Michigan Coastal Management Program Grant

Purpose: The Michigan Coastal Management Program (MCMP) provides grants to help create vibrant and resilient coastal communities by protecting and restoring sensitive coastal resources, revitalizing ports and harbors, strengthening local economies, mitigating coastal hazards, enhancing coastal habitat and waters, slowing stormwater through nature-based solutions, and improving public access. Additional applicant criteria: Projects must typically occur within Michigan's coastal boundary; construction activities must be on publicly owned property and provide public benefit; land acquisition is limited to public entities with significant ecological value and must be protected in perpetuity; nongovernmental organizations may not receive construction funding; and certain uses (e.g., shoreline hardening, private benefit, pre-award costs) are ineligible. Project eligibility: MCMP funds Planning; Feasibility, Engineering, and Design; Low-Cost Construction; and Land Conservation through Acquisition across five focus areas (Coastal Water-Dependent Uses and Community Development, Coastal Hazards, Coastal Habitat, Coastal Waters, and Public Access). Planning projects may include master plans, zoning updates, inventories, and capacity-building; feasibility/design may include studies and engineering leading to implementation; construction may include small-scale public access, habitat restoration, and nature-based shoreline/stormwater solutions; acquisition may include fee purchase, easements, or development rights with public benefit. Application process: Applications are submitted through EGLE's Grants Database (EGX); applicants are encouraged to consult MCMP staff and may submit a Project Interest form; a free applicant webinar was offered; a 1:1 non-federal match is required and budgets must follow 2 CFR Part 200; awards are cost-reimbursement with quarterly reporting; supporting documents (e.g., proof of audit, resolution of support for local units, property and historic review materials for construction/acquisition) are required; proposals are due by 12/31/2025, with the annual GFO typically released in the fall.