North Carolina Opened Coastal Resilience Grant Applications

The state has made $2.5 million available to help coastal communities mitigate risks from flooding and sea-level rise.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Safety

Isometric editorial illustration of a wooden bulkhead marsh protection structure, representing coastal resilience and environmental policy initiatives in North Carolina. — The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has launched a $2.5 million grant program to assist 20 coastal counties in funding local resilience projects against flooding. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your local government prioritize funding for projects that improve community resilience against coastal hazards?

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has begun accepting applications for $2.5 million in coastal resilience grants. The funding aims to support projects in 20 coastal counties that reduce hazards like flooding and rising sea levels.

Why it matters

These grants provide crucial financial support for local governments and tribes to implement resilience strategies against environmental threats. By funding identified priority projects, the state assists communities in strengthening their defenses against long-term coastal instability.

The program has awarded 91 grants totaling $16.3 million to 60 communities over the past five years. Funding is currently limited to county and municipal governments and recognized tribes located within 20 designated coastal counties.

The players

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality

This state agency oversees the protection of North Carolina's environment and natural resources.

Division of Coastal Management

This division is responsible for protecting and managing the state's coastal resources through policy and planning.

The details

Eligible applicants must have previously completed the initial two phases of the Resilient Coastal Communities Program or an equivalent process. The funding is intended for priority projects specifically identified by local communities to combat hazards like flooding.

October 13, 2026: The Division of Coastal Management will host an applicant webinar.
November 10, 2026: The deadline for submitting grant applications.

Seasonal Patterns

This grant cycle continues the ongoing implementation of the Resilient Coastal Communities Program across North Carolina. The initiative builds upon a framework that has already supported 60 communities in developing specific strategies to address long-term environmental shifts.

Local officials in the 20 eligible coastal counties should review their community's priority projects to ensure they meet the criteria for Phases 3 and 4. Eligible entities are encouraged to attend the October webinar to clarify application requirements before the November deadline.

The takeaway

Securing these grants allows local leaders to move beyond strategy development and begin the actual implementation of flood mitigation projects. Proactive participation in state-sponsored resilience initiatives is a key step in reducing the physical and financial risks posed by coastal hazards.

What happens next

The Division of Coastal Management is scheduled to hold an applicant webinar on October 13, 2026, and the deadline for grant submissions is November 10, 2026.