Best Marine Grants in Rhode Island

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on marine and coastal conservation in Rhode Island can seek project or general operating support from Island Foundation. The funder prioritizes work on marine and coastal resource protection, climate change and renewable energy, sustainable fisheries, environmental justice, and strengthening local conservation groups in coastal communities.

Rhode Island marine and coastal conservation organizations can access funding through Restore America’s Estuaries to tackle urgent threats to estuaries, including habitat loss, coastal resilience, nutrient impacts, stormwater runoff, and harmful algal blooms. This nationally competitive program awards US $200,000 - US $500,000 for projects within designated National Estuary Program watershed boundary areas.

Universities and research-focused organizations studying marine and coastal resilience law and policy can apply for funding to evaluate how legal frameworks address sea level rise, flooding, storm surge, and related risks. Focused on coastal resilience, the National Sea Grant Law Center invites Rhode Island marine and ocean conservation programs to propose two-year projects, with awards around US $75,000.

Agricultural producers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Rhode Island can receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that improve water quality, soil health, and habitat. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Rhode Island supports projects including oyster reef restoration and other marine and water resource conservation efforts through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Rhode Island marine and coastal research teams conducting American lobster industry-focused projects can access funding through Mid-Atlantic Sea Grant for collaborative, “actionable science” research. Eligible teams must be co-led by a researcher and a non-researcher industry or community representative and may include higher education, government, tribal, nonprofit, and industry partners in the Northeast Sea Grant region.

Researchers and scholars conducting oceanography or related humanities and social science projects that use multiple New England archives can apply for Harvard University’s New England Regional Consortium Fellowships. Grants from Harvard University help Rhode Island marine and oceanography researchers fund at least eight-week research itineraries across three or more member institutions, with awards of US $5,000.

Rhode Island marine and coastal conservation nonprofits can access funding through the Davis Conservation Foundation for projects involving marine biology, sea life, wildlife habitat, environmental protection, and outdoor recreation. 501(c)(3) public charities working in the Gulf of Maine or broader Northern New England region, including Rhode Island’s coastal ecosystems, may be especially competitive.

Women divers studying journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography in degree programs can receive funding to advance ocean-focused media work. Focused on marine and ocean conservation, Women Divers Hall of Fame invites students, including those from Rhode Island, to apply for the Bonnie Cardone Memorial Scholarship, which awards US $1,500 for tuition, workshops, or internships.

Nonprofit and research organizations working on marine debris and derelict fishing trap removal can apply for $50,000 - $200,000 through the Nationwide Fishing TRAP Program, including projects benefiting Rhode Island waters. Focused on marine conservation and habitat restoration, Virginia Institute of Marine Science supports 18‑month efforts that standardize data, assess impacts, and prevent harmful gear effects.

Rhode Island early-career professionals of color interested in marine biology, ocean conservation, or clean energy careers can access funding and placement support through the Roger Arliner Young Fellowship Program. Environmental Leadership Program offers a two-year, full-time paid fellowship with a US $1,000 professional development stipend for recent U.S.-based graduates within three years of earning their bachelor’s degree.

Global marine biology, oceanography, and marine conservation researchers, including those in Rhode Island, can receive support for projects using Global Fishing Watch data to advance ocean governance. Focused on open-ocean research and data-sharing, Global Fishing Watch invites individual researchers and small teams worldwide to improve core technologies and apply them in collaboration with civil society or government agencies.

Organizations and IEEE members running marine-focused STEM outreach or education programs in Rhode Island can seek funding for events, programs, or resources with an ocean engineering focus. Grants from the 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 including multiple awards.

Rhode Island undergraduates interested in marine and coastal systems can access funding through New Hampshire Sea Grant’s Doyle Undergraduate Fellowship, which offers up to US $5,000 for a 10-week paid summer experience. Fellows support marine research, extension, education, and communications projects while gaining professional development and workforce preparation in ocean and coastal resource management.

With a mission to support natural resource careers, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides Rhode Island students in marine biology, ecology, hydrology, and related fields with scholarship funding for full-time study. Students must reside in specified northeastern Illinois counties, so Rhode Island-based marine-focused students with Illinois ties may be eligible.

Graduate students in marine science or policy can access funding through Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for a one-year Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship in Washington, D.C. Eligible applicants are U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in accredited U.S. graduate programs with interests in coastal, marine, or Great Lakes resources and related national policy.

Graduate students in marine conservation at North American universities can receive US $15,000 to support ongoing thesis research costs, including work relevant to Rhode Island’s marine ecosystems. American Fisheries Society provides this fellowship to AFS student members pursuing M.S. or Ph.D. research in marine biology, fisheries, or marine/ocean conservation.

Graduate students interested in marine and Great Lakes policy can pursue a one-year paid policy fellowship in Washington, D.C., working on ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes issues. Wisconsin Sea Grant’s John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship places U.S.-based graduate students in federal legislative or executive offices; Rhode Island marine biology and conservation students may be eligible.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related environmental research, American Water Works Association invites students, including those in Rhode Island working on marine or aquatic systems, to apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship.

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.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on nationally significant wildlife and marine conservation efforts, including in Rhode Island, can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants to support policy, advocacy, and habitat protection. Funding prioritizes endangered species, indigenous wildlife management, great ape sanctuaries, and conservation of pollinators, whales, birds, and related ecosystems within the U.S.

The MMUF Dissertation Grant, funded by the Mellon Foundation, supports doctoral candidates who are alumni of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship. This grant aids scholars in completing their dissertations, ensuring diverse perspectives are represented in academia. With up to $30,000 for a 12-month period, the program encourages candidates to secure additional funding from their institutions. The initiative aims to bolster access to education and foster understanding among varied backgrounds, ultimately enhancing the academic landscape.

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.

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.