Shore and Harbor Planning Grant

    Funding agency
    Maine Office of Community Affairs (MOCA)
    Program name
    Maine Coastal Program
    Status
    Future Rounds Anticipated
    Description

    The Shore and Harbor Planning Grant program provides resources on a competitive basis for shoreline access planning, waterfront and harbor planning, identification and resolution of waterfront use conflicts, and planning, feasibility, and design efforts for resilient waterfront infrastructure. Grant funds cannot be used for construction. 

    The FY26 Shore and Harbor Planning Grant is being released at the same time as the FY26 Coastal Community Grant. A single application is being used for both programs. However, applicants may submit more than one application if the projects fall into distinct priority categories.

    Contact
    Melissa Britsch, melissa.britsch@maine.gov, 207-215-6171
    Additional notes

    More information on maximum award amounts:

    Individual applicant: $50,000

    Collaborative projects (two or more eligible applicants): $75,000

    Max award
    $50,000
    Match required
    Yes
    Match description
    The match requirement is 10% of total grant request. Cash and/or in-kind match are accepted but funds must be non-Federal.
    Applications open
    Applications close
    Future rounds
    Future rounds anticipated
    Eligible applicant description

    Eligible applicants include municipalities, unorganized townships, and Tribal Governments in Maine’s Coastal Zone (https://www.maine.gov/dmr/node/421#cz_towns), as well as coastal Regional Councils. Coastal Regional Councils may submit applications on behalf of coastal municipalities, townships, or Tribal Governments. Projects that include partnerships are strongly encouraged and collaborative projects are eligible for a higher maximum award amount.  

    Geographic eligibility

    Eligible applicants include municipalities, unorganized townships, and Tribal Governments in Maine’s Coastal Zone (https://www.maine.gov/dmr/node/421#cz_towns), as well as coastal Regional Councils. Municipalities and townships in Maine’s coastal zone are listed on the Coastal Program website. Projects that include partnerships are strongly encouraged. Coastal Regional Councils are defined as having some or all of their geography within the Maine coastal zone. Note, however, that funds from this grant program can only be used for projects in the coastal zone. Note that plans, designs, and other activities must focus on publicly owned properties and cannot be solely directed toward privately owned properties.

    Project type
    Climate Planning and Resilience
    Infrastructure and Transportation
    Project subcategory
    Boats and Ferries
    Climate Planning
    Climate Resilience
    Coastal Flooding
    Green Infrastructure
    Municipal Equipment and Facilities
    Ports and Harbors
    Sea Level Rise
    Other (Climate Planning and Resilience)
    Project stage
    Planning
    Design
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    Last updated: January 6, 2026