Best Marine Grants in North Dakota

Women divers studying journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography can receive $1,500 to support marine and ocean conservation-focused education or training, including tuition, workshops, or internships. Focused on marine and ocean conservation, Women Divers Hall of Fame invites eligible students in the U.S. and Canada, including those from North Dakota, who aim to serve the ocean environment or community.

Organizations conducting marine debris and trap-removal projects can apply for funding through the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in North Dakota and other eligible U.S. jurisdictions. Focused on marine conservation, this program supports 18‑month projects addressing derelict fishing traps, including data collection, impact assessment, prevention, and comprehensive data sharing, with awards ranging from US $50,000 - US $200,000.

Recent U.S.-based college graduates from historically marginalized groups interested in marine biology, ocean conservation, or clean energy can access funding and paid fellowships through the Environmental Leadership Program. North Dakota applicants may be eligible for the two-year RAY Fellowship, which offers full-time entry-level positions plus a US $1,000 professional development stipend.

Marine researchers and small research teams in North Dakota and worldwide can receive funding to use Global Fishing Watch data for ocean governance and open-ocean studies. Focused on marine biology, oceanography, and marine conservation, Global Fishing Watch invites projects that improve core technologies and publicly share insights on human activity at sea.

Grants from Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers help North Dakota organizations and IEEE members fund marine-focused STEM outreach, including ocean engineering, protection, and renewable ocean energy education. Eligible applicants can receive up to US $5,000 to run events, programs, or develop resources that introduce pre-university students to oceanography, marine biology, and marine conservation topics.

North Dakota 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 working on coastal, marine, and Great Lakes science and environmental policy at the federal level.

Undergraduate students interested in marine, coastal, or estuarine systems can access funding through a paid Doyle Undergraduate Fellowship supporting marine research-to-extension, education, and communications projects, including students from North Dakota. New Hampshire Sea Grant offers up to US $5,000 for a 10-week summer placement with hands-on training, mentorship, and professional development.

Graduate students in marine conservation at North American universities can receive US $15,000 to support ongoing thesis research costs, including work relevant to North Dakota waters. American Fisheries Society provides this fellowship for M.S. and Ph.D. candidates who are AFS members and studying topics in marine biology, fisheries, or marine/ocean conservation.

Students pursuing natural resource–related college degrees in North Dakota can receive scholarship support for fields like ecology, hydrology, soil science, and environmental stewardship. With a mission to support higher education in conservation fields, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides the Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship for residents of select Illinois counties attending accredited two- or four-year institutions.

Graduate students interested in marine, coastal, and Great Lakes policy can apply for a one-year paid policy fellowship supporting work on ocean and Great Lakes resources in North Dakota and nationwide. Wisconsin Sea Grant’s John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship places selected fellows in federal legislative or executive branch offices in Washington, D.C. for hands-on policy experience.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 for impactful, industry-relevant projects through the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. Focused on water-related research, American Water Works Association invites students, including those in North Dakota and working in marine or aquatic contexts, to apply.

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. Nationally focused projects that address marine species, whales, or related habitats may be eligible, including work benefiting North Dakota audiences or advancing broader marine conservation goals.

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 finishing their dissertation. Grants from Institute for Citizens & Scholars support scholars in the U.S., including North Dakota, whose research may involve marine biology, oceanography, or related topics.

North Dakota marine and coastal research organizations can access funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for education, outreach, and innovative projects in atmospheric sciences, climatology, marine conservation, and climate resilience. Eligible projects may include marine biology, oceanography, and coastal conservation efforts that support NOAA’s mission and broader U.S. marine and climate priorities.

Agencies, municipalities, NGOs, and angling groups in North Dakota managing small urban fishing lakes can receive support to pilot water quality technologies that improve fish habitat and recreation. Friends of Reservoirs provides opportunities to test TryMarine and Oase systems in 1–3 acre public lakes with nutrient-related water quality problems, benefiting freshwater conservation efforts.

Environmental nonprofits working on multi-state or national marine and freshwater conservation efforts that include North Dakota can seek US $25,000 - US $75,000 for systems-level projects. The Roy A. Hunt Foundation funds initiatives on clean water, marine and ocean conservation, pollution reduction, and related education, research, and policy-oriented innovations in the U.S.

U.S. nonprofit organizations working on land, freshwater, or marine conservation and climate resilience, including those serving North Dakota, can apply for Doris Duke Foundation Environment Program grants, awarding US $100,000 - US $1,000,000 for large-scale conservation initiatives. Funding supports habitat protection, natural climate solutions, and inclusive, equity-focused environmental stewardship, especially benefiting BIPOC and low-income communities.

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.

U.S. fisheries and related partners seeking to modernize electronic monitoring, reporting, and data systems can apply for grants of US $200,000 - US $500,000 from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Focused on fisheries data innovation, this program could support marine conservation and monitoring efforts for organizations working in or from North Dakota.

Marine and freshwater conservation organizations in North Dakota can seek funding for projects that protect high-biodiversity habitats, increase water availability, or advance water and biodiversity science. Focused on water and biodiversity stewardship, ConocoPhillips favors innovative, collaborative efforts near its operations that engage communities and track clear conservation outcomes.

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.

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 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.