Best Marine Grants

The Aylesworth Scholarship Award, offered by the Florida Sea Grant, supports full-time students at Florida universities conducting marine science research. This career award provides approximately $2,500 each semester to eligible students, ensuring they receive financial assistance until they achieve their educational goals. Established in 1984 by Ralph and Kitty Aylesworth, the scholarship aims to foster scientific knowledge and sustainable management of marine resources, benefiting both the economy and the environment.

The Coastal Zone Management Grant Program, managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, supports projects that protect coastal resources in Pennsylvania's Delaware Estuary and Lake Erie. Open for applications from September 9, 2024, to October 21, 2024, the program promotes initiatives focused on coastal hazards, public access, and ecological preservation. Eligible applicants include local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofits. Grants help fund planning, construction, and research projects essential for sustaining coastal ecosystems and enhancing public access.

The NOAA Digital Coast and Coastal Management Fellowship offers postgraduate students hands-on experience in coastal resource management. Established in 1996 and expanded in 2012, the program matches candidates with state coastal management programs and Digital Coast partners. Each year, up to six fellows are placed in coastal programs, while three fellows are placed in partner organizations. The fellowship provides a competitive salary, benefits, and reimbursement for professional development and travel, aiming to strengthen the next generation of coastal managers.

The Maine Sea Grant Biennial Request for Proposals aims to fund diverse research projects that connect Maine's scientific expertise with the needs of coastal communities. Approximately $600,000 is available over two years, with a maximum of $200,000 per project. Proposals supporting the 2024-2027 strategic plan, engaging diverse partners, and addressing climate action strategies are encouraged. This initiative is open to various institutions and aims to enhance the state's support for underserved coastal communities.

The South Carolina Biennial Sea Grant Program, managed by the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, aims to enhance coastal conservation and sustainable development through research. With approximately $500,000 available annually for one- to two-year projects, grants typically range from $30,000 to $80,000. The program encourages collaboration among faculty from member institutions and supports initiatives that improve the social and economic well-being of coastal residents while conserving marine resources.

The Connecticut Sea Grant College Program (CTSG) Grant supports vital applied research, education, and outreach aimed at promoting healthy coastal and marine ecosystems in Connecticut and Long Island Sound. Projects with clear relevance to the region's marine and coastal resources are prioritized, ensuring that public benefits are maximized through sustainable practices and community engagement.

Monitoring and Synthesis to Inform Offshore Development and Marine Ecosystem Management in California: 2027 Request for Proposals

California's ocean waters are among the most closely monitored in the world, with numerous independent programs tracking biological and physical variables across a range of spatial and temporal scales. These programs support fisheries management, protected-species recovery, marine protected area management, and ecosystem assessment. Baseline monitoring data is critical as California’s offshore areas are being considered for offshore development, including for ocean energy. Such development introduces additional potential drivers of disturbance to the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME), and their potential effects on the surrounding environment will need to be considered.

The California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) and California Sea Grant College Program (CASG) are soliciting proposals for applied research that will strengthen the state's ability to detect and understand ecological change and disturbance in the CCLME as offshore development opportunities continue to be considered. This solicitation supports two complementary tracks to assess baseline conditions for current and/or future offshore development in California, including offshore energy: Track 1 addresses whether existing monitoring can detect disturbance against natural and/or climate-driven variability, and Track 2 supports the collection of targeted new field data where monitoring is absent or out of date. Proposals may combine elements of both tracks; hybrid proposals are evaluated on the same criteria as single-track proposals and receive no preference for combining tracks.

A total of $2,700,000 is available for funding: Ocean Protection Council will contribute $2,300,000 of state funds and California Sea Grant will contribute $400,000 of NOAA federal funds, contingent upon availability of funds from the Ocean Protection Council and NOAA. Total project budgets must be a minimum of $50,000 and may not exceed $750,000 (to include indirect costs, if any). It is anticipated that 3 to 5 projects will be awarded. The amount of funding requested should be appropriate for the scope of work proposed; this will be assessed in proposals as part of the evaluation criteria. 

The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.

The Doyle Undergraduate Fellowship, offered by New Hampshire Sea Grant, provides a unique opportunity for undergraduates to engage in marine resource projects while receiving mentorship and training. This paid fellowship supports students interested in marine-related research and education, with potential earnings of up to $5,000 over a 10-week summer period. By participating, fellows gain valuable insights into coastal and marine management, enhancing their skills and expanding their professional networks.

The Environmental Stewardship - Seed & Program Funding initiative by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation aims to foster conservation practices among youth in South Hampton Roads. It emphasizes education about local waterways and the effects of sea level rise, encouraging hands-on experiences and action plans for watershed preservation. By equipping students with knowledge and skills, the program seeks to enhance environmental stewardship and ensure a healthier future for the region's natural resources.

The Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for early career professionals to engage in marine and Great Lakes science and policy within the U.S. government. This one-year, paid fellowship encourages graduate students from accredited programs to explore impactful coastal resource issues. Interested applicants should connect with their local Sea Grant program or the National Sea Grant Office for guidance, especially if they are from Massachusetts, to ensure a competitive application.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection offers grants to combat aquatic invasive species, which threaten local ecosystems and economies. Funded by the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers, and Ponds Preservation Account, eligible applicants include state agencies, municipalities, and non-profits. Projects can focus on restoration, research, and public education regarding invasive species management. This initiative promotes the protection of Connecticut's natural water resources and biodiversity, ensuring sustainable environmental practices.

The Maine Sea Grant Program Development Funds support small research projects and proof-of-concept initiatives that align with Maine Sea Grant's strategic goals. Funding ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, with larger budgets requiring discussion beforehand. Eligible applicants include individuals from Maine-based academic, research, and for-profit entities. The program prioritizes projects that enhance research, education, and outreach efforts, while also allowing for conference support under specific conditions.

The Island Foundation offers Environment Grants to support projects in coastal regions of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, focusing on marine and coastal resource conservation. Priority is given to initiatives addressing climate change, promoting sustainable landscapes, and enhancing community health through environmental conservation. The Foundation encourages 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, with a preference for those engaged locally, to apply for funding that strengthens both ecological and community resilience.

The Steven Berkeley Marine Conservation Fellowship, established by the American Fisheries Society in 2007, honors a dedicated fisheries scientist. This $15,000 award supports graduate students engaged in thesis research on marine conservation topics. Applicants must be enrolled in a North American university's M.S. or Ph.D. program and be AFS members in good standing. The fellowship encourages innovative research addressing various conservation issues, not limited to fisheries.

About Us

Wisconsin Sea Grant is a statewide program of basic and applied research, education, outreach and technology transfer dedicated to the stewardship and sustainable use of the nation’s Great Lakes and ocean resources.

Headquartered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the institute is housed in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research’s Aquatic Sciences Center. (See our Water and Land Acknowledgement.) Wisconsin Sea Grant is part of a national network of 34 university-based programs funded through the National Sea Grant College Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce and through matching contributions from participating states and the private sector. 

John A. Knauss Marine (and Great Lakes) Policy Fellowship

The University of Wisconsin Sea Grant College Program is accepting applications from graduate students statewide for the National Sea Grant College Program’s John A. Knauss Marine (and Great Lakes) Policy Fellowship Program. The program, established in 1979, provides a unique educational experience to applicants who have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources. The program matches highly qualified graduate students with “hosts” in the legislative and executive branch of government located in the Washington, D.C. area, for a one year paid internship. Placement opportunities are numerous and very diverse and have typically included offices within Congress, the Executive Office of the President, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Departments of State, Treasury, Transportation, and Energy, in addition to others. Applicants from a variety of backgrounds including natural and social sciences, law, engineering, and communications can be competitive for this fellowship. Fellowships begin June 1, 2027.

The 2026 Alaska Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant Program seeks to enhance workforce development in marine-related professions and improve seafood safety and management. This initiative encourages projects that foster technological innovations in fishing practices and promote outreach on sustainability and quality of seafood. By strengthening partnerships among industry, researchers, and communities, the program aims to build a competitive and sustainable marine community in Alaska, with all projects required to be conducted within the state.

About Umeå University

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest institutions of research and higher education with over 37,000 students and 4,800 faculty and staff. We are characterised by world-leading research in several scientific fields and rank highly in international comparison. We are proud hosts of the transdisciplinary Arctic Center and are part of the University of the Arctic. Further, Umeå University is also the site of the pioneering discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 genetic scissors - a revolution in genetic engineering that has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

The Borealis UMF Fellowships

We invite applications from internationally competitive candidates to receive a research fellowship award of up to 200,000 SEK over two years to establish a novel research project on the topic of “Marine ecosystem resilience in a changing world”, to run until 2028.

The Fellow will have the opportunity to use the facilities at UMF which is located in Norrbyn just 40 km south of Umeå. UMF hosts world-class marine research infrastructure and platforms including a state-of-the-art mesocosm suite, extensive aquaria experimental halls, several research vessels capable of year-round fieldwork, and a scientific diving team.

A two-year award of SEK 100,000 per annum will be granted to the Fellows to support their research project at UMF. In addition, the Fellows will be supported by an early-career intern with overlapping interests. The Fellows may develop their own project or join an on-going project already running or planned at UMF.

Proposed costs might include:

• Use of UMF facilities (e.g. mesocosms, scientific diving, research vessels, winter hovercraft)
• Fieldwork travel & subsistence costs
• Laboratory consumables and sample analyses
• Conference participation

Other costs covered in addition to the Fellowship award

• Accommodation for the duration of the Fellow’s stay at UMF
• Office space at UMF
• Small boat use
• Aquarium experimental halls and wet labs
• Use of the UMF vehicles
• Full technical support for all facilities and infrastructure
• Research support from Borealis UMF Interns – competitively awarded in discussion with the Fellow, to assist with the proposed project for up to 3 months per annum

Mentorship and outputs

The Fellows and Interns will be appointed as Affiliated members of UMF and will benefit from access to all relevant UMF and Umeå University facilities, including the library. The Fellows and Intern will be appointed an on-site mentor to support project progression. and will be required to use their UMF affiliation address in any project outputs including publications, conference talks and outreach materials.

National Geographic Society: Request for Proposals

Award Overview

The National Geographic Society (NGS) is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for academic researchers and graduate students investigating topics related to geography education in select states and locations. Awards of up to $10,000 (for researchers) and $5,000 (for graduate students) are available to support research projects.

At NGS we spark curiosity, empower exploration, and inspire change. We fund inspiring changemakers around the world who use the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. 

We welcome submissions from researchers across disciplines but successful proposals must include research related to educational approaches or processes including but not limited to specific learning activities, learning outcomes, or educational tools that advance knowledge. Research that illuminates barriers and/or advances access for those farthest from opportunity is encouraged. 

Research proposals should generate new knowledge, and can either be new or scaled up versions of existing successful projects (e.g. evaluating a different group of learners or geographic area). 

The Marine Mammal Commission is inviting proposals aimed at developing innovative tools and methods for enhancing marine mammal stock assessments. This initiative focuses on creating cost-effective strategies to estimate population sizes and assess human-caused mortality. Applicants can be from within or outside the U.S., and projects must contribute to science-based management. The funding limit is set at $75,000, encouraging novel approaches to improve the reliability of critical data in marine conservation.

Historic Preservation - National Maritime Heritage Program for education and preservation projects

The Program provides funding for maritime heritage preservation and education projects designed to reach broad audiences and enhance public awareness and appreciation for the maritime heritage of the United States.

Project funds are disbursed from the Maritime Heritage Program directly to State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs), who make subgrants to applicants.

The Lizard Island Postdoctoral Fellowships, funded by the Lizard Island Reef Research Foundation, offer three awards for 2026. These fellowships are aimed at researchers with a PhD earned after October 2020, focusing on coral reef biology, ecology, and taxonomy. With a maximum funding of $20,900 per year, these fellowships support field research essential for scientific advancement and collaboration. Successful applicants are expected to make substantial contributions to marine science while adhering to strict eligibility criteria.

The Joseph and Elaine Malama Vierra Scholarship Fund, established in 2016, supports Hawaii residents pursuing degrees in conservation and environmental sciences. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and attend an accredited four-year institution. Preference is given to past recipients who continue to meet eligibility requirements. This fund encourages the study of vital fields, including Conservation Biology and Marine Sciences, contributing to the sustainability of Hawaii's natural resources.

Alaska Fish and Wildlife Fund

2027 Request for Proposals

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals to further conservation of species and habitats in Alaska. The Alaska Fish and Wildlife Fund (AFWF) invests in projects that achieve or substantially lead to measurable on-the-ground conservation outcomes and fill key information gaps through assessments and strategic monitoring that result in improved habitat or population management actions. The availability of federal funds estimated in this solicitation is contingent upon the federal appropriations process. Funding decisions will be made based on level of funding and timing of when it is received by NFWF.

Support for the AFWF is provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Grants may be awarded using one or more of these sources of funding.

The Artists, Writers and Scholars Program, funded by Georgia Sea Grant, supports creative individuals in Georgia to produce art and literature that highlights the state's coastal and marine environments. Grants of $1,000 to $5,000 will be awarded to enhance awareness and understanding of Georgia's rich history and culture. This initiative encourages applications from marginalized groups, fostering diversity and inclusion within the arts community.

The Holomua Marine Initiative Pāpio Grants, offered by the Hawai'i Community Foundation, aim to support projects that enhance community engagement and stewardship in Hawai’i's nearshore marine areas. With funding requests up to $10,000 USD for durations of 12 to 24 months, this initiative aligns with the Sustainable Hawaiʻi Initiative launched in 2016, focusing on the effective management of Hawaiʻi’s waters to ensure a healthy environment and economy.

The Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for graduate students interested in ocean and coastal policy. Funded by the National Sea Grant College Program, this one-year fellowship matches students with government hosts in Washington, D.C. The program is designed to enhance understanding of marine policy and resource management. Applications are due by February 19, 2025, with selection processes concluding by April 2, 2025. This program fosters professional growth and impactful engagement in marine policy.