Best Marine Grants in Colorado

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant supports the recovery and care of sick or injured marine mammals through federal assistance to the U.S. National Marine Mammal Stranding and Entanglement Response Networks. Eligible applicants must provide a Prescott Letter of Eligibility, confirming their participation in the network. This program aims to enhance marine mammal health monitoring and response capabilities across the country, ensuring timely and effective interventions for stranded marine life.

The F26AS00023 FY2026 Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Grant Program offers crucial financial support for marine mammal rescue efforts. This initiative aims to assist eligible participants in the recovery and treatment of stranded marine mammals, provide emergency response to stranding events, and enhance scientific research on marine mammal health. The program prioritizes applications that effectively address species-specific needs and bolster the capacity of stranding networks, ensuring the welfare of marine wildlife under the management of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The FY 2027-2028 NESDIS Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) invites innovative research, education, and outreach projects that support NOAA's mission without directly benefiting the agency. With funding contingent on appropriations, applicants are notified that funds are not yet available. This announcement also emphasizes the importance of environmental and cultural resource stewardship, enabling informed decision-making for public lands and trust resources, while ensuring NOAA remains responsive to changes in our natural systems.

The FY 2027 - 2029 Broad Agency Announcement by NOAA seeks proposals for innovative research and projects through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) program. This initiative connects federal agencies with diverse partners to address ecological challenges. It encourages efforts that enhance understanding of weather and environmental systems while ensuring the conservation of marine resources. Funding is contingent on appropriations, and applications are subject to an administrative review process.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.