Best Marine Grants in Iowa

Academic researchers and graduate students in Iowa studying geography education related to marine or ocean topics can receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 for non-commercial research projects. Grants from National Geographic Society help fund studies on educational approaches, tools, and outcomes that support geographic education and align with its environmental and ocean-focused mission.

Women divers studying media, journalism, or visual arts can receive funding to advance ocean-focused storytelling and conservation communication. Focused on marine and ocean conservation, Women Divers Hall of Fame invites eligible students in Iowa and across the U.S. and Canada to apply for the Bonnie Cardone Memorial Scholarship, offering US $1,500 for tuition, workshops, or internships.

Nonprofit and research organizations working on marine debris, trap removal, and marine conservation in Iowa and other eligible U.S. jurisdictions can apply for project funding from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Focused on derelict fishing trap removal and prevention, this program supports 18‑month projects that standardize data, assess impacts, and mitigate harmful effects on marine ecosystems.

Researchers and small research teams conducting marine biology, oceanography, or marine conservation projects, including those based in Iowa, can apply for Global Fishing Watch’s Open Ocean Research Grant Program. Focused on enhancing ocean governance, it supports projects that use and improve Global Fishing Watch datasets, offering up to US $20,000 for institutions and smaller awards for individuals.

Iowa recent college graduates from historically marginalized groups interested in marine biology, ocean conservation, or clean energy careers can access funding through the Environmental Leadership Program’s RAY Fellowship. This two-year, full-time paid fellowship includes a US $1,000 professional development stipend and placement with a host organization in the U.S. environmental sector.

Educators, IEEE members, and STEM outreach organizers working on marine biology, oceanography, or ocean conservation projects in Iowa can seek funding for pre-university STEM events, programs, or resources. Grants from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers support ocean-focused engineering education initiatives through the IEEE TryEngineering STEM Grant Program, with awards up to US $5,000.

Graduate students conducting marine conservation research at North American universities can receive funding to support ongoing thesis research costs, including work relevant to marine biology and ocean conservation. American Fisheries Society provides Iowa marine-focused students with a US $15,000 Steven Berkeley Marine Conservation Fellowship, open to AFS members in good standing.

Graduate students in marine, coastal, or Great Lakes science and policy can access funding via Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution through the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship. This one-year, paid Washington, D.C. placement supports early career professionals nationwide, including Iowa, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in accredited U.S. graduate programs.

Undergraduate students at U.S.-based colleges interested in marine, coastal, or estuarine systems can access funding through New Hampshire Sea Grant for a paid summer marine extension fellowship, earning up to US $5,000. Iowa students in any major gain hands-on experience in fisheries, aquaculture, coastal conservation, and related outreach and communications projects.

Students from specified northern Illinois counties pursuing full-time college studies in natural resource fields, including marine biology and marine conservation, may be eligible for this scholarship. With a mission to support future conservation professionals, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides financial aid for degrees in areas like ecology, hydrology, soil science, and related environmental disciplines.

Graduate students in marine biology, ocean conservation, or related fields interested in national marine policy can apply for a one-year paid policy fellowship in Washington, D.C. Wisconsin Sea Grant supports U.S.-based graduate students through the John A. Knauss Marine (and Great Lakes) Policy Fellowship, which may benefit Iowa students enrolled in eligible programs.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on marine and ocean conservation, wildlife protection, or related advocacy can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants. Funding supports nationally significant efforts such as policy, legal advocacy, indigenous wildlife management, and habitat protection, which may benefit Iowa groups focused on marine biology, ocean conservation, or marine debris issues.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with practical benefits for the water industry. Focused on water-related environmental science, the American Water Works Association invites students, including those in Iowa working on aquatic or marine-relevant topics, to apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship.

Iowa and other U.S. organizations conducting marine, coastal, climate, or ocean conservation research and education can access funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Broad Agency Announcement. This opportunity supports innovative research, education, outreach, and sponsorship projects in atmospheric sciences, climatology, marine and coastal conservation, and climate change resilience, contingent on future federal appropriations.

Doctoral candidates who are Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship alumni can receive up to US $30,000 from the Institute for Citizens & Scholars to spend a year completing their dissertation. Grants support Ph.D. work in approved humanities, social science, and physical science fields, including marine-related disciplines, at institutions in the U.S., benefiting scholars in Iowa and beyond.

Agencies, municipalities, NGOs, and angling groups in Iowa with small urban fishing lakes can apply for Friends of Reservoirs’ TryMarine Grant to pilot water-quality and fish-habitat treatments. This U.S.-wide program tests TryMarine and Oase technologies in 1–3 acre public lakes, prioritizing sites with documented habitat issues and strong community engagement.

Graduating high school seniors in Iowa planning to study natural resources conservation, fish and wildlife management, forest management, or similar fields at a 2- or 4-year college can apply; financial need is considered. With a mission to support education and conservation careers, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation provides scholarships for students active in outdoor sports and committed to resource stewardship.

U.S. environmental nonprofits working on marine, coastal, or freshwater conservation and pollution issues, including those benefiting Iowa, can apply for Roy A. Hunt Foundation Environment Initiative Grants. The foundation awards US $25,000 - US $75,000 for multi-state or national projects involving clean water, toxics and waste reduction, climate and energy, education, outreach, and applied research.

The Doris Duke Foundation's Environment Program grants aim to foster a resilient environment through effective conservation efforts. By supporting U.S. nonprofit organizations, the foundation seeks to protect biodiversity, address climate change, and advance equity, particularly for marginalized communities. The program emphasizes land conservation, natural climate solutions, and inclusive practices, ensuring that conservation efforts benefit both wildlife and people. This initiative is pivotal for enhancing the health of ecosystems and communities across the United States.

The Fisheries Innovation Fund's Electronic Monitoring and Reporting Grant Program aims to enhance fisheries management through electronic technologies. Administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), this initiative will support U.S. fisheries in implementing electronic monitoring tools to improve data collection, accessibility, and management. The program is open to various fisheries, including commercial and recreational sectors, promoting sustainable practices and fostering stakeholder involvement for better fishery information systems.

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.

Graduate students conducting aquatic plant management research at accredited North American institutions can access funding for tuition, supplies, and research expenses, including work relevant to marine and freshwater conservation. Iowa marine and aquatic conservation researchers can apply through the Midwest Aquatic Plant Management Society for up to US $10,000 and must present results at the society’s annual conference.

The DARRP Restoration Implementation Grants aim to enhance marine and coastal habitat restoration through collaboration between NOAA and non-federal partners. These grants address oil spills and hazardous substance releases by supporting restoration activities authorized under various environmental laws. Eligible applicants will implement projects that promote sustainable fisheries, recover endangered species, and boost local economies. Through careful planning and evaluation, recipients will contribute to effective restoration strategies that align with NOAA's mission and the needs of coastal communities.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is issuing this announcement for various research and development topic areas. The ERDC consists of the Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL), the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), the Environmental Laboratory (EL) and the Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, New Hampshire, the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) in Champaign, Illinois, and the Geospatial Research Laboratory (GRL) in Alexandria, Virginia.

The ERDC is responsible for conducting research in the broad fields of hydraulics, dredging, coastal engineering, instrumentation, oceanography, remote sensing, geotechnical engineering, earthquake engineering, soil effects, vehicle mobility, self-contained munitions, military engineering, geophysics, pavements, protective structures, aquatic plants, water quality, dredged material, treatment of hazardous waste, wetlands, physical/mechanical/ chemical properties of snow and other frozen precipitation, infrastructure and environmental issues for installations, computer science, telecommunications management, energy, facilities maintenance, materials and structures, engineering processes, environmental processes, land and heritage conservation, and ecological processes.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Kelley Phillips Cox Legacy Scholarship

Awarded to Mid-Shore students, who are planning to pursue degrees in Environmental Science or Marine Biology

The Joseph S. Onisko, Jr. Environmental Sciences Scholarship, established in 2020 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports high school seniors from southern Beaufort County pursuing a degree in Environmental Sciences. This scholarship honors Joseph S. Onisko, Jr. and aims to assist students with outstanding achievements, a minimum GPA of 3.2, and a focus on marine sciences. The foundation has invested over $125 million to enhance the Lowcountry community.