COMING SOON: NOAA Climate Resilience Regional Challenge

NOAA will soon unveil a Climate Resilience Regional Challenge for the Mid-Atlantic. The initiative will have approx. $575 million for projects that build the resilience of coastal communities. 

Officials from NOAA recently advised counties of their upcoming Climate Resilience Regional Challenge. The official opening date is still to be announced, but other key details about the challenge have been made public.

From NOAA:

Approximately $575 million will be available for projects that build the resilience of coastal communities to extreme weather (e.g., hurricanes and storm surge) and other impacts of climate change (e.g., sea level rise, drought). Funding is made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, a historic, federal government-wide investment that is advancing NOAA’s efforts to build Climate-Ready Coasts. . . .

  • The focus of this grant program is on holistic, collaborative approaches designed to increase resilience in coastal regions. Proposed projects should address risk reduction, regional collaboration, equity, and building enduring capacity for adaptation.
  • NOAA technical assistance is available for organizations applying for and receiving a grant. Many technical assistance options are available, including data, tools, training, and access to NOAA scientific and management expertise.

Information for Applicants:

There are two parallel, but separate, funding tracks.

  • Track One: Regional Collaborative Building and Strategy Development
  • Track Two: Implementation of Resilience and Adaptation Actions

The First Step: Outline the proposed project and submit a letter of intent. From this, NOAA will invite selected applicants to submit a full application.

  • Eligible Applicants: Coastal states, territories, counties, cities, tribes, and tribal organizations; public or private nonprofit organizations; and institutions of higher education.
  • Matching Funds: There is no matching requirement for this funding.
  • Technical Assistance: NOAA may provide technical assistance for applicants developing letters of intent and full proposals.
  • Open Office Hours for Potential Applicants: Will be announced once the funding competition begins.

Read more about the NOAA Climate Resilience Regional Challenge.