Best Marine Grants in Montana

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research utilizing data from the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission. This project aims to enhance hydrologic decision-making by providing low-latency water resource monitoring data across over 1 million locations in the U.S. It promotes collaboration between USGS and CESU researchers to improve data accuracy and automate water surface elevation publication, benefiting scientists and resource managers.

Nonprofit and research organizations working on marine debris, trap removal, and marine conservation projects in Montana and other eligible U.S. jurisdictions can apply for funding from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Focused on derelict fishing trap removal and prevention, this program offers US $50,000 - US $200,000 for 18‑month projects under the Nationwide Fishing TRAP Program.

Women divers studying journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography can receive funding to advance ocean-focused media work. Focused on marine and ocean conservation, this Women Divers Hall of Fame scholarship awards US $1,500 for tuition, workshops, or internships to students in degree programs in the U.S. or Canada, including those from Montana.

Grants from Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers help Montana organizations and IEEE members fund marine biology, oceanography, marine conservation, and STEM education outreach projects. Eligible applicants can receive up to US $5,000 for programs introducing pre-university students to ocean engineering topics such as ocean protection, renewable ocean energy, and coral reef protection.

Montana early-career leaders of color interested in marine biology, ocean conservation, or clean energy can access funding through the Environmental Leadership Program’s RAY Fellowship, which offers a two-year, full-time paid placement plus a US $1,000 professional development stipend. Eligible applicants must be recent bachelor’s graduates (after May 2021) able to work in the U.S. with no prior full-time environmental experience.

Researchers and small research teams conducting marine biology, oceanography, or marine conservation projects in Montana and worldwide can receive support to use Global Fishing Watch data for ocean governance research. Focused on open-ocean monitoring, Global Fishing Watch invites individuals to apply for up to US $10,000 and institutions for up to US $20,000 to advance these datasets and tools.

Graduate students at North American universities conducting thesis research in marine conservation can receive US $15,000 to support ongoing research costs through the Steven Berkeley Marine Conservation Fellowship. Administered by the American Fisheries Society, this opportunity may benefit Montana-based marine biology and marine conservation students who are or become AFS members in good standing.

Graduate students interested in marine biology and marine conservation who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents can pursue a year-long, paid marine and Great Lakes policy fellowship in Washington, D.C., including applicants from Montana. Wisconsin Sea Grant’s John A. Knauss Fellowship places fellows with federal legislative and executive branch hosts working on ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes policy.

Montana graduate students in accredited U.S. programs focused on ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources can access funding via Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship. This one-year, paid Washington, D.C. placement offers early career professionals hands-on experience in federal marine and coastal science policy within executive or legislative branch offices.

Montana undergraduate students interested in marine, coastal, or estuarine systems can access funding through New Hampshire Sea Grant for a paid 10-week summer marine extension fellowship, earning up to US $5,000. Fellows support research, extension, education, and communications projects, gaining hands-on experience, professional development, and networking across fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal conservation topics.

Students pursuing natural resource or marine-related fields in Montana can receive scholarship support for full-time study at accredited two- or four-year colleges. With a mission to support higher education in environmental and natural resource disciplines, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois backs studies such as marine biology, ecology, hydrology, and conservation-focused programs.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on nationally significant wildlife and marine conservation, including whales and related ocean habitats, can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants. Funding supports policy and legal advocacy, education, Indigenous wildlife management, and sanctuaries, and may benefit Montana groups focused on marine or ocean conservation within these priorities.

Graduate students conducting research on drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance timely, actionable solutions for today’s water industry challenges. Focused on water-related fields, American Water Works Association invites applicants whose work may intersect with marine biology, oceanography, or aquatic conservation, including those studying in Montana.

Montana and other U.S. organizations working on marine and coastal research, education, outreach, or innovative projects can access funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Broad Agency Announcement. This opportunity may benefit groups focused on marine biology, oceanography, marine conservation, or coastal resilience projects that align with NOAA’s mission areas.

Doctoral candidates who are Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship alumni in eligible humanities, social science, or physical science fields can receive up to US $30,000 to spend a year completing their dissertation research and writing. Grants from Institute for Citizens & Scholars support scholars in the U.S., including those whose work involves marine biology or oceanography topics.

Agencies, municipalities, NGOs, and angling groups in Montana managing small urban fishing lakes can apply for Friends of Reservoirs’ TryMarine Grant to pilot water-quality and fish-habitat technologies. This initiative supports nutrient reduction, clearer water, and healthier sportfish, and may benefit Montana programs connected to freshwater fisheries and broader marine and aquatic conservation goals.

Nonprofit organizations working on U.S. environmental initiatives such as marine and ocean conservation, clean water, climate and energy, or toxics and waste may be eligible for project funding, including work benefiting Montana. Roy A Hunt Foundation provides US $25,000 - US $75,000 for multi-state or national projects covering management, outreach, applied research, and policy-oriented innovations.

U.S. nonprofit organizations working on land, freshwater, or marine conservation and climate-resilient ecosystems, including those with projects touching Montana, can apply for Doris Duke Foundation’s Environment Program grants; awards US $100,000 - US $1,000,000 for large-scale conservation, natural climate solutions, and equity-focused environmental initiatives, especially benefiting BIPOC communities.

Fisheries and related organizations implementing electronic monitoring, reporting, and data systems can seek funding to modernize fisheries data collection and management in the U.S., including Montana. Focused on fisheries data technology, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation invites applicants to advance electronic tools that improve data quality, access, interoperability, and stakeholder participation in marine and fisheries conservation.

Montana marine and freshwater conservation organizations, 501(c)(3) public charities, government subdivisions, and accredited schools can seek support for water and biodiversity projects that fit ConocoPhillips’ priorities. Focused on conserving high-biodiversity habitats, increasing water availability, and advancing marine and freshwater science, ConocoPhillips encourages collaborative, innovative programs near its operating areas.

The Bonnell Cove Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in North America focused on safety at sea and marine environmental initiatives. With a funding limit of $10,000, it prioritizes well-defined projects that can be evaluated for impact. Proposals are accepted biannually, with deadlines on February 1 and September 1 for March and October reviews, respectively. The Foundation seeks innovative solutions for personal safety equipment and environmental stewardship, emphasizing projects that promote sustainable practices in marine operations.

The Lubrizol Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with community investment priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on quality education, health, and sustainable communities. Established in 1952, the foundation emphasizes support for initiatives in Cleveland, Ohio, and Houston, Texas. Grant applications are evaluated based on alignment with Lubrizol's investment pillars, with a commitment to fostering social impact and community well-being through financial support.

Cattaraugus County Trappers Memorial Scholarship

Created by the Cattaraugus County Trappers Association, this scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school student who plans to pursue a degree in Natural Resources Conservation, Fish & Wildlife Management, Forest Management or similar area of study at a 2- or 4-year college. Financial need will be considered. Applicants must include list of outdoors sports in which they participate, a statement on importance of the role of sportsmen in conservation and management of fish and wildlife and natural resources, and information on career path in their goal statement.

The Robert L. Johnson Memorial Research Grant, offered by the Midwest Aquatic Plant Management Society, supports graduate students in aquatic plant management with grants of up to $10,000. This initiative promotes research that advances the management of aquatic ecosystems and fosters educational opportunities. Recipients are required to present their findings at the annual conference, contributing to the society's mission of sustainable aquatic resource management and ecological preservation.

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026, funded by NOAA, aims to enhance research and education by supporting land acquisition and construction projects. With approximately $8.5 million available, the program prioritizes strategic expansions of Reserve boundaries and facility enhancements, ensuring sustainable design standards. Funding will support 5-20 projects over 12-36 months, with potential extensions for complex projects, contingent on available funds and negotiations.

The Ocean Technology and Interdisciplinary Coordination (OTIC) Program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), supports innovative research and technology development in ocean science. This program welcomes unsolicited proposals for instrumentation that enhances the capabilities of the ocean research community. It also announces specific funding opportunities aimed at improving facilities and equipment at Biological Field Stations and Marine Laboratories, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration in oceanographic studies.

The Fiscal Year 2027 National Sea Grant College Program Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship offers an opportunity for students to engage in marine policy through a fellowship funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). With anticipated funding for at least 35 applications, each receiving $97,200, this program encourages applicants to connect with their local Sea Grant program for support. Early registration with SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons is crucial for eligibility.