The Pollinator-Friendly Practices on Roadsides and Highway Rights-of-Way Program (also referred to as the Roadside Pollinator Program) is an annual competitive grant program that awards grants to eligible entities to … Read more
As of March 2026, we have been advised by NOAA staff that this program is not currently active. We will update this page if changes are made.
Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, competitive and non-competitive program capacity funds will be provided through the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) to protect and restore ecologically significant habitats, including conserving lands that play a critical role in increasing community resilience to natural hazards.
Eligible Uses
All projects must be within the reserve boundary or targeted watershed. Eligible project types include: habitat restoration; habitat restoration planning, engineering, and design; and ecosystem conservation.
Eligible Recipients
National Estuarine Research Reserves serve as primary applicants. However, reserve partners under a memorandum of understanding may also receive funds, if approved. Eligible NERRS partners can include: state, local, and tribal governments, U.S. territories, individuals, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations.
Approx Annual Funding Amount
The Bipartisan Infrastructure law provided $77 million over five years beginning in 2022, with $15 million in funds leveraged from the Inflation Reduction Act. Approximately $15 million per year will be provided for competitive and non-competitive program capacity funds, with competitive projects expected to range from $200,000 to $4 million per project.
Cost Share Requirements
No matching requirements are required for competitive or non-competitive awards. However, leveraged funding is strongly encouraged.
Application Cycle
Generally:
- Summer: Letters of Intent due
- Winter: Proposal submission deadline
Contact
ocm.nerrs.infrastructure@noaa.gov
Other Info
The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) is a network of 30 coastal sites designated to protect and study estuarine systems that was established by the Coastal Zone Management Act. Each reserve represents a partnership program between NOAA and the participating coastal states.