Best Marine Grants in New Jersey

Nonprofits and community-based partners in New Jersey and New York can receive US $2,000 - US $4,000 to host in-person sessions on estuary challenges, water quality, and habitat health. With a mission to strengthen estuary stewardship, Hudson River Foundation supports marine and coastal engagement, especially in disadvantaged and overburdened communities within the NY/NJ Harbor & Estuary Program area.

Nonprofits, agencies, tribes, academic institutions, and other organizations working on aquatic invasive species research, management, or education in New Jersey and the broader Mid-Atlantic region can apply for this program. Mid-Atlantic Panel on Aquatic Invasive Species supports projects in marine and freshwater conservation, invasive species control, and public outreach on AIS issues.

Universities and research organizations studying marine and coastal law and policy can seek funding to evaluate how legal frameworks address sea level rise, flooding, storms, land use, and related coastal resilience challenges in New Jersey and other eligible coastal states. Focused on environmental policy and marine conservation, the National Sea Grant Law Center offers about US $75,000 for two-year projects.

With a mission to support environmental education, Garden Club of America provides New Jersey marine and environmental students with $3,000 for summer study or research. Eligible applicants include college, graduate, Ph.D., and continuing education students who are New Jersey residents or nonresidents conducting work in New Jersey or its adjacent waters.

Nonprofit and research organizations working on marine debris and trap removal projects in New Jersey and other eligible U.S. coastal areas can apply for funding to remove derelict crab and lobster traps and assess impacts. Focused on marine conservation, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science invites proposals requesting US $50,000 - US $200,000 for 18‑month projects.

Women divers studying journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography in degree programs in the U.S. or Canada can receive $1,500 to support tuition, workshops, or internships that benefit the ocean environment or ocean community. Focused on marine and ocean conservation, Women Divers Hall of Fame invites New Jersey ocean-minded content creators to apply.

Researchers and small research teams working on marine biology, oceanography, or marine conservation projects using Global Fishing Watch data can apply for this international program, including those based in New Jersey. Focused on open-ocean governance, Global Fishing Watch invites projects that improve its core technologies and publicly share insights on human activity at sea, with awards up to US $20,000.

Organizations led by IEEE members running STEM outreach with an ocean engineering or marine conservation focus in New Jersey can seek funding for events, programs, or educational resources. Grants from Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers support projects on ocean protection, renewable ocean energy, or coral reef protection, offering up to US $5,000 and available nationwide, including New Jersey.

New Jersey recent college graduates from historically marginalized groups interested in marine biology, ocean conservation, or clean energy careers can access funding and paid fellowships through the Environmental Leadership Program’s RAY Fellowship. This two-year, full-time U.S.-based placement includes a $1,000 professional development stipend and mentoring to launch environmental careers.

Undergraduate students interested in marine and coastal systems can access funding and paid summer research experience through New Hampshire Sea Grant’s Doyle Undergraduate Fellowship, including opportunities relevant to New Jersey marine topics. This U.S.-wide program offers up to US $5,000 for a 10-week, mentored extension, education, communications, or research project in marine and coastal fields.

Students pursuing natural resource–related college degrees in New Jersey can receive scholarship support to advance studies in areas like ecology, hydrology, soil science, and marine or ocean conservation. With a mission to support higher education, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides funding for full-time students preparing for conservation and environmental careers.

New Jersey graduate students in marine, coastal, or Great Lakes science and policy can access funding through Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship for a one-year, paid placement in Washington, D.C. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or dual nationals enrolled in accredited U.S. graduate programs with interests in ocean and coastal policy.

Graduate students in marine conservation fields at North American universities can receive US $15,000 to support ongoing thesis research costs, including projects relevant to New Jersey waters. American Fisheries Society provides this fellowship for M.S. and Ph.D. candidates who are AFS members and studying marine biology, fisheries, or marine conservation topics.

Graduate students interested in marine, coastal, and Great Lakes policy can apply for a one-year paid policy fellowship placing them in federal offices in Washington, D.C. Wisconsin Sea Grant supports marine biology and ocean conservation work; New Jersey–based students enrolled in U.S. graduate programs and meeting citizenship requirements may be eligible.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship, which provides US $3,000 for impactful, water-industry-focused projects. Focused on water and environmental research, American Water Works Association invites students, including those in New Jersey, to pursue timely, actionable studies that address current industry challenges.

New Jersey marine and coastal research organizations can access funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for education, outreach, and innovative projects in atmospheric sciences, climate, and marine and coastal conservation. Eligible projects may address ocean conservation, climate resilience, or related research and outreach within NOAA’s broad agency announcement framework.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on marine and ocean conservation, wildlife protection, or related advocacy can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants. Funding supports nationally significant policy, education, organizing, and legal efforts for endangered marine species such as whales and related habitats, which may benefit New Jersey-focused marine conservation work.

Doctoral candidates who are Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship alumni in eligible humanities, social science, or physical science fields can receive up to US $30,000 to spend a year completing their dissertation research and writing. Grants from Institute for Citizens & Scholars may benefit New Jersey scholars working in marine biology, oceanography, or related marine sciences.

TryMarine Grant

The Reservoir Fish Habitat Partnership (RFHP) is seeking candidate pilot sites for evaluating two water quality treatment technologies—TryMarine and Oase Water Technology—in small urban fishing lakes (1–3 acres).

Urban fishing lakes are important community resources, providing accessible angling opportunities and supporting local outdoor recreation. Many of these lakes experience nutrient‑driven water quality impairments such as algal blooms, low dissolved oxygen, and reduced water clarity. These issues degrade fish habitat and diminish angler satisfaction.

This pilot initiative aims to identify lakes where these technologies can be tested to determine their effectiveness, feasibility, and potential for broader application across the RFHP network.

Objectives

Water Quality & Habitat Objectives

• Reduce nutrient concentrations (total phosphorus, total nitrogen).
• Improve water clarity and reduce turbidity.
• Reduce harmful algal blooms (HABs).
• Increase dissolved oxygen stability to support sportfish populations.
• Improve habitat conditions for stocked and naturally occurring fish species.
• Reduce internal nutrient loading from sediments.

RFHP Program Objectives

• Demonstrate scalable tools for improving fish habitat in small urban lakes.
• Support community‑based fisheries enhancement.
• Provide case studies and data for future RFHP guidance.
• Strengthen partnerships among agencies, municipalities, NGOs, and angling groups.

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.

New Jersey marine and coastal conservation organizations working in eligible National Estuary Program areas can access funding through Restore America’s Estuaries to tackle urgent estuary threats. Grants of US $200,000 - US $500,000 support projects such as habitat restoration, coastal resilience to extreme weather, nutrient and stormwater management, and responses to harmful algal blooms or invasive species.

The DARRP Restoration Implementation Grants aim to enhance marine and coastal habitat restoration through collaboration between NOAA and non-federal partners. These grants address oil spills and hazardous substance releases by supporting restoration activities authorized under various environmental laws. Eligible applicants will implement projects that promote sustainable fisheries, recover endangered species, and boost local economies. Through careful planning and evaluation, recipients will contribute to effective restoration strategies that align with NOAA's mission and the needs of coastal communities.

The Roy A. Hunt Foundation's Environment Initiative Grants aim to support projects that enhance ecological health and sustainability. With an annual budget of approximately $3.4 million, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote responsible environmental practices, clean energy, and waste reduction. Grants between $25,000 and $75,000 are available for projects at various levels, focusing on innovative solutions that foster community partnerships and address root causes of environmental challenges.

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.

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.

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.