CFAs: DARRP Restoration Implementation Grants (United States)

Deadline: 18-Nov-2026

The Damage Assessment, Remediation and Restoration Program (DARRP) Restoration Implementation Grants are inviting applications from eligible institutions, non-profit organizations, and commercial organizations to implement marine and coastal habitat restoration and conservation projects addressing oil spills, hazardous substance releases, and other natural resource damages. The programme is designed to strengthen collaboration between NOAA and non-federal partners while supporting restoration activities authorized under major federal environmental statutes. Awards range from $2.5 million to $100 million, providing substantial funding for large-scale restoration and conservation initiatives.

About the DARRP Restoration Implementation Grants

The DARRP Restoration Implementation Grants support projects that restore and conserve marine and coastal habitats affected by environmental incidents and natural resource damages. The programme works with non-federal partners to implement restoration activities connected to applicable restoration plans, legal agreements, and federal environmental requirements. Projects can address damage resulting from: - Oil spills - Hazardous substance releases - Other natural resource damages The programme also supports activities that contribute to long-term environmental recovery and sustainable coastal communities. Federal Laws Supporting Restoration Activities The programme can support restoration activities authorized under several major federal statutes, including: - Oil Pollution Act - Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act - Clean Water Act - National Marine Sanctuaries Act - RESTORE Act These legal frameworks provide the basis for restoration and conservation activities addressing environmental damage and natural resource injuries. Funding Available The DARRP Restoration Implementation Grants provide significant funding for large-scale projects.

- Minimum award: $2,500,000

- Maximum award: $100,000,000

The large award range allows eligible organizations to propose substantial restoration activities addressing marine and coastal environmental damage. What Projects Can Be Funded? Funded projects may involve a wide range of restoration and conservation activities designed to achieve identified natural resource restoration goals.

Potential activities include:

- Restoring marine and coastal habitats - Conserving threatened and endangered species - Rebuilding productive and sustainable fisheries - Supporting restoration planning - Developing restoration techniques - Conducting environmental compliance analyses - Supporting future incident response - Developing or soliciting projects that meet restoration goals - Implementing activities identified in consent decrees or restoration plans Projects should demonstrate a clear connection to restoration and conservation objectives. Restoring Marine and Coastal Habitats A major focus of the programme is the restoration and conservation of marine and coastal habitats affected by environmental damage. Restoration activities can help rebuild ecological functions and improve the long-term sustainability of affected coastal environments. Projects may address specific restoration priorities identified through applicable restoration plans or other authorised processes. Supporting Sustainable Fisheries Grant-funded projects may help rebuild productive and sustainable fisheries. Restoration activities can contribute to healthier aquatic ecosystems and support the recovery of natural resources that are important to coastal communities and local economies. Threatened and Endangered Species The programme can also support projects contributing to the recovery and conservation of threatened and endangered species. Applicants can develop restoration approaches that address habitat conditions and other factors affecting the recovery of species impacted by natural resource damages. Economic Benefits and Local Employment Environmental restoration can also generate economic benefits for communities. Funded projects may enhance economic vitality through local employment opportunities associated with restoration activities. This creates a connection between ecological restoration and broader community economic outcomes. Implementation of Restoration Plans and Consent Decrees Recipients may be responsible for implementing restoration activities identified in: - Consent decrees - Restoration plans This can involve coordinating restoration activities, managing implementation, and ensuring that projects contribute to established restoration objectives. Project Development and Solicitation Recipients may also be responsible for developing or soliciting projects designed to meet identified restoration goals. This can include identifying suitable restoration opportunities and supporting implementation through partnerships, contracts, or other appropriate mechanisms. Managing Sub-Awards and Contracts Grant recipients may manage sub-awards or contracts associated with restoration activities. This provides an opportunity for eligible organizations to coordinate broader restoration programmes involving additional technical, community, or implementation partners. Restoration Planning and Technique Development The programme is not limited to direct on-the-ground restoration.

Additional activities may include:

- Restoration planning - Development of restoration techniques - Environmental compliance analyses These activities can help improve restoration approaches and support future responses to environmental incidents. Environmental Compliance and Future Incident Response Environmental compliance analyses can help organizations prepare for and implement restoration activities in accordance with applicable requirements. The programme may also support work that strengthens techniques and planning for future incident response. Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

- Institutions of higher education