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Best Marine Grants

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

196

Available grants

$82.5M

Total funding

$20K

Median grant

196 grants
$82.5M total
$20K median

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196 Results based on applied filters

DDCF: Environment Program Grants

Doris Duke Foundation Inc.
Private
United States
US $100,000 - US $1,000,000
The Doris Duke Foundation's Environment Program grants aim to foster a resilient environment through effective conservation efforts. By supporting U.S. nonprofit organizations, the foundation seeks to protect biodiversity, address climate change, and advance equity, particularly for marginalized communities. The program emphasizes land conservation, natural climate solutions, and inclusive practices, ensuring that conservation efforts benefit both wildlife and people. This initiative is pivotal for enhancing the health of ecosystems and communities across the United States.
Environmental Stewardship Climate Change Resilience & Equity Land / Habitat Conservation +6 more

Fisheries Innovation Fund: Electronic Monitoring and Reporting Grant Program

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
Private
United States
US $200,000 - US $500,000
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.
Fisheries Data Science & Digital Information Systems Marine / Ocean Conservation +1 more

Puget Sound Stewardship and Mitigation Fund Grant

Rose Foundation For Communities And The Environment
Private
Island County, Washington, King County, Washington +8 more
Up to US $40,000
The Puget Sound Stewardship and Mitigation Fund Grant aims to enhance water quality in Puget Sound through community-based projects. Funded by the Rose Foundation, the grant supports 501(c)3 organizations and governmental entities focusing on pollution mitigation, conservation, and education. Grants typically span one year with a maximum of $40,000. The foundation prefers locally-led initiatives and encourages applications from environmental justice organizations to foster equity in project implementation.
Green Infrastructure Water Resource Management Marine / Ocean Conservation +3 more

CBT: Youth Environmental Education Grant Program

Chesapeake Bay Trust
Private
Maryland
Up to US $10,000
The CBT Youth Environmental Education Grant Program aims to enhance youth engagement in environmental education in Maryland and surrounding areas. This program funds projects that allow students to explore local environmental issues through hands-on research, leading to actionable solutions. Grants support various initiatives, including outdoor investigations and educator training, with funds available up to $10,000 for selected projects. This initiative seeks to foster sustainable practices and environmental stewardship among young learners.
Freshwater Conservation Marine / Ocean Conservation Environmental Education +1 more

The Huntington: Short-Term Awards

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens (The Huntington)
Private
Los Angeles County, California
US $4,000 - US $12,000
The Huntington offers approximately 140 short-term fellowships for one to three months, providing a stipend of $3,500 per month. These fellowships are accessible to scholars across various fields aligned with The Huntington's extensive collections. Accepted applicants include doctoral candidates, master’s students, faculty members, postdoctoral scholars, and independent researchers. The program encourages collaborative proposals and allows applicants to apply for multiple fellowships, fostering a rich academic environment and creative exploration.
Horticulture & Gardening Library Services Asian Art +10 more

Kemble Fellowship in Maritime History

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens (The Huntington)
Private
Los Angeles County, California
US $50,000
The Kemble Fellowship in Maritime History, offered by The Huntington Library, supports scholars pursuing research in maritime history. This prestigious fellowship provides a stipend of $50,000 for nine to twelve months of residency. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or have defended their dissertation by the application deadline. The fellowship encourages interdisciplinary exploration within The Huntington's vast collections, focusing on global trade, oceanography, and coastal studies, fostering innovative scholarship in maritime studies.
History Oceanography

Davis Conservation Foundation Grants

Davis Conservation Foundation
Private
Connecticut, Maine +4 more
Unspecified amount
The Davis Conservation Foundation offers grants to support environmental protection, wildlife conservation, and outdoor recreation initiatives. They prioritize projects in Northern New England, particularly in the Gulf of Maine and the Northern Forest. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities. The Foundation encourages community involvement and volunteerism, while avoiding funding for individuals, multiple-year gifts, or projects previously declined within a specified timeframe.
Environmental Conservation Wildlife Management Marine Biology +3 more

Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Research Fellowship

Alfred P Sloan Foundation
Private
Canada, United States
US $75,000
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Research Fellowship supports innovative and fundamental research by early-career scientists across various fields. This prestigious two-year fellowship offers $75,000 in a lump sum, allowing recipients to allocate funds towards research-related expenses. Eligible candidates must hold a Ph.D. and be tenure-track faculty at U.S. or Canadian institutions. The fellowship aims to nurture the next generation of leaders in research and academia.
Evolutionary Biology Economics Mathematics +6 more

American Geophysical Union Jerome M. Paros Scholarship Award

AGU- Advancing Earth and Space Science
Private
United States
Up to US $5,000
The American Geophysical Union Jerome M. Paros Scholarship Award supports graduate students pursuing geophysical instrumentation and precise field measurements in seismology, atmospheric sciences, or ocean sciences. Established by Jerome M. Paros, the scholarship awards up to $5,000 to three students annually, fostering talent in this critical field. Eligibility includes being a graduate student at an accredited institution, with a focus on geophysical measurements. AGU student members are encouraged to apply.
Geophysics Seismology Atmospheric Sciences +1 more

The Caroline Thorn Kissel Summer Environmental Studies Scholarship

Garden Club of America
Association/Society
New Jersey
US $3,000
The Caroline Thorn Kissel Summer Environmental Studies Scholarship, established in 2003, supports environmental studies for New Jersey residents and nonresidents studying in the state. Funded by Frances Starr Todd in honor of her great grandmother, it provides $3000 annually to a scholar for summer environmental study. This scholarship encourages students from various educational backgrounds to explore environmental topics in New Jersey's unique ecosystems.
Plant Science Environmental Conservation Ecology +3 more

Africa Climate and Environment (ACE) Micro Grants

Pulitzer Center
Private
Africa
Unspecified amount

About Us

The Pulitzer Center has a bold vision: to be the venue for the world’s most innovative and consequential reporting, with journalism as the key element for mobilizing society through audience engagement strategies.

Founded in 2006 by Jon Sawyer, the Center is an essential source of support for enterprise reporting in the United States and across the globe. The thousands of journalists and educators who are part of our networks span more than 80 countries. Our work reaches tens of millions of people each year through our news-media partners and an audience-centered strategy of global and regional engagement.

We believe that people and communities who actively engage with systemic challenges will find solutions together. By supporting journalists as they conduct in-depth investigations, produce compelling stories, and engage diverse audiences, we create a ripple effect of world-changing impact. The result? Policy reforms, public awareness, and community empowerment.

Africa Climate and Environment (ACE) Micro Grants

The second cohort of the Africa Climate and Environment (ACE) Micro Grants is receiving applications for outreach projects focused on Transparency and Governance in forest and ocean. Proposals should clearly and creatively integrate one or more Pulitzer Center-supported stories while targeting young professionals or communities. We are seeking proposals that create engagement on issues such as natural resource management, harmful corporate practices, corruption, and their impacts on biodiversity, Indigenous peoples, human rights, and climate. The initiative aims to strengthen public understanding and advocacy through storytelling, emphasizing accountability and sustainable environmental governance.

Climate Change Resilience & Equity Forestry Oceanography +1 more

PERS Student Research Fund

Pacific Estuarine Research Society
Association/Society
Canada, Oregon +1 more
Up to US $250
The PERS Student Research Fund supports graduate students in estuarine sciences through grants of up to $250. Established in memory of Pete Eldridge, the fund now allows donations in honor of individuals. Eligible applicants are MS or PhD students, current PERS members, and those studying in the PERS region, which includes Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. Award recipients are recognized at the annual PERS meeting.
Ecology Marine Biology Limnology

The Fred Waara Chapter of Trout Unlimited/Cynthia Kitzman-Fred Waara Memorial Scholarship

The Community Foundation of Marquette County
Private
Chippewa County, Michigan, Houghton County, Michigan +1 more
Unspecified amount

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

The Fred Waara Chapter of Trout Unlimited/Cynthia Kitzman-Fred Waara Memorial Scholarship

Provides financial assistance to students residing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula who are endeavoring in a cold-water fisheries curriculum at Northern Michigan University, Lake Superior State, and Michigan Technological University as undergraduate or graduate students. 

Distribution Process

  • CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
  • Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
  • Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
  • The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
  • That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)
Education - Higher Education Marine Biology Fisheries

Lizard Island Doctoral Fellowships

Australian Museum
Private
Australia
Up to A $15,400
The Lizard Island Doctoral Fellowships support exceptional PhD students conducting field-intensive research at the Lizard Island Research Station. Since 1984, it has funded 81 students, offering up to AU$15,400 annually for three years. The program emphasizes fieldwork, allowing funds for necessary expenses like travel and consumables, but not salaries. Applications are evaluated by experts and can be submitted for multiple fellowships with one application. Additional funding is available for conference presentations.
Marine Biology

Port of Oakland Community Investment Program Grant

Port of Oakland
State/Local Government
Alameda County, California, Contra Costa County, California
Up to US $5,000

About the Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits and environmental innovation, as the Port decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports 98,345 jobs in the region and $174 billion in annual economic activity. The Port oversees the Oakland Airport (OAK), the Oakland Seaport and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square and a publicly owned utility. 

Community Investment Program

Approved by the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners on July 2015, the Port of Oakland Community Investment Program seeks to add value and best serve our diverse communities within the Port’s footprint. This program provides grants to benefit the communities in the Port’s Local Impact Area (LIA) in Oakland, Alameda, Emeryville, and San Leandro, as well as communities in the Port’s Local Business Area (LBA) in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

The Port of Oakland provides quarterly grants up to $5,000 to non-profit organizations that align with the following funding priority areas:

  • Economic Vitality:

The Port promotes community and economic viability by helping small businesses thrive and create and sustain jobs that support our local community. We proudly support programs that expand access to Port opportunities for small and local businesses, as well as organizations that provide technical assistance to businesses to expand their impact.

  • Environmental Sustainability and Healthy Communities:

We are committed to sustaining healthy communities through leading-edge environmental stewardship via our air quality, clean water, and energy conservation programs. We proudly support organizations that promote our environmental programs.

  • Workforce Development and Education:

We support programs that prepare individuals to participate successfully in an increasingly global society and to contribute back to the communities in which they live. Specifically, we focus on supporting programs that prepare individuals for careers in port-related industries. Examples include but are not limited to: training and education in construction; trade and logistics; science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education; aviation, and the building-construction trades.

Sustainability Mathematics Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water +13 more

AWG Geoscience Idea Scholarship

Association for Women Geoscientists
Association/Society
United States
Up to US $2,500
The AWG Geoscience Idea Scholarship supports women from under-served communities to pursue careers in Earth Sciences, a field known for its lack of diversity. It offers $2,500 to three upper-division and $500 to one lower-division undergraduate student, along with a one-year AWG membership. Recipients can also be matched with mentors, enhancing their educational journey and career prospects in geoscience disciplines. This initiative aims to promote inclusion and diversity in the geoscience workforce.
Earth Science Geoinformatics & Geospatial Sciences Geology +20 more

NC Biotechnology Center Fund Event and Meeting Grant

North Carolina Biotechnology Center
Private
North Carolina
Up to US $2,000
The NC Biotechnology Center Fund Event and Meeting Grant provides vital financial support for events and meetings that enhance networking and information sharing within North Carolina's life sciences community. The grants include up to $3,000 for Biotechnology Event Sponsorships and up to $10,000 for Biotechnology Meeting Grants, catering to both local and international gatherings. This initiative aims to foster innovation and collaboration among researchers and companies, ultimately driving growth in the biotechnology sector.
Science Plant Genetics & Physiology Plant Science +16 more

University Technology Development Funding: Innovation Impact Grant

North Carolina Biotechnology Center
Private
North Carolina
Up to US $150,000
The University Technology Development Funding: Innovation Impact Grant from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center supports the acquisition of shared use research equipment for core facilities at academic and nonprofit institutions. This funding aims to enhance the life sciences ecosystem in North Carolina by facilitating significant scientific advancements. Proposals with a strong impact on both the institution and the broader research community will be prioritized. A cash match is required, with funding requests up to $150,000.
Biology Microbiology Plant Science +16 more

MPC Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Visiting Scholar Program

Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland
Private
Barnstable County, Massachusetts
Unspecified amount

MPC Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Visiting Scholar Program

The Marine Policy Center (MPC) at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution invites applications for a limited number of Visiting Scholar appointments, supporting short-term residential visits at the intersection of ocean science, policy, and decision-making.

The program is designed to bring scholars and practitioners to Woods Hole for a focused period of collaboration with MPC researchers and the broader WHOI scientific community. We are particularly interested in individuals whose expertise complements or expands our current areas of focus and who are interested in engaging across disciplines.

Oceanography

Kelley Phillips Cox Legacy Scholarship

Mid Shore Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Kelley Phillips Cox Legacy Scholarship

Awarded to Mid-Shore students, who are planning to pursue degrees in Environmental Science or Marine Biology

Education - Higher Education Environmental Education Marine Biology

Geosciences Core Research: Atmospheric, Geospace, Earth and Ocean Sciences (GEO Core)

National Science Foundation (NSF)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
The NSF Geosciences Core Research program funds innovative projects across atmospheric, geospace, earth, and ocean sciences. It encourages proposals that push the boundaries of knowledge in fundamental research, promoting interdisciplinary approaches. This initiative seeks transformative ideas that may not have immediate commercial applications but are crucial for advancing scientific understanding and addressing complex environmental challenges. Researchers are invited to explore various domains or integrate multiple disciplines to enhance our comprehension of the Earth and its systems.
Geoinformatics & Geospatial Sciences Earth Science Oceanography

SEFSC Bluefin Tuna Research Program

DOC NOAA - ERA Production
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
US $25,000 - US $300,000
The SEFSC Bluefin Tuna Research Program aims to enhance science-based fisheries management for Atlantic bluefin tuna by improving knowledge of their fisheries, biology, and population dynamics. This initiative encourages collaborations with ICCAT and its partners to support multi-year research efforts focused on the movement and mixing of eastern and western Atlantic bluefin populations, ultimately contributing to better management practices for sustainable fisheries.
Marine Biology Ichthyology (Fish) Fisheries

Arctic Research Opportunities (349724)

National Science Foundation (NSF)
Federal Government
Canada, Greenland +1 more
Up to US $330,000
The National Science Foundation (NSF) seeks proposals for Arctic research to enhance understanding of the rapidly changing Arctic environment and its social systems. This initiative encourages innovative research that connects the Arctic region with lower latitudes, aiming to improve projections of future changes. Collaborations with federal and international partners are encouraged for co-reviewing proposals. Proposals that extend beyond the Arctic must clearly articulate their relevance to Arctic knowledge advancement.
Oceanography Hydrology Environment +7 more

ROSES 2025: A.16 Cryosphere

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Federal Government
United States
Unspecified amount
The ROSES 2025: A.16 Cryosphere program by NASA focuses on the vital role of Earth's ice within the global climate system. It aims to enhance understanding of cryospheric processes through satellite and airborne observations, addressing the challenges posed by the remoteness of icy regions. The program supports research on Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, glaciers, and Arctic sea ice to monitor changes and their impacts on sea level rise, ocean biology, and climate feedback mechanisms.
Earth Science Climatology Glaciology +2 more

ROSES 2025: A.17 Hydrosphere

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
The ROSES 2025: A.17 Hydrosphere program by NASA aims to enhance our understanding of Earth's water systems, focusing on Ocean Physics, Precipitation Science, and Terrestrial Hydrology. This initiative invites proposals targeting specific priorities within these disciplines to advance knowledge on water distribution and movement across the Earth. Proposals will undergo rigorous peer review to ensure transparency and scientific integrity, aligning with NASA's commitment to reproducible and collaborative research.
Earth Science Atmospheric Sciences Oceanography +1 more

Infrastructure Capacity for Biological Research (347679)

National Science Foundation (NSF)
Federal Government
United States
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.
Biology Cyberinfrastructure Marine Biology

Fence Authority Scholarship

The Fence Authority
Corporate
United States
US $1,000
The Fence Authority Scholarship offers a $1,000 award to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fields that enhance community beautification, such as architecture, civil engineering, and environmental sciences. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time, and involved in community service. This scholarship aims to empower students to contribute positively to society while furthering their education in impactful disciplines.
Urban Planning Architecture Landscape Architecture +10 more

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 58 funding opportunities for marine-focused initiatives, with $63.8M available. Instrumentl supports organizations with grant-matching tools, deadline reminders, and funder research to advance marine conservation efforts.

Last updated: October 5, 2026. Next update: November 1, 2026.

Frequently asked questions

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 27.1% 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.

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 $51,250,000, with typical awards falling around $116,250 (median) and $1,519,513 (average). These insights can help nonprofits align their funding requests with what grantmakers typically offer in this space.

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.

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.

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.