Gov. Evers, Dept. of Administration: Announce $1.3 million in grants for Wisconsin coastal communities

Applications for Next Round of Coastal Grants Now Open Through November 3

Madison, Wis. Today, in closing out Coastal Awareness Month, Governor Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Administration, has announced $1.3 million in grants to support resilient coastal communities and quality of life, as well as promote economic development and protect and improve Great Lakes resources. The newly announced funding will support projects totaling over $3.2 million, with 27 grants for local, state, and tribal governments, regional planning commissions, universities, and nonprofit organizations. The grants are administered by the Department of Administration (DOA) Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP). Applications for the next round of coastal grants are currently open.

“Wisconsin’s coastal communities work hard to protect and preserve our more than 800 miles of Great Lakes coastline so folks throughout our state can visit, appreciate, and experience two of our most important natural resources,” said Gov. Evers. “This investment supports local municipalities, Tribal governments, and advocates, ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to enhance coastal areas, protect Wisconsin’s water and wildlife, and bolster education about the Great Lakes.”

Recipients for this year’s grants were recommended by the Wisconsin Coastal Management Council, a Governor-appointed citizen and governmental advisory group. A full list of awards can be found here. The funds are part of Wisconsin’s federally funded Coastal Zone Management Program.

“We can’t do the work of preserving and protecting our coastal communities alone, and our strong inter-governmental partnerships ensure that the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, and with it, our coastal communities, continue to thrive,” added DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld. “We remain grateful to Gov. Evers for his steadfast support, which has made a positive and long-lasting impact, including enhancing public access, sustainable use practices, community development, habitat restoration, and pollution control throughout our coastal communities.”

Since 1978, the WCMP has balanced natural resource protection and sustainable economic development along Wisconsin’s Great Lakes coasts. The program awards federal funds from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office for Coastal Management in the U.S. Department of Commerce to local governments and other entities for innovative coastal initiatives. 

The next round of WCMP grants is available for application, with a deadline of November 3, 2026. Additional information about the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program can be found at coastal.wisconsin.gov.