From 2002-2007, the program awarded $200 million to protect over 35,000 acres of land in 26 states.

How CELCP Works
Congress created the CELCP in 2002 as a competitive grant program.   Each year, eligible states are invited to submit grant applications for up to three acquisition projects.  Historically, each project could receive a maximum of $3,000,000, which has to be matched at a ratio of 1:1.  Note that the program is subject to annual appropriations, and funding levels change from year to year.

As the lead state agency for the CELCP, the Division of Coastal Management (DCM) announces the annual competition, receives and selects state projects for the competition, and coordinates the state’s application and awards.  DCM encourages potential applicants to contact us to discuss potential projects prior to submitting an application, and works closely with applicants to strengthen their proposals. 

After receiving all state applications, NOAA ranks all of the project proposals according to established criteria and delivers their ranked list to Congress for final approval.  Congress makes the final awards based on funding availability. 

NC CELCP Plan
The NC CELCP Plan describes and maps the state’s priority coastal conservation areas, and establishes a process for selecting project proposals.

Only states that have prepared a CELCP Plan are eligible to compete for grants.  Plans have to be prepared according to the national Guidelines, and have to be approved by NOAA.   North Carolina’s CELCP Plan was completed in a multi-year, multi-stakeholder process, and was approved by NOAA in December 2007, making North Carolina fully eligible to compete for funding.

How to Apply for a CELCP Grant
Before you decide to apply for CELCP funds, we encourage you to contact us for a preliminary consultation. Take the time to review the Federal Guidelines and the NC CELCP Plan to understand the eligibility and matching requirements.  Be aware that public-private partnerships are common and very often successful!

Applications are only accepted during the annual open period.  The timing varies from year to year so be sure to check this page for updates.  States typically have sixty days to submit applications after NOAA publishes its Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) in the Federal Register. Applications must be submitted on standard forms that will be provided in competition notice.

The FY2009 grant application period is open from May 23^rd - July 1^st 2008.  Proposals must be submitted to DCM.  DCM will review and select up to three projects that will be submitted to the national competitive process. DCM must submit the NC application package to NOAA by July 23^rd 2008. 

FY2009 Federal Funding Opportunity Notice
FY2009 Federal Funding Opportunity Notice Appendices

NC CELCP Awards to Date
FY2007:  NC awarded $400,125 for one acquisition project in Tyrrell County.

FY2008:  NC awarded $3,000,000 for one acquisition project in Gates County.

FY2009:  One application submitted for funding. Acquisition project in Brunswick County.

Program Contact
For questions about the NC CELCP program or applying for a grant please contact Tancred Miller at (252) 808-2808.

CELCP Links
North Carolina CELCP Plan

National CELCP Website

National CELCP Guidelines