Funding Database: NCLWF Planning Program

North Carolina Land and Water Fund: Planning Program

The NC Land and Water Fund (NCLWF) Planning Program supports planning projects that aim to reduce surface water pollution. 

NCLWF is a program of the Division of Land and Water Stewardship within the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NC DNCR).

Eligible Applicants

State agencies, local governments and nonprofits are eligible to apply. The primary focus of the nonprofits must be on the conservation, preservation or restoration of North Carolina’s cultural, environmental and natural resources.

Eligible Projects

The intent of proposed planning projects should be to conserve areas of high resource value or to restore degraded lands to re-establish their ability to protect water quality. Most planning applications identify and prioritize restoration opportunities in watersheds or river corridors. However, other approaches may identify and prioritize land parcels for conservation. Applicants may also propose monitoring plans that identify and locate threats to the state’s cultural, environmental and natural resources.

Funding Amount

The funding amount varies.

Match Requirements

A match is not required, but projects with little or no match are rarely funded.

Application Schedule

The NCLWF Planning Program has one grant cycle per year. The application form becomes available in January. The deadline to apply is March 1 of each year. NC DNCR announces award decisions each fall.

Application Process

Applicants apply online.

Application Assistance

Field representatives are the first line of contact for general questions and for developing projects. Getting the field representative involved early will yield better results for your application and contract process.

Funding Source

The NC General Assembly funds the NCLWF through state appropriations.

Key Info
FunderNC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Program LinkNorth Carolina Land and Water Fund
Opportunity TypeFunding > Grant
OpensJanuary of each year
ClosesMarch 1 of each year
AwardVaries
Match Required?Encouraged
This Page was Last UpdatedMay 10, 2024
Program Contacts
NC Land and Water Fund Field Representatives:
Western Region:
Damon Hearne
damon.hearne@dncr.nc.gov
(828) 476-6758
Central Region:
Chelsea Blount
chelsea.blount@dncr.nc.gov
(336) 689-5519
Eastern Region:
Jill Fusco
jill.fusco@dncr.nc.gov
(984) 297-4171
Completed Project Example
Carolina Wetlands Association received $73,000 to develop a wetland restoration plan at the Lumbee Cultural Center. Read more about this example and others.