Best Marine Grants in Michigan

Universities and research teams studying marine conservation, climate resilience, or environmental policy in coastal and Great Lakes states, including Michigan, can seek funding for legal and policy research on coastal resilience. Focused on laws and policies addressing sea level rise, flooding, storms, and land use, the National Sea Grant Law Center offers US $75,000 for two-year projects.

Michigan marine and freshwater conservation groups, boating organizations, and educational or research institutions can access funding through the Great Lakes Foundation for projects that preserve wilderness cruising areas and promote safe, informed cruising. Eligible work includes marine safety education, environmental protection, and research that enhances appreciation and stewardship of the Great Lakes region.

Marine and coastal organizations working on derelict fishing gear removal and prevention, including those in Michigan, can apply for US $50,000 - US $200,000 through the Nationwide Fishing TRAP Program. Focused on marine debris, habitat restoration, and fish conservation, Virginia Institute of Marine Science supports standardized data, impact assessment, and data sharing across U.S. waters and territories.

Women divers studying journalism, media arts, photography, or related design fields can receive funding to advance ocean-minded storytelling and marine conservation work, including in Michigan. Focused on marine and ocean conservation, Women Divers Hall of Fame offers a US $1,500 scholarship for tuition, workshops, or internships in U.S. or Canadian degree programs.

Researchers and small research teams conducting marine biology, oceanography, or marine conservation projects using Global Fishing Watch data can apply for this international program, including those based in Michigan. Focused on advancing ocean governance, Global Fishing Watch invites projects that enhance core technologies, publicly share data on human activity at sea, and strengthen its global research network, with awards up to US $20,000.

Grants from Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers help Michigan organizations and IEEE members run marine-focused STEM outreach, including ocean engineering and conservation education for pre-university students. Eligible projects may address ocean protection, renewable ocean energy, or coral reef protection, with awards up to US $5,000 through the IEEE Oceanic Society Grant program.

Michigan early-career graduates of color interested in marine biology, oceanography, or marine conservation can access funding and paid fellowships through the Environmental Leadership Program’s RAY Fellowship. This two-year, full-time U.S.-based placement includes a $1,000 professional development stipend and mentoring to launch careers in conservation and clean energy NGOs and agencies.

Students in Michigan pursuing full-time college studies in natural resource fields, including marine biology and marine conservation, may be eligible for scholarship support. With a mission to support higher education in environmental and natural resource disciplines, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides academic scholarships that can help future marine and aquatic professionals advance their degrees.

Undergraduate students interested in marine, coastal, or estuarine systems can access funding through New Hampshire Sea Grant’s Doyle Undergraduate Fellowship for paid summer research, extension, education, or communications projects. Fellows across the U.S., including Michigan students, may receive up to US $5,000 over 10 weeks while gaining mentorship, professional development, and marine workforce experience.

Graduate students in marine, coastal, or Great Lakes science and policy can access funding through Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for a one-year Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship in Washington, D.C. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or dual nationals enrolled in accredited U.S. graduate programs with interests in marine and Great Lakes policy.

Graduate students interested in marine, coastal, or Great Lakes policy can apply for a one-year paid policy fellowship in Washington, D.C., working with federal agencies or congressional offices. Wisconsin Sea Grant supports marine biology and marine conservation in Michigan and nationwide through the John A. Knauss Marine (and Great Lakes) Policy Fellowship program.

Graduate students in marine conservation at North American universities can receive US $15,000 to support ongoing thesis research costs, including work relevant to Michigan’s marine and aquatic ecosystems. American Fisheries Society provides this fellowship for student members whose projects advance marine biology, fisheries, or broader marine and ocean conservation topics.

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 Park Foundation Grants for Animal Welfare focus on advancing the protection and conservation of wildlife, particularly through policy and advocacy efforts for threatened species. The foundation supports innovative, solution-oriented models that foster systemic change and compassion. Key areas include organizing for endangered wildlife, indigenous management practices, and supporting sanctuaries for great apes. Additionally, the foundation is committed to local efforts, including support for the Tompkins County SPCA, ensuring a compassionate society for all living beings.

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.

U.S. nonprofit organizations working on land, freshwater, or marine conservation and climate resilience, including in Michigan, can apply for Doris Duke Foundation’s Environment Program grants, awarding US $100,000 - US $1,000,000 for large-scale projects. Funding supports habitat conservation and restoration, natural climate solutions, and inclusive, equity-focused environmental stewardship benefiting wildlife and communities.

Nonprofit organizations working on U.S. marine and freshwater conservation, climate and energy, or toxics and waste initiatives can receive US $25,000 - US $75,000 for multi-state or national projects. Roy A. Hunt Foundation supports efforts such as applied research, education, outreach, and policy-relevant innovations, which may benefit Michigan groups focused on marine and coastal ecosystems.

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.

Michigan graduate students and independent researchers working on aquatic plant management and related environmental conservation can access funding through the Midwest Aquatic Plant Management Society, with awards up to US $10,000. Projects on aquatic plant ecology, biology, or control methods that support sustainable aquatic ecosystems may be eligible, including work connected to marine and freshwater conservation.

Agencies, municipalities, NGOs, and angling groups in Michigan with small urban fishing lakes can apply for Friends of Reservoirs’ TryMarine Grant to pilot water quality treatment technologies and improve fish habitat. This initiative supports nutrient reduction, clearer water, more stable dissolved oxygen, and community-based fisheries enhancement in publicly accessible, recreation-focused lakes.

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.

Doctoral candidates who are Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship alumni working in eligible humanities, social science, or physical science fields, including marine and ocean sciences, can receive up to US $30,000 to complete their dissertations. Grants from Institute for Citizens & Scholars support a 12‑month writing period for MMUF scholars in Michigan and nationwide.

Michigan marine and coastal research organizations can access funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for education, outreach, and innovative projects in areas like ocean conservation, coastal resilience, and climate science. Eligible projects may involve atmospheric sciences, climatology, marine ecosystems, or coastal conservation within the broader U.S. context.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 in scholarship support from the American Water Works Association. Focused on actionable research for current water industry challenges, this award may benefit students in Michigan whose work intersects marine, freshwater, or related environmental topics.

The Turtle Trackers - Linda Zambelli Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2025 by the Turtle Trackers Board, honors Linda Zambelli's legacy through scholarships for students pursuing higher education in Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences. This initiative supports high school seniors from Beaufort and Jasper Counties, ensuring they have opportunities to excel academically while fostering a commitment to marine conservation. The fund is managed by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, which has invested over $125 million in local communities.

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.