Grant Opportunities

APNEP Grant Opportunities

The Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program routinely offers grants which may be of interest to coastal non-profits, educators, local governments, community organizations, regional planners, agricultural communities, and other watershed partners.  APNEP has funded experiential learning projects that serve the dual purposes of environmental education and water quality restoration, and implementation projects that benefit stormwater runoff, coastal and watershed planning efforts, and best management practice implementation. View current grant opportunities below. 

You can also join our mailing list to receive grant announcements from APNEP, and contact the partnership at apnep@deq.nc.gov if you have further questions.

2026 Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Project Funding

APNEP is accepting proposals from March 2, 2026 - April 30, 2026 for community-based engagement and stewardship projects in the APNEP region that support the 2025 Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). Examples of previously funded projects include the Friends of the North Carolina Science Museum's Shad in the Classroom initiative, Lynnhaven River Now's teacher professional development experience in the Virginia's southern watersheds, and the Down East Resilience Network communication strategy led by Core Waterfowl Museum of Harkers Island.

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Partner Organization Mini Grant Proposals

APNEP offers mini grants to regional partners for funding below $5,000. The partnership has developed a set of criteria that will be used as needed to evaluate the strength and applicability of external project proposals when a partner organization applies for funding, logistical, staff, or similar assistance as a part of their grant proposal. Partners interested in funding can contact Heather Jennings with any further questions. Partners who are interested in receiving a mini grant can view the Evaluation Criteria here once it is complete. 

Engagement and Stewardship Project Funding

APNEP accepts project proposals for environmental projects that increase community stewardship, volunteerism, and environmental literacy within the Albemarle-Pamlico region. Examples of funded projects include the Friends of the North Carolina Science Museum's Shad in the Classroom initiative, Lynnhaven River Now's teacher professional development experience in the Virginia's southern watersheds, and the Down East Resilience Network communication strategy led by Core Waterfowl Museum of Harkers Island. 

External Grant Opportunities

National Estuaries Program Watershed Grant Program

The Restore America's Estuaries Watersheds Grant Program is a nationally competitive grants program designed to support projects that address urgent, emerging, and challenging issues threatening the well-being of estuaries within the 28 NEP location boundary areas.

NC DEQ Grant Opportunities

NC Division of Water Resources Development Grant Program

The purpose of this program is to provide cost-share grants and technical assistance to local governments throughout the state. There are two grant cycles per fiscal year; the application deadlines are June 30 and Dec. 31.

Economic Development Assistance Programs

The Economic Development Administration supports development in economically distressed areas of the United States by fostering job creation and attracting private investment.

NC Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs Grant Database

Visit the North Carolina Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs grants page to learn about environmental education grant opportunities.