Funding & Assistance for Coastal Resilience
Adaptation and resilience-building efforts for North Carolina’s coastal communities can take many forms, from structural to non-structural solutions, and may occur at different stages, including before or after a disaster. These efforts often build on existing plans or emerge as new initiatives in response to changing conditions. Thinking in terms of adaptation and resilience can help communities align multiple goals and identify opportunities to leverage a range of funding sources and technical assistance.
Below, you’ll find funding opportunities organized by category, including Division of Coastal Management programs, local, state/non-federal sources, federal programs, and additional partners and technical assistance resources, along with general guidance to help communities move projects forward.
Getting Started
Before exploring the available options below, begin your search with the NC Resilience Exchange Database by clicking the link or the image below.
Potential Sources of Funding
Diversify Your Sources
The Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) is the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management’s primary approach to supporting coastal resilience planning and implementation. However, communities may also pursue resilience projects outside of the RCCP framework, whether they are just getting started, advancing independent priorities, or seeking additional funding to complement ongoing work.
Because resilience and adaptation strategies are wide-ranging, funding opportunities are equally diverse. Projects can be supported through a combination of local, state, federal, nonprofit, and private sources. While coordinating across multiple partners and funding streams can introduce complexity, it also increases flexibility and long-term project viability.
Many funding opportunities require communities to demonstrate both need and readiness. Resources such as guidance from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) can help strengthen applications and improve competitiveness.
Understanding Project Phases
Even outside of the RCCP structure, resilience projects are typically carried out in phases. Understanding these phases can help communities identify appropriate funding sources and build projects over time.
Planning and Assessment
Projects often begin with planning, research, or feasibility studies to better understand risks and identify potential solutions. This may include vulnerability assessments, benefit-cost analyses, and stakeholder engagement. Many state and federal programs support early-stage planning efforts, including pilot projects or targeted studies. Universities and nonprofit organizations can also provide technical expertise or applied research.
Design
For infrastructure or site-based projects, detailed design is often required to move forward. This phase may include engineering, modeling, and permitting preparation. Some funding programs and technical assistance providers can support early design work, and regional organizations such as Councils of Government may assist with plan or ordinance development.
Approval and Adoption
Projects and policies often require formal approval, such as the adoption of plans, ordinances, or capital improvements. Identifying local champions and building community support can increase the likelihood of successful adoption and long-term implementation.
Implementation
Implementation includes construction, restoration, policy changes, or program launch. This phase often relies on a combination of funding sources, including grants, loans, and local investment. Many state and federal programs are designed to support infrastructure improvements, hazard mitigation, and resilience-focused upgrades.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Tracking progress over time helps ensure that projects remain effective and adaptable. Establishing clear performance metrics allows communities to evaluate outcomes and refine approaches as needed. Partnerships with universities and nonprofits can support monitoring efforts, and programs such as the FEMA Community Rating System (CRS) may provide incentives for documented progress.
Key Considerations for Funding Success
When pursuing external funding for resilience projects:
- Take a phased, long-term approach
- Leverage multiple funding sources
- Build partnerships and avoid working in isolation
- Look beyond traditional grant programs
- Align projects with clear community priorities and readiness
Examples of Eligible Activities
Resilience activities may include, but are not limited to:
- Stormwater management improvements
- Wetland and coastal habitat restoration
- Beach nourishment and shoreline stabilization
- Water and transportation infrastructure upgrades
- Hazard mitigation for homes, businesses, and public facilities
- Flooding and sea level rise vulnerability assessments
- Planning, policy development, and stakeholder engagement
- Education and outreach initiatives
For additional funding opportunities related to nature-based solutions, visit the Naturally Resilient Communities Funding Page.
Planning and Management Grants
The North Carolina Division of Coastal Management Planning and Management Grants program typically awards grants each year to support local governments in addressing priority coastal management topics. Focus areas vary annually and may include natural hazards, storm recovery, wetlands, marine debris, and public access.
Application deadlines are typically in September.
Public Beach and Waterfront Access Project Grants
The North Carolina Division of Coastal Management Beach and Waterfront Access Grant program uses a three-step application process to fund local government projects that improve public access to coastal and waterfront areas. Eligible activities include land acquisition and the construction or reconstruction (not general repair or maintenance) of facilities such as boardwalks, dune crossovers, parking areas, boat ramps, docks, public restrooms, and related infrastructure.
Pre-applications are typically due in April.
Questions?
For questions about either grant program, including timelines or eligible activities, contact your area’s Division of Coastal Management district planner contact page.
Local Funding & Financing Tools
Local government budgets are often limited, and balancing competing priorities is not simple. However, many communities have successfully used a combination of financing tools to invest in hazard mitigation and resilience projects, including beach management, stormwater improvements, and other capital investments.
Bonds
Bonds are a form of long-term borrowing commonly used to finance public infrastructure. They are often more politically feasible than raising taxes and can support both upgrades to existing infrastructure (e.g., stormwater systems, culverts, levees) and new projects (e.g., wetland restoration, beach nourishment, dune construction).
Specialized bonds, such as environmental impact bonds (EIBs) for green infrastructure financing tie investment to measurable outcomes, such as improved water quality or reduced flooding impacts. For example, in 2016, DC Water issued a $25 million EIB to finance green infrastructure for stormwater management.
Learn more about how bonds work through the Environmental Protection Agency municipal and green bond financing guidance.
Low-Interest Loans and Revolving Loan Funds
Revolving loan funds provide a reusable source of capital, where repaid loans are used to fund future projects. These programs are widely used in North Carolina to support water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, and can also support resilience-related improvements.
Local governments can access low-interest loans and grants through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, including the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, which provide funding for wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water projects.
These programs can fund planning, design, and construction activities and often offer below-market or zero-interest financing, making them one of the most accessible funding tools for local governments.
Special District Property Assessments
Local governments may levy special assessments on properties that directly benefit from infrastructure improvements. These tools are often used to fund drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater systems, as well as beach nourishment and flood protection projects.
The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program in North Carolina allows property owners to finance energy efficiency and resilience improvements without upfront costs.
Learn more through the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina coastal and site development resources.
Levies and Taxes
Counties in North Carolina can adopt Local Option Sales Taxes (LOSTs), subject to voter approval, to generate additional revenue. A portion of this funding may support resilience-related projects through general funds or direct allocation to municipalities.
View the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) frequently asked questions from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. Local governments may also consider adjustments to occupancy or sales taxes to support shoreline management, beach nourishment, or other resilience initiatives.
Fees and Surcharges
User fees added to water or sewer bills can help fund infrastructure upgrades. In some communities, stormwater utilities collect fees tied to development or impervious surface area, which can be used to maintain and improve drainage systems or support hazard mitigation projects.
See how stormwater fees are used to fund flood mitigation through the Charlotte-Mecklenburg floodplain buyout and stormwater funding program case study, including property acquisition projects that reduce long-term flood risk.
Public-Private Partnerships
Public-private partnerships (P3s) for green infrastructure and community resilience financing are formal collaborations between governments and private entities that leverage public funding to attract private investment. These partnerships can support large-scale resilience projects by sharing costs, risks, and expertise.
Learn more about structuring partnerships through the U.S. Department of Transportation P3 Toolkit for infrastructure financing.
State & Non-Federal Funding
Funding for resilience and adaptation activities may be available through various state agencies, with programs that differ in eligibility, project types, cost-share requirements, and timelines. The resources below highlight some of the most common funding sources that may support coastal resilience efforts.
Always review the relevant program website or contact the program manager for the most current information, as funding availability and requirements can change from year to year.
State Funding Resources
- Explore funding and technical assistance through the North Carolina Department of Commerce Programs and Services Directory
Filter opportunities that support resilience-related goals, including housing, infrastructure, workforce development, downtown revitalization, and rural planning. - View coastal and water funding opportunities from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Explore grants related to coastal management, water quality, and environmental resilience. - Access water infrastructure funding programs through the North Carolina Division of Water Infrastructure
Includes State Revolving Funds, reserve programs, asset inventory grants, and other financing tools for water and wastewater infrastructure. - Explore watershed and water resource funding through the North Carolina Division of Water Resources grants and financial assistance programs
Includes nonpoint source pollution grants and other watershed-focused funding opportunities.
| Source | Name | Typical Activities | Eligible Recipients | Amount | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Kendeda Fund and Southeast Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN) | Southeast Sustainable Communities Fund | Examples of eligible water projects include, but are not limited to, those that address stormwater, sea level rise, and/or drought adaptation strategies. Examples of eligible energy projects include, but are not limited to, demand-side management, energy efficiency, and/or renewable energy solutions. See the website for past projects funded. | Municipalities and Counties in the Southeast U.S. (Non-profits may receive funds and perform fiscal management) | Two disbursements of $75-$150K per year, with a maximum of $300K over the 2-year time period | Open Mid-April Closes End of June |
| All Water Infrastructure Financing | EPA Water Finance Clearing House | Select NC on the map or search and then filter both resources and funding by sector, funding source, financing approaches, special topic, scope, author, type, and date. | Depends on the program | Depends on the program | Depends on the program |
| Division of Water Infrastructure | State Reserve Programs (Grants & Loans) | Provides grants for technical assistance and for the construction of critical needs for wastewater collection systems, wastewater treatment works, and public drinking water system projects | Local government units (counties, cities, towns, sanitary districts, etc.) | The amount of grant money or targeted interest loans for each system awarded for three consecutive fiscal years may not exceed $3 million. | Applications due in September |
| Division of Water Infrastructure | Clean Water State Revolving Fund | Wastewater treatment & collection, reclaimed water, stormwater best management practices, stream restoration, & energy efficiency at major facilities | Local government units (counties, cities, towns, sanitary districts, etc.) | The loan maximum is one-half the amount available per funding cycle | Applications due in March & September |
| Division of Water Infrastructure | Drinking Water State Revolving Fund | Drinking water source, treatment, storage, or transmission & distribution systems | Local government units (counties, cities, towns, sanitary districts, etc.) | The loan maximum is one-half the amount available per funding cycle | Applications due in September |
| Division of Land and Water Stewardship | Clean Water Management Trust Fund | Primary activities include: land acquisition, restoration, innovative stormwater, and planning to improve water quality, sustain ecological diversity, and protect historic sites and military installations. Landowners and conservation groups can use the Tool for Environmental, Agricultural, and Military Reporting (TEAM) mapping tool to identify opportunities and match them with funding sources. | Local government, state agencies, and non-profit corporations sustain with a conservation purpose | No stated min/max 2018 range: $21K - $1.2M | Annual - Applications due in February |
| Division of Water Resources | Water Resources Development Grant Program | General navigation, recreational navigation, water management, stream restoration, water-based recreation, NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) stream restoration projects, and feasibility/engineering studies | Local governments and others (varies by program) | Encourages a $200K max request, though higher is allowed | Bi-annual - (deadlines vary) |
| Division of Soil and Water Conservation | Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) | Best Management Practices (BMPs) to improve water quality, including: abandoned well closure, backyard rain gardens and wetlands, bioretention area, rainwater cisterns, critical area planting, diversion, grassed swale, impervious surface conversion, marsh sills, permeable pavement, pet waste receptacle, riparian buffers, stormwater wetland, stream restoration, streambank and shoreline protection, and structural stormwater conveyance | Landowners, including homeowners, businesses, schools, parks, and publicly owned lands | Administered by local soil and water conservation district (up to $20,000 per district), funding 75% of the pre-established average cost of the BMP | Annual (regional application deadline typically in early October) |
Federal Funding
Funding for resilience and adaptation activities may be available through a variety of federal agencies, with programs that differ in eligibility, project types, cost-share requirements, and timelines. The resources below highlight some of the most common federal funding sources that support coastal resilience efforts.
Always review the relevant program website or contact the program manager for the most current information, as funding availability and requirements can change from year to year.
Federal Funding Search Tools
- Search and apply for federal grants using Grants.gov
Access a centralized database of all available federal funding opportunities. - Access the Grants.gov applicant quick start guide for new users
Learn how to search, apply, and manage federal grant applications.
Federal Funding Programs
| Source | Name | Typical Activities | Eligible Recipients | Amount | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), NOAA, Shell Oil Company, and TransRe | National Coastal Resilience Fund and Grants | Projects that protect infrastructure while enhancing or expanding natural habitat. Potential projects fall into one of three categories:
| Local, state, and territorial governments, Native American tribal governments, non-profit and commercial (for-profit ) organizations, and educational institutions | $125k to $3 million Minimum 1:1 non-federal match (cash or in-kind services) | Pre-proposal due May 20, 2019 |
| Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) | Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program | Hazard mitigation projects, planning, and public awareness and education activities. Cost share is typically 75% federal, 25% local. | Local governments, states, U.S. territories, and federally recognized tribes | Congressional Approval | Open October-January |
| Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) | Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (Post-disaster) | Hazard mitigation planning, training, evaluation of ordinances or codes, retrofitting structures and facilities, elevation of flood-prone structures, vegetative management programs, property acquisition, and minor or local flood control projects. Cost share is typically 75% federal and 25% state. | Local governments, states, U.S. territories, and federally recognized tribes that have received presidential disaster declarations | Congressional Approval | Following a presidentially declared disaster |
| Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) | Flood Mitigation Assistance Program | Projects and planning that reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flood damage ONLY to structures insured under the NFIP, as well as management costs. Cost-share depends on the NFIP-insured property: severe repetitive loss properties (100% federal); repetitive loss property (90% federal/10% local); others (75% federal/25% local). | Local governments, states, U.S. territories, and federally recognized tribes | Congressional Approval | Open October-January |
| Housing and Urban Development (HUD) | Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery | These congressionally appropriated funds go to the most impacted and distressed communities for disaster relief, long-term recovery, infrastructure restoration, housing, and economic revitalization. Examples include new construction or repair of single-family or multifamily housing, repair of water facilities, loans and grants to businesses, and flood buyouts or elevations of residential or commercial properties. | States that distribute funds to local governments, single-family | Congressional Approval | Following presidentially declared disasters |
| Housing and Urban Development (HUD) | Community Development Block Grant | Activities include, but are not limited to: acquisition of real property; relocation and demolition; rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures; construction of public facilities and improvements, such as water and sewer facilities, streets, neighborhood centers, and the conversion of school buildings; public services, within certain limits; activities relating to energy conservation and renewable energy resources; assistance to nonprofit and profit-motivated businesses to carry out economic development and job creation/retention activities. | Local Governments (no less than 70% of the funds must go to benefitting low- and moderate-income populations over a three-year period) | Maximum of $3 million over three years per community | Distributed annually |
| U.S. Department of Agriculture - Rural Development (USDA) | Programs and Services | Explore various options for loans, grants, and technical assistance applicable to rural areas for the following categories: communities and nonprofits, businesses, utilities, lenders, tribes, developers, and individuals. | Local governments and nonprofits, utilities | Varies | Varies |
| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) | Floodplain Management Services | Most flood modeling or management activities, including studies and analysis (e.g., site-specific data on obstructions to flows, flood formation and timing, flood depths, stages or velocities, flood loss potentials before and after use of measures, etc.) | State, local government agency, and eligible Native American Indian tribes | Depends on funds available | Open |
| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) | Sections Under the Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) | The CAP allows the USACE Wilmington District to plan, study, and in some cases, design and implement projects that can help build coastal resilience. Projects need specific congressional authorization. View the fact sheets for appropriate contact information and description of each type of activity: Section 14 - Emergency Streambank and Shoreline Protection; Section 22 - Planning Assistance to States; Section 103 - Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction; Section 205 - Flood Risk Management | Any non-Federal government entity | Varies | Open |
| Economic Development Administration (EDA) | Public Works & EAA Program includes construction, non-construction, and revolving loan fund investments that leverage regional assets to support the implementation of regional economic development strategies designed to create jobs, leverage private capital, and encourage economic development. Disaster Supplemental (2018): sometimes made available after major disasters, these funds must address one or more of EDA's investment priorities, including: recovery and resilience, critical infrastructure, workforce development and manufacturing, and exports and foreign direct investment. | Local, state, and tribal governments (both federally recognized & non-federally recognized), private and public higher education institutions, non-profits, and special district governments. | Public works general range: $600K - $3M EAA general range: $150K - $1M Disaster Supplemental: varies | Annual basis; often opens in July Following a presidentially declared disaster | |
| Various Water Infrastructure Financing | EPA Water Finance Clearing House | Select NC on the map, or search, then filter both resources and funding by sector, funding source, financing approaches, special topic, scope, author, type, and date. | Depends on the program | Depends on the program | Depends on the program |
Additional Federal Resources
- Explore resilience tools and funding guidance through the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit
Provides case studies, tools, and funding-related resources for resilience planning.
External Funding, Assistance & Partnerships
Local governments do not need to advance resilience efforts alone. A wide range of local, regional, state, and national organizations can provide technical assistance, funding, training, and partnership opportunities to support project development and implementation.
Many of these groups also maintain listservs, newsletters, and peer networks that share funding opportunities, training events, and emerging best practices.
Regional Organizations
- Access regional planning and technical assistance through the North Carolina Councils of Government (COGs)
These multi-county organizations provide support in economic development, land-use planning, ordinance development, GIS, grant writing, and long-term disaster recovery. - Connect with disaster response and recovery partners through North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)
VOAD partners help identify unmet needs and support both pre- and post-disaster recovery efforts.
Higher Education, Extension & Applied Research
Colleges and Universities
Institutions across North Carolina offer opportunities to partner on applied research in planning, engineering, environmental science, and related fields. These collaborations can support real-world resilience solutions, often requiring limited funding beyond staff coordination.
- Join peer networks through the UNC School of Government listservs
Includes NCPLAN, NCFloodplain, NCEM, and other topic-based networks for planning and emergency management professionals. - Access community and natural resource support through North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Provides expertise in agriculture, natural resources, health, and community resilience with offices in every county. - Find disaster preparedness resources through the NC Disaster Information Center
Offers updates and fact sheets related to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. - Explore water and environmental engineering expertise through NC State Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Supports work in water management systems, environmental engineering, and ecological design. - Access coastal research, extension, and funding through North Carolina Sea Grant
Provides fellowships, grants, technical expertise, and outreach related to coastal hazards and resilience.
Professional Associations & Networks
These organizations offer training, technical resources, and peer-to-peer support:
- Connect with planners through the American Planning Association North Carolina Chapter
Provides networking, training, and resources for planning professionals across North Carolina. - Access technical planning assistance through APA Community Planning Assistance Teams (CPAT)
Offers short-term, expert-led planning assistance to communities facing development and resilience challenges. - Engage with floodplain professionals through the North Carolina Association of State Floodplain Managers
Supports floodplain management through training, certification, and professional networking. - Connect with adaptation professionals through the American Society of Adaptation Professionals
Offers networking, training, and knowledge-sharing focused on climate adaptation practice.
Quasi-Governmental & Regional Initiatives
- Access climate research and decision-support tools through the Carolinas Integrated Sciences and Assessments (CISA) program
Conducts applied research and supports climate-informed decision-making across the Carolinas. - Join regional knowledge-sharing efforts through the Southeast and Caribbean Climate Community of Practice
Supports collaboration and best practices for climate adaptation planning and outreach. - Access disaster education resources through the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN)
Focuses on preparedness, risk reduction, and community resilience education.
Nonprofit & Private Organizations
Local, State, and Regional
- Access coastal restoration and planning support through the North Carolina Coastal Federation
Provides technical expertise, project funding, and community engagement for coastal resilience. - Explore conservation and resilience tools through The Nature Conservancy North Carolina Chapter
Offers mapping tools, science-based planning, and project support for conservation and resilience. - Apply for economic development and disaster recovery funding through the Golden LEAF Foundation
Provides grants focused on economic development, infrastructure, and disaster recovery in North Carolina. - Protect land and natural buffers through the Coastal Land Trust
Conserves coastal lands through easements, acquisitions, and stewardship. - Access water and wastewater assistance through the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (SERCAP)
Provides technical and financial assistance for water, wastewater, and community development projects. - Support restoration and engagement efforts through the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP)
Funds and supports restoration, research, and community engagement across the Albemarle-Pamlico region. - Explore regional economic and natural resource initiatives through North Carolina Land of Water (NC LOW)
Promotes the economic and ecological value of natural resources in eastern North Carolina. - Access rural funding and resilience support through the NC Rural Center
Provides funding, training, and technical assistance to support rural communities.
National & Philanthropic Funding Sources
- Explore land conservation funding through The Trust for Public Land Finance Program
Supports land conservation and community investment through financing and technical assistance. - Access conservation grants through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Provides funding for habitat restoration, conservation, and resilience projects. - Apply for resilience funding through the Wildlife Conservation Society Climate Adaptation Fund
Supports projects that help wildlife and ecosystems adapt to climate change. - Explore philanthropic funding through the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation
Funds environmental conservation, resilience, and community-based initiatives. - Explore philanthropic funding through the Rockefeller Family Foundation
Supports climate, environmental, and sustainability initiatives. - Explore philanthropic funding through the Kresge Foundation
Provides funding for climate resilience, infrastructure, and community development. - Explore philanthropic funding through the Surdna Foundation
Supports environmental justice, sustainable communities, and resilience initiatives. - Explore philanthropic funding through the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
Funds research and education in science, technology, and environmental topics. - Access economic development resources through the International Economic Development Council
Provides tools, training, and research to support economic development and resilience planning.
Training & Capacity Building Resources
Building local capacity is a key part of advancing resilience projects. The programs below offer training, certifications, and technical learning opportunities across coastal management, hazard mitigation, planning, and infrastructure.
North Carolina Programs
- Sign up for coastal training and workshops through the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR)
Receive announcements on topics such as living shoreline installation, coastal hazards, social science tools, and flood adaptation strategies. - Browse emergency management training through the N.C. Training, Exercise, and Response Management System (TERMS)
Access in-person and online training related to hazard planning, emergency response, and community preparedness. - Access courses on local government planning and administration through the UNC School of Government
Offers online and in-person training on finance, planning, development regulation, and public administration. - Access stormwater and erosion control training through NC State Extension workshops
Provides certification courses and technical training on stormwater management, erosion control, and stream restoration.
Federal Programs
- Explore coastal resilience and GIS training through NOAA Digital Coast Training
Filter training opportunities by topic, skill level, and focus area related to coastal management and adaptation. - Access emergency management training through the FEMA Training Portal
Provides courses covering preparedness, response, recovery, and hazard mitigation.
Other Training Resources
- Learn about living shoreline design and implementation through the Living Shorelines Academy
Covers planning, permitting, construction, and the role of living shorelines in supporting coastal habitats and communities.