Copy of OIA Coral Reef Initiative and Natural Resources (CRNR) Program 2025 - reposted July 2, 2025

Background
The Coral Reef & Natural Resources (CRNR) Initiative, administered by the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA), aims to provide grant funding to protect the health of natural resources, particularly coral reef ecosystems in U.S. insular areas. The initiative focuses on ensuring long-term economic and social benefits for island populations through risk management, prevention, rapid response, eradication of invasive species, and restoration of native species. Healthy coral reefs are crucial for protecting human communities from storm surges.

Grant Details
The CRNR program seeks proposals that address various threats to natural resources, including invasive species management (biosecurity, eradication, suppression), coral disease mitigation, coral reef restoration, replanting native species, and improving water quality. Projects should align with local priority resolutions and may include public education and outreach initiatives. Priority will be given to projects that enhance resilience for island communities and those that leverage partnerships for increased effectiveness. The estimated total program funding is $2,625,000 with an expected number of awards being 10. The award ceiling is set at $300,000.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include non-federal entities such as local government agencies in American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Freely Associated States (Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau). Non-profit organizations and institutions of higher education whose projects benefit these areas are also eligible. Funding cannot be provided to judicial or legislative branches of local governments.

Period of Performance
The anticipated project start date is October 1, 2025, with an end date of September 30, 2029.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant program is estimated at $2,625,000 with individual awards ranging from a floor of $0 to a ceiling of $300,000.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will be performed in U.S. insular areas including American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands and the Freely Associated States.