is a DOC NOAA - ERA Production grant providing $500K to $3M. Applications are due 2026-09-18 (closing in 29 days). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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Focus Areas
Eligibility
Funder did not publish eligibility criteria — confirm directly with the funder before applying.
How to Apply
$500K–$3M
2026-09-18
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026 from DOC NOAA - ERA Production, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to DOC NOAA - ERA Production before the deadline.
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National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026?
National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026 is offered by DOC NOAA - ERA Production and is generally open to eligible organizations. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026 provide?
National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026 provides between $500K and $3M per award from DOC NOAA - ERA Production. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026 deadline?
Applications for National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026 are due 2026-09-18 (closing in 29 days). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, DOC NOAA - ERA Production, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026?
To apply for National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from DOC NOAA - ERA Production.