Communities located along the nation’s oceans and Great Lakes have access to a consistent source of funding through federally approved Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) programs. Administered through a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and individual states, these programs support a broad range of local projects that protect natural resources, improve community resilience, and enhance public access to waterfront areas.

The National Coastal Zone Management Program is a long-standing federal-state partnership that operates in nearly every coastal and Great Lakes state. While each state administers its program differently, most offer competitive grants for projects involving coastal resilience, shoreline protection, habitat restoration, wetland enhancement, waterfront redevelopment, land use planning, public access improvements, education, and stewardship of coastal resources. Projects typically must occur within designated coastal zones or demonstrate a clear benefit to coastal communities and resources. Each state defines its own coastal zone boundary, which can extend inland beyond the shoreline where land uses have a “direct and significant impact” on coastal or Great Lakes waters.

Before and after restoration work along the Lake Michigan shoreline in the Village of Fox Point.

Let’s take a look at programs across Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Is your state not listed? Get in touch to discuss more.

Florida’s Coastal Partnership Initiative

Florida’s Coastal Partnership Initiative provides one example of how states utilize NOAA coastal management funding to address local priorities. Administered through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection, the program supports planning, design, restoration, acquisition, and construction projects. Grant awards typically range from $10,000 to $30,000 for planning and design activities, with awards of up to $60,000 available for construction, restoration, and land acquisition projects. Applications are typically due in October. For program details, navigate to: Florida Coastal Management Program | Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Illinois Coastal Management Program

The Illinois Coastal Management Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, offers grants up to $250,000. Funding supports activities ranging from habitat restoration and community planning to public access improvements and coastal stewardship initiatives. The application period generally falls between January and May, although specific dates vary by year. The program may also consider reduced matching requirements for economically challenged communities, making funding more accessible to communities with limited local resources.  For program details, visit: Coastal Management Program.

Waterfronts Under Pressure: the Great Lakes are witnessing more erosive wind and wave events each year — conditions once thought exclusive to oceans.

Minnesota Lake Superior Coastal Program

Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and serves communities near the Lake Superior shoreline. The program supports both implementation and planning activities, including comprehensive plan updates and other community planning initiatives. Grants of up to $100,000 are available, and the program may consider reduced matching requirements on a case-by-case basis. Funding opportunities are typically announced annually, with applications historically due in December. For program details, go to: Minnesota’s Coastal Program Grants | Minnesota DNR.

Wisconsin Coastal Management Program

Administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration, the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program provides grants to municipalities located within Lake Michigan and Lake Superior coastal counties. Projects commonly focus on waterfront planning, habitat restoration, public access, education, coastal resilience, and community planning and development initiatives. Grant applications have historically been due in November each year. The program generally requires a 50% local match for projects up to $60,000 and a 60% match for larger awards. While many grants average approximately $30,000, applicants interested in projects exceeding $100,000 are encouraged to consult program staff during project development. For program details, visit: DOA Coastal Grants Program.

A Consistent Funding Source for Coastal Communities

Coastal and Great Lakes communities face ongoing challenges and opportunities, from protecting natural shorelines and improving public access to preparing for changing environmental conditions. State coastal management programs provide a reliable source of funding to help communities address these priorities while leveraging local investments.

As funding cycles approach, communities that begin planning early are often the best positioned to compete for available resources. MSA works with communities throughout the project lifecycle, helping understand program requirements, identify opportunities, develop grant-ready projects, and build strategies that turn waterfront priorities into actionable projects.

Funding programs, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and award criteria are subject to change. When you’re ready to explore funding opportunities or advance a project, MSA’s team is here to help.