Best Marine Grants in Michigan

The Jeffrey C. & Carol A. Carrier Poster Award, established in 1999, recognizes outstanding posters presented by AES student members at the Annual Meeting. This award honors Jeff and Carol Carrier for their advocacy of student participation in the Society. To be eligible, applicants must be current AES members, enrolled students, and the first or sole authors of their studies. They must also indicate their intent to compete at the time of abstract submission.

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)

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Climate Program Office (CPO) FY2026 Earth System Science and Services Partnership (ESSSP) aims to enhance NOAA's mission through collaborative research and activities. It focuses on understanding changes in Earth's systems and their impacts on ecosystems and communities. Eligible applicants include academic institutions offering doctoral degrees in NOAA-related sciences. The total funding available is approximately $10 million, supporting initiatives that encompass research, data evaluations, and stakeholder engagement.

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.

The Kevin Flanagan Student Travel Award offers up to $800 for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing diving science to attend AAUS scientific meetings. This competitive, merit-based award honors Kevin Flanagan's legacy in scientific diving and support for AAUS. Established in collaboration with his family, it aims to encourage the development of safe and effective scientific divers through education and research, while promoting standards in scientific diving practices.

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.

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 GSA Graduate Student Research Grants provide essential funding for master's and doctoral research in geological sciences for students in North America and Central America. In 2024, approximately $800,000 was awarded to 316 students, averaging around $2,500 each. The program aims to enhance the geoscience workforce, promote career development, and support diversity within the field. Applications require an appraisal from a primary advisor, and participation from underrepresented communities is encouraged.

The BSF Research Grants program supports collaborative research between U.S. and Israeli scientists, focusing on basic science projects. Annually, approximately 400 applications are submitted, with around 100 grants awarded. To foster collaboration, joint publications are essential for evaluation. Applications are accepted once per year in mid-November, with results announced the following July. Since its inception in 1972, the BSF has funded over 5,400 high-quality research initiatives, distributing more than $700 million.

The Link Foundation offers the Ocean Engineering and Instrumentation Ph.D. Fellowship, providing six fellowships of $35,000 each for Ph.D. students. This fellowship aims to advance research in ocean engineering and instrumentation, enhance theoretical and practical knowledge, and promote research dissemination through lectures and publications. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a Ph.D. program at a U.S. or Canadian university and demonstrate a well-defined thesis direction. This funding can significantly support their academic journey.

The Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship offers up to $9,500 annually for two years, alongside a paid summer internship at NOAA. This program enhances students' training in oceanic and atmospheric sciences, aiming to increase public understanding and support for environmental stewardship. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in relevant disciplines, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. The experience fosters valuable skills and networks, with 100% of alumni recommending the scholarship.

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 to enhance equitable learning environments. Grants of up to $500,000 will support projects addressing systemic barriers, promoting effective practices, and ensuring seamless transitions from MSIs to advanced degrees in various STEM fields. The initiative seeks to create lasting impacts on student access and success in graduate education.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The National Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP) for FY2026/27 offers competitive grants aimed at supporting non-Federal researchers. This initiative, governed by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, focuses on developing innovative fishing practices and gear technologies to minimize bycatch and reduce post-release mortality of non-target species. By addressing bycatch reduction, the program seeks to enhance the sustainability of U.S. fisheries and aquaculture, aligning with the National Marine Fisheries Service's conservation goals.

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.