Best Marine Grants in Wisconsin

Universities and research-focused organizations in Wisconsin and other coastal or Great Lakes states can receive US $75,000 from the National Sea Grant Law Center to study coastal resilience laws and policies. Projects may examine issues like sea level rise, flooding, storm surge, land use, or related environmental factors affecting marine and coastal communities.

Wisconsin marine conservation organizations working on derelict fishing gear removal and prevention can access funding through Virginia Institute of Marine Science for trap removal, assessment, and mitigation projects. Eligible projects focus on marine debris, habitat and ecosystem restoration, and fish conservation within the national TRAP Program network, with awards ranging from US $50,000 - US $200,000.

Women divers studying journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography in degree programs in the U.S. or Canada can receive US $1,500 to support tuition, workshops, or internships for ocean-focused storytelling. Women Divers Hall of Fame supports ocean-minded content creators whose work will benefit the marine environment or ocean community, which may include Wisconsin students.

Organizations and IEEE members running marine or ocean engineering STEM outreach for pre-university students, including those in Wisconsin, can seek funding for events, programs, or resources. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers supports marine biology, oceanography, and marine conservation education through the IEEE Oceanic Society Grant, offering up to US $5,000 in multiple awards.

Researchers and small research teams working on marine biology, oceanography, or ocean conservation can receive up to US $20,000 to use Global Fishing Watch data for ocean governance research, including in Wisconsin. Focused on open-ocean monitoring, Global Fishing Watch invites projects that improve core technologies and publicly share insights on human activity at sea.

Emerging leaders of color interested in marine biology, ocean conservation, or clean energy careers in the U.S., including Wisconsin, can access a two-year paid fellowship plus a US $1,000 professional development stipend. Environmental Leadership Program places RAY Fellows with host organizations to gain first-time professional experience, mentoring, and career pathways in environmental fields.

Students pursuing natural resource–related college degrees in northeastern Illinois can receive scholarship support for studies such as marine biology, hydrology, ecology, and conservation. Focused on higher education in fields tied to environmental stewardship, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois program may benefit those interested in marine and water-focused careers beyond Wisconsin.

Undergraduate students interested in marine and coastal conservation can receive paid summer research and extension experience, earning up to US $5,000, through this fellowship in New Hampshire. New Hampshire Sea Grant supports hands-on projects in fisheries, aquaculture, coastal ecosystems, and marine education; Wisconsin students enrolled at U.S. colleges may be eligible to apply.

Graduate students and early career professionals in marine, coastal, or Great Lakes science policy can apply for a one-year, paid policy fellowship in Washington, D.C., open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Knauss Fellowship may benefit Wisconsin marine-focused students enrolled in accredited U.S. graduate programs.

Graduate students interested in marine biology, ocean conservation, and policy can pursue a year-long paid policy fellowship in Washington, D.C., working on ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes issues. Grants from Wisconsin Sea Grant help Wisconsin marine-focused graduate students gain placement with federal legislative or executive branch hosts through the John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship.

Graduate students at North American universities conducting thesis research in marine conservation can receive US $15,000 to support ongoing research costs. Focused on marine ecology, conservation biology, and fisheries science, the American Fisheries Society fellowship may benefit Wisconsin-based marine biology and ocean conservation researchers who are or become AFS members in good standing.

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.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations working on wildlife and marine conservation, including in Wisconsin, can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare funding to support policy, advocacy, and Indigenous wildlife management efforts. Grants back systemic, solution-oriented work for threatened and endangered species, including whales, pollinators, birds, wolves, and sanctuaries caring for great apes.

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 Wisconsin, can seek large-scale project support from the Doris Duke Foundation, with awards ranging from US $100,000 - US $1,000,000. Grants from Doris Duke Foundation help advance habitat restoration, natural climate solutions, and inclusive, equity-focused conservation efforts nationwide.

Nonprofit organizations working on marine and freshwater conservation, pollution, or climate-related environmental initiatives in Wisconsin and across the U.S. can seek 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-oriented innovations that protect water resources and broader ecosystems.

Nonprofits and educational or scientific organizations working on marine and freshwater conservation or recreational boating projects in Wisconsin can seek support for Great Lakes cruising areas. Great Lakes Foundation provides Wisconsin marine groups with funding for safety education, environmental protection, research, and projects like breakwaters, dredging, and other efforts that enhance appreciation of the Great Lakes.

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 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.

Agencies, municipalities, NGOs, and angling groups improving fish habitat in small urban lakes in Wisconsin can apply for Friends of Reservoirs’ TryMarine Grant to pilot water quality treatment technologies. This opportunity supports nutrient reduction, clearer water, and better sportfish conditions, and may benefit marine and aquatic conservation programs with community-based fisheries work.

U.S. research institutions and other organizations seeking support for marine, coastal, climate, or atmospheric research and education projects, including work relevant to Wisconsin, may be eligible for this broad agency announcement. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration invites proposals for innovative research, education, outreach, or sponsorships not covered by its other competitive discretionary programs.

Graduate students in marine biology, oceanography, ecology, or related fields 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. This national program includes candidates in Wisconsin whose work advances marine and ocean-focused scholarship.

Wisconsin graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through the American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. This US $3,000 award supports research that delivers actionable, timely outcomes for current water industry challenges, which may benefit programs connected to aquatic and marine-related environmental issues.

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.

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.