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Search Through Marine Grants

Q: What strategies can nonprofits use to improve their success rate for Marine grants?

To improve grant success, nonprofits should: Align with marine conservation priorities – Tailor proposals to match current marine conservation goals and focus areas. Demonstrate Environmental Impact – Provide data-driven results to show the positive effects of their project on the marine environment. Build Strategic Partnerships – Collaborate with scientists, policymakers, and local fishing communities to strengthen their proposals and enhance credibility. Develop a Compelling Narrative – Use real stories and case studies to highlight the significance and potential of your marine conservation project. Not sure how much to request in a grant application? Learn how to calculate the right amount with our grant request sizing guide.

Find marine grants for ocean conservation, habitat restoration, marine biology research, and coastal resilience

61 grants

$28M total

$125K median

61
Available grants

$28M
Total funding amount

$125K
Median grant amount

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Last updated: May 4, 2026. Next update: June 7, 2026.

Rolling deadline

US $40,000 - US $150,000

The 11th Hour Racing Grant supports initiatives aimed at restoring ocean health through local stewardship and sustainable practices. It focuses on projects that promote ocean literacy, clean technologies, and ecosystem restoration. Grants are available for organizations addressing climate change's impact on marine environments, with an emphasis on collaboration, measurable outcomes, and replicable solutions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and international entities, though projects must avoid political advocacy and general funding.

Rolling deadline

US $5,000 - US $75,000

The Comis Foundation Grant aims to provide equitable opportunities for children to thrive through education and community engagement. It supports innovative programs that enhance educational outcomes, focusing on areas such as capacity building and pilot projects. With funding ranging from $5,000 to $75,000, the foundation prioritizes nonprofit organizations that foster inclusive environments. By emphasizing trust and collaboration, Comis Foundation strives to create lasting impacts in the communities it serves.

Rolling deadline

Unspecified amount in in-kind support

The DISCOVERY Yacht Expedition Grant Program, managed by the International SeaKeepers Society, invites marine scientists to submit research proposals for expeditions on private vessels. This initiative promotes ocean research, education, and conservation through high-impact projects. Each proposal must demonstrate scientific significance and outline participant roles. A Principal Investigator is required to secure necessary permits, ensuring a collaborative and impactful research experience at sea.

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Rolling deadline

US $25,000 - US $1,200,000

The Infrastructure Capacity for Biological Research Program, supported by the National Science Foundation, aims to enhance research capabilities across various biological disciplines. This program encourages proposals for developing and improving research tools and services in areas such as Cyberinfrastructure and Biological Collections. It also welcomes planning activities to foster collaboration among researchers. Projects must ensure broad accessibility and significant scientific outcomes for the wider research community.

Rolling deadline

Unspecified amount

The Marine Geology and Geophysics Core Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, supports innovative research in oceanic geology and geophysics. It encompasses studies on ocean basin structures, paleoclimate changes, submarine volcanology, and marine geohazards. The program aims to foster cutting-edge projects that involve fieldwork, analytical methods, and data synthesis, encouraging cross-program collaboration within NSF's Geosciences division. Proposals should seek guidance for inter-program submissions.

Rolling deadline

US $10,000 - US $40,000

The Munson Foundation Grant focuses on marine resource conservation in eastern North America and the Caribbean, emphasizing sustainable practices in fisheries. With an annual budget of approximately $1.2 million, grants typically range from $10,000 to $40,000, supporting projects in South Florida and Alabama. Eligibility includes a 1:1 matching requirement and confirmation of board member contributions. The foundation prioritizes organizations dedicated to preserving vital ecosystems and addressing environmental issues.

Rolling deadline

Up to US $9,000,000

The Ocean Drilling Grant, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), facilitates research in marine geosciences through the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP). Proposals for pre- and post-expedition studies are accepted, particularly during the expedition moratorium period. This grant aims to enhance scientific understanding of climate and geological processes through innovative drilling techniques and collaborative international efforts, ensuring the scientific community has access to valuable data and research outcomes.

Rolling deadline

Up to US $20,000

The Rapid Ocean Conservation (ROC) Grant, initiated by the Waitt Foundation, offers swift funding for innovative solutions to conservation challenges affecting island nations. This program prioritizes projects that support sustainable fishing and marine protection, emphasizing scientific research, policy advocacy, management, and communication efforts. ROC Grants are especially aimed at local NGOs and projects aligned with Blue Prosperity Coalition partnerships, ensuring impactful conservation initiatives with a focus on urgent needs in marine ecosystems.

Rolling deadline

Unspecified amount

The Saw Island Foundation provides Social Change, Faith-Based, and Special Grants to nonprofit organizations focused on community betterment. They support initiatives that enhance economic security and promote Christian education. While active engagement is primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, they welcome extraordinary projects aligned with their mission. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. The foundation does not fund individual grants, political activities, or lobbying efforts.

Letter of inquiry due Jun 1, 2026

Up to US $75,000

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's Creating Equitable Pathways to STEM Graduate Education initiative aims to foster partnerships between Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and graduate programs. By addressing barriers in graduate education, the initiative seeks to promote equitable learning environments. Planning grants will support collaborations that assess needs and develop systemic changes to enhance pathways for students in STEM fields, ensuring that all students can thrive in their academic pursuits.

Applications due Jun 1, 2026

Up to US $5,000

The Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF) supports critical research and conservation projects for endangered tortoises and freshwater turtles. With funding between $1,000 to $5,000, TCF prioritizes projects addressing species listed as Critically Endangered or Endangered by the IUCN. Smaller seed grants of up to $1,000 are also available for pilot initiatives. TCF aims to foster survival and recovery of these species through targeted funding and strategic partnerships.

Applications due Jul 1, 2026

Up to US $250,000

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's initiative, "Creating Equitable Pathways to STEM Graduate Education: Seed," aims to enhance graduate education access for students from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). The program provides grants of up to $500,000 to foster partnerships between MSIs and various higher education institutions. Projects should focus on overcoming barriers to success in graduate studies, including recruitment and admission processes, thereby promoting equitable learning environments in STEM fields.

Applications due Jul 1, 2026

Unspecified amount

The KM Shimano Family Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the world through education, engagement, and conservation, with a particular focus on marine environments. Our initiatives include supporting organizations engaged in marine animal rescue, research, conservation, and education, as well as promoting water conservation, especially in saltwater and brackish ecosystems. Through our contributions, we aim to foster a healthier oceanic ecosystem and raise awareness about marine life challenges.

Letter of inquiry due Jul 8, 2026

Approximately US $10,000

The Animal Protection Program Grants, offered by the Summerlee Foundation, aim to support organizations focused on rescuing and advocating for animals. With a strong emphasis on sterilization and vaccination in underserved communities in the Americas, these grants prioritize projects that address the root causes of animal suffering. The foundation has contributed over $65 million to various initiatives, ensuring that the most overlooked animals receive the help they need. Applications open December 1, 2025.

Full proposal due Jul 16, 2026

Unspecified amount

The Marisla Foundation's Environmental Grant Program focuses on promoting biological diversity and sustainable ecosystem management. Established in 1986, it supports 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental entities in addressing environmental health issues caused by toxic chemicals. The program also encourages international projects through donor-advised fund partners. However, it does not fund individuals or political activities and limits applications from any one organization to one per year, with indirect costs capped at 15%.

Applications due Jul 16, 2026

Up to US $40,000

The FY 2026 Ocean Technology Transition Program, led by the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®), aims to enhance ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes observational capabilities. By investing in the transition of innovative technologies from research to operational status, IOOS seeks to address pressing challenges in data management and product development. The program targets mature technologies with demonstrated customer commitment, ensuring effective integration and long-term use in monitoring environmental conditions.

Letter of inquiry due Aug 2, 2026

US $10,000 - US $30,000

The Weeden Foundation Grant supports biodiversity conservation initiatives worldwide. It prioritizes projects that protect endangered species, restore habitats, and promote sustainable practices. The foundation funds 501(c)(3) organizations or their international equivalents, focusing on areas such as bird conservation, marine wildlife protection, and systemic support for environmental policies. Applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry four weeks before the application deadline, and the foundation does not fund multi-year grants or projects outside its focus areas.

Applications due Aug 17, 2026

Unspecified amount

The Biological Oceanography Program, supported by the National Science Foundation, promotes essential research in biological oceanography and marine ecology across diverse environments, including estuarine and deep-sea ecosystems. Proposals should focus on population, community, or ecosystem ecology, contributing significantly to marine or Great Lakes ecosystem understanding. This program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and co-funding opportunities with various NSF divisions. For more information, visit the NSF website.

Applications due Aug 21, 2026

US $50,000 - US $1,000,000

The Pacific Seabird Program RFP, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, invites proposals aimed at enhancing seabird conservation from 2022 to 2027. This initiative seeks to address the threats faced by at-risk seabird species through habitat restoration, invasive species management, and reducing bycatch in fisheries. Projects within four specific Pacific regions are eligible, focusing on long-term resilience and population recovery for these vital species.

Applications due Sep 1, 2026

Up to US $10,000

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.

Applications due Sep 1, 2026

£100,000 - £150,000

The Environment - Marine Focus Area Grant, offered by the Waterloo Foundation, focuses on supporting projects that mitigate the negative impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems. This grant prioritizes initiatives that aim to halt the decline of fish stocks in developing countries and promote sustainable fisheries management in Wales. Eligible applicants include UK-based charities, and the foundation encourages proposals that demonstrate measurable outcomes and sustainable practices.

Applications due Oct 1, 2026

Unspecified amount

The FY 2024 - 2026 Broad Agency Announcement by NOAA aims to promote innovative research, education, and outreach projects that are not covered by competitive programs. It emphasizes collaboration across sectors to enhance ocean exploration and understanding. Funding is subject to available appropriations, and applicants should be aware that no funds have been allocated yet. The initiative seeks to protect ocean health and sustainably manage marine resources while bolstering the national economy.

Applications due Oct 1, 2026

Unspecified amount

The FY 2024 - 2026 Broad Agency Announcement by NOAA seeks innovative research and outreach projects that enhance marine and coastal ecosystem viability. This funding opportunity is contingent on appropriations and does not guarantee specific awards or project funding. NOAA emphasizes collaboration with federal, state, and local partners to remain adaptive in addressing climate change and providing vital weather and water services, ensuring ongoing improvement in their information and services.

Applications due Oct 1, 2026

Unspecified amount

The FY 2024 - 2026 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) by the National Marine Fisheries Service invites applications for special projects that align with NOAA Fisheries' strategic goals. This announcement provides essential guidelines for the public on application selection and federal assistance administration. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, emphasizing readiness and alignment with NOAA's mission to enhance marine resource management.

Pre proposal due Oct 1, 2026

Up to €80,000

Pure Ocean invites innovative projects focused on marine conservation through its 2025 Call for Projects. This initiative emphasizes sustainable practices, engaging local communities, and exploring nature-based solutions. It seeks to address critical themes such as marine pollution, biodiversity protection, and ecosystem resilience amid climate change. By supporting scientific research and public awareness efforts, Pure Ocean aims to safeguard fragile marine ecosystems and inspire collaborative action for a healthier ocean.

Applications due Nov 16, 2026

Up to US $3,000

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation offers a Travel Award Supplement aimed at supporting Ph.D. students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty. This funding of up to $3,000 enables trainees to participate in off-site workshops or training programs to enhance their research skills. Eligible applicants must be active researchers in CF projects, with a minimum of one year of experience. The program excludes conference attendance and for-profit entities, ensuring focused support for advancing cystic fibrosis research.

Applications due Apr 1, 2027

US $50,000 - US $200,000

The Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program aims to eliminate derelict fishing traps nationwide. Focused on collaboration, it emphasizes standardized data collection, quantifying impacts, and comprehensive data sharing. With an annual budget of up to $1,475,000, the program supports 6 to 15 projects, providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for 18-month initiatives. This effort significantly enhances marine resource conservation by reducing bycatch mortality and removing abandoned traps.

Showing 27 of 61 results.

Marine Grants Highlights

Marine grants provide funding to support ocean conservation, sustainable fisheries, and marine research initiatives. The following grants help nonprofits protect marine ecosystems, combat pollution, and promote sustainable practices for ocean health.

Search Instrumentl's Marine Grants Database

Find 61 funding opportunities for marine-focused initiatives, with $28M available. Instrumentl supports organizations with grant-matching tools, deadline reminders, and funder research to advance marine conservation efforts.

Last updated: May 4, 2026. Next update: June 7, 2026.

Top Searched Marine Grants

Marine Grants from Private Funders

Marine Grants over $20k

Marine Grants for Projects & Programs

Marine Grants from Government Funders

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of nonprofits can qualify for Marine grants?

Nonprofits, research institutions, conservation organizations, and government agencies focused on marine conservation, oceanography, and sustainable fisheries are eligible to apply. Many grants also support climate resilience and coastal restoration efforts.

Marine grants generally have the highest concentration of deadlines in Q2, with 30.6% of grant deadlines falling in this period. If you're planning to apply, consider prioritizing your applications around this time to maximize opportunities. Conversely, the least active period for grants in this category is Q1.

Why are Marine grants offered, and what do they aim to achieve?

Marine grants fund projects that promote ocean conservation, sustainable fishing practices, marine biodiversity protection, and climate change adaptation. Funders seek to advance marine research and protect aquatic ecosystems.

On average, grants that support marine life and related research provide funding between $1,000 and $11,250,000, with typical awards falling around $125,000 (median) and $621,979 (average). These insights can help nonprofits align their funding requests with what grantmakers typically offer in this space.

Who typically funds Marine grants?

Organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Pew Charitable Trusts, and marine-focused private foundations provide Marine grants.

State and local governments also provide funding for marine biology research, and ocean and coastal conservation. Some corporate funders like Restore America’s Estuaries also offer fundings through their National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program.

What strategies can nonprofits use to improve their success rate for Marine grants?

To improve grant success, nonprofits should:

Align with marine conservation priorities – Tailor proposals to match current marine conservation goals and focus areas.
Demonstrate Environmental Impact – Provide data-driven results to show the positive effects of their project on the marine environment.
Build Strategic Partnerships – Collaborate with scientists, policymakers, and local fishing communities to strengthen their proposals and enhance credibility.
Develop a Compelling Narrative – Use real stories and case studies to highlight the significance and potential of your marine conservation project.

Not sure how much to request in a grant application? Learn how to calculate the right amount with our grant request sizing guide.

How can Instrumentl simplify the grant application process for Marine grants?

Instrumentl makes it easier for marine researchers and conservation groups to find and apply for grants. It helps them discover the right funding opportunities, keep track of deadlines, and understand what funders are looking for. This way, organizations can manage their applications more efficiently and focus on protecting our oceans. Discover how the University of Illinois centralized grant information to make work more collaborative and efficient.