Best Marine Grants in Colorado

The Cook Inlet Beluga Whale (CIBW) Prey and Salmon Productivity Monitoring project at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) aims to assess prey species composition critical for the endangered CIBW. This initiative will inform environmental management decisions, support compliance with the Endangered Species Act, and contribute to understanding factors affecting CIBW population recovery. The project spans 18 months, with potential follow-on periods, focusing on the ecological dynamics of salmon and other prey species in JBER waters.

Marine conservation and research organizations working on derelict fishing trap removal and prevention, including those in Colorado with relevant capacity, can apply for US $50,000 - US $200,000 projects under this nationwide program. Focused on marine debris and habitat restoration, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science TRAP network supports standardized data, impact assessment, mitigation, and data sharing.

Women divers studying journalism, media arts, photography, or related fields can receive $1,500 to advance ocean-focused storytelling and conservation media. Focused on marine and ocean conservation, Women Divers Hall of Fame invites students in degree programs in the U.S. or Canada to support tuition, workshops, or internships that benefit the ocean environment or community.

Researchers and small research teams conducting marine biology, oceanography, or ocean conservation projects can receive up to US $20,000 to work with Global Fishing Watch data. Focused on advancing ocean governance, Global Fishing Watch invites Colorado-based and global marine researchers to improve core technologies and apply open data to study human activity at sea.

Grants supporting marine and ocean-focused STEM outreach can help Colorado organizations and IEEE members engage pre-university students in ocean engineering, protection, and renewable ocean energy topics. Grants from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers fund events, programs, or resources in marine biology, oceanography, marine conservation, and STEM education, with awards up to US $5,000.

Colorado recent college graduates from historically marginalized groups interested in marine biology, ocean conservation, or clean energy careers can access funding and training through the Roger Arliner Young Fellowship. Environmental Leadership Program offers a two-year, full-time paid placement plus a US $1,000 professional development stipend to launch environmental careers in the U.S.

Graduate students in marine biology, marine conservation, or related fields interested in national ocean and Great Lakes policy can apply for a one-year paid policy fellowship in Washington, D.C. Wisconsin Sea Grant supports this National Sea Grant College Program opportunity, which is open to eligible U.S. graduate students in Colorado and nationwide.

Colorado 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. The Doyle Undergraduate Fellowship offers up to US $5,000 for hands-on projects in areas like fisheries, aquaculture, coastal conservation, and marine education, plus mentorship and professional development.

Graduate students in marine, coastal, or Great Lakes science and policy can access funding through Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship for a one-year, paid placement in Washington, D.C. Eligible U.S. citizens or permanent residents in accredited U.S. graduate programs, including those from Colorado, gain hands-on experience in federal marine policy offices.

Graduate students in marine conservation at North American universities can receive US $15,000 to support ongoing thesis research costs, including work relevant to Colorado-linked marine issues. American Fisheries Society provides this fellowship for AFS student members whose projects address marine biology, fisheries, or marine and ocean conservation topics.

Students pursuing natural resource–related college degrees and living in eligible northeastern Illinois counties can receive scholarship support for fields like ecology, hydrology, soils, and environmental stewardship. With a mission to support education, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides assistance that may benefit future marine and aquatic conservation professionals studying in or from Colorado and beyond.

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 policy, education, organizing, and legal efforts for endangered species and habitats, which may benefit Colorado projects focused on whales, marine ecosystems, and broader wildlife conservation.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship, a US $3,000 award from the American Water Works Association. Focused on actionable outcomes for current water industry challenges, Colorado students working in related fields such as hydrology or marine biology may benefit.

Colorado and other U.S. organizations conducting marine, coastal, climate, or atmospheric research and education can access funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Broad Agency Announcement. This opportunity may support marine and ocean conservation, coastal resilience, and related outreach projects that align with NOAA’s science, climate, and ecosystem priorities.

Agencies, municipalities, NGOs, and angling groups in Colorado managing small urban fishing lakes can receive support to pilot water quality technologies that improve fish habitat and recreation. Friends of Reservoirs’ TryMarine Grant tests treatments to reduce nutrients, algal blooms, and turbidity, stabilize dissolved oxygen, and generate case studies for broader application across the RFHP network.

Eligible Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship alumni in fields like marine biology, oceanography, ecology, and related disciplines can receive up to US $30,000 to spend a year completing their Ph.D. dissertations. Grants from Institute for Citizens & Scholars support doctoral candidates across the U.S., including Colorado-based scholars working in approved humanities, social sciences, and physical sciences fields.

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 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 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 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.

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.

Colorado marine and freshwater conservation organizations, public agencies, and accredited schools can seek support for water and biodiversity stewardship projects that conserve high-value habitats, increase water availability, or advance conservation science. Focused on ecosystem restoration and species protection, ConocoPhillips favors innovative, collaborative efforts near its Colorado operations with clear metrics and opportunities for employee or community engagement.

U.S. fisheries and related organizations seeking to modernize catch, effort, or compliance monitoring can apply for the Electronic Monitoring and Reporting Grant Program, with awards from US $200,000 - US $500,000. Focused on electronic technologies and data systems, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation support may benefit Colorado marine and fisheries conservation efforts.

U.S. nonprofit organizations working on land, freshwater, or marine conservation and climate resilience projects, including those impacting Colorado, can apply for Doris Duke Foundation’s Environment Program grants, which range from US $100,000 - US $1,000,000. Funding supports ecosystem conservation and restoration, natural climate solutions, and inclusive, equity-focused environmental stewardship, including work benefiting coastal and ocean habitats.

Environmental and conservation nonprofits in Colorado and across the U.S. can seek project grants of US $25,000 - US $75,000 for multi-state or national initiatives addressing climate and energy, toxics and waste, or clean water, including marine and coastal conservation. Roy A. Hunt Foundation funds project management, outreach, applied research, and innovations that influence private-sector environmental decisions.

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.

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