Best Marine Grants in Washington

The Cook Inlet Beluga Whale (CIBW) Prey and Salmon Productivity Monitoring project at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) aims to assess prey species composition critical for the endangered CIBW. This initiative will inform environmental management decisions, support compliance with the Endangered Species Act, and contribute to understanding factors affecting CIBW population recovery. The project spans 18 months, with potential follow-on periods, focusing on the ecological dynamics of salmon and other prey species in JBER waters.

Academic researchers and graduate students in Washington and other eligible states can apply for National Geographic Society research grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $10,000 for non-commercial geography education studies. Projects must support geographic education, align with at least one NGS focus area, and produce research outputs such as white papers, empirical studies, or theses.

Universities and research organizations working on coastal resilience law and policy in Washington and other eligible coastal or Great Lakes states can apply for National Sea Grant Law Center support. Grants provide US $75,000 for two-year projects evaluating how laws and policies address sea level rise, flooding, storms, land use, and related environmental challenges.

Washington marine-focused organizations hosting conferences, workshops, or events can access funding through Washington Sea Grant to support activities that advance marine conservation, fisheries, and aquaculture in the state. Awards of US $50 - US $2,500, with larger requests considered, help programs that further Washington Sea Grant’s mission and values.

Cities, counties, tribes, special districts, and state agencies in Washington can fund acquisition, restoration, or development of public aquatic lands and waterfront access, with awards up to US $1,000,000. With a mission to protect and enhance aquatic lands, Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office supports marine and shoreline conservation, habitat restoration, and waterfront recreation projects statewide.

Washington 501(c)(3) public charities working on growth management or aquatic ecosystems can receive $1,000 - $5,000 in short-term project funding that benefits the state. Grants from Northwest Fund for the Environment help community-based groups engage residents, build environmental advocacy, and protect freshwater and marine ecosystems, including Puget Sound and coastal habitats.

Graduate students in estuarine or nearshore sciences at universities in Washington, Oregon, or British Columbia can receive up to US $250 for research, disbursed to their sponsoring institution. Pacific Estuarine Research Society supports marine and estuarine research, with up to three awards presented annually at its meeting to current PERS members.

Washington marine conservation and fisheries organizations working on derelict fishing trap removal and prevention can access funding through Virginia Institute of Marine Science for projects addressing marine debris and habitat impacts. Eligible projects support trap removal, data collection, impact assessment, and prevention strategies within U.S. waters, including Washington, with awards of US $50,000 - US $200,000 for 18‑month efforts.

Women divers studying journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography in degree programs can receive US $1,500 to advance ocean-focused storytelling and media. The Women Divers Hall of Fame supports students in the U.S. and Canada whose work will benefit the ocean environment or ocean community, which may include marine conservation efforts in Washington.

Researchers and small labs conducting marine biology, oceanography, or marine conservation projects can receive up to US $20,000 to use Global Fishing Watch data for ocean governance research. Focused on marine science, Global Fishing Watch invites Washington-based and global applicants to improve core technologies, share insights on human activity at sea, and collaborate with civil society or government agencies.

Organizations led by IEEE members planning marine or ocean engineering STEM outreach in Washington can seek funding for events, programs, or educational resources. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers supports marine biology, oceanography, and ocean conservation education through the IEEE Oceanic Society Grant, offering up to US $5,000 for pre-university student engagement activities.

Recent U.S.-based college graduates from historically marginalized groups interested in conservation, marine biology, oceanography, or marine conservation can access a two-year paid career fellowship plus a US $1,000 professional development stipend. Environmental Leadership Program’s RAY Fellowship places emerging leaders with host organizations, supporting Washington and other U.S. marine-focused career pathways.

Graduate students at North American universities conducting thesis research in marine conservation can receive US $15,000 to support ongoing research costs. Focused on marine ecology, conservation biology, and fisheries science, the Steven Berkeley Marine Conservation Fellowship from American Fisheries Society may benefit students working on Washington-related marine biology or ocean conservation topics.

Graduate students and early-career professionals in marine, coastal, or Great Lakes science and policy can gain a paid, year-long placement in Washington, D.C. through the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution supports U.S.-based students interested in marine policy careers, which may appeal to Washington marine biology and conservation scholars.

Graduate students in marine biology, ocean policy, or related fields interested in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources can gain a paid, year-long policy fellowship in Washington, D.C. Grants from Wisconsin Sea Grant help Washington marine-focused students access the national John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship, placing them with federal legislative or executive hosts.

Students pursuing natural resource or marine-related fields in Washington may be eligible for the Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, which supports full-time study in areas like marine biology, hydrology, ecology, or water quality. Focused on conservation careers, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois–backed award prioritizes strong academic performance and environmental commitment.

Undergraduate students interested in marine and coastal systems can receive paid summer research and extension experience through a New Hampshire Sea Grant fellowship, including up to US $5,000 over 10 weeks. Projects span fisheries, aquaculture, coastal conservation, and marine education, and may benefit Washington students seeking hands-on marine science and community engagement training.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations working on animal welfare and wildlife conservation, including marine and ocean conservation, can apply for Park Foundation’s support for nationally significant policy, advocacy, and Indigenous wildlife management efforts. Washington-based groups focused on endangered species, habitats, or sanctuaries for great apes may be eligible if they meet IRS public support guidelines.

Washington graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship, which awards US $3,000 for impactful water-related research. Offered by the American Water Works Association, this scholarship supports projects addressing current challenges in the water industry, including work connected to marine and aquatic environments.

Marine and coastal research, education, and outreach organizations in Washington and across the U.S. can seek support for innovative projects through this broad agency announcement, which covers areas like ocean conservation, coastal resilience, and climate science. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration invites proposals not already addressed by its competitive discretionary programs.

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.

The Ruth Foundation offers ongoing support for non-profit organizations focused on animal welfare and marine life preservation in Pierce County, Washington. With no submission deadline for Letters of Intent (LOI), applicants are encouraged to allow 12-16 weeks for a response. The foundation seeks to empower community initiatives that align with the Milgard family values, while ensuring compliance with tax-exempt requirements and promoting inclusivity in grant eligibility.

The National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program, administered by Restore America’s Estuaries and supported by the EPA, funds competitive projects addressing critical threats to estuaries. Key priorities include habitat restoration, enhancing coastal resilience against extreme weather, managing nutrient impacts, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Established in 1987, the program aims to improve ecological integrity and water quality in 28 estuaries nationwide, providing essential funding and guidance to local initiatives.

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 Washington Coast Restoration and Resiliency Initiative provides critical funding and technical assistance to coastal communities in Washington State, addressing urgent ecological restoration needs while also creating jobs. Established by the Legislature in 2015, this program aims to enhance the health of the land and water, supporting both local economies and the environment. Projects funded must prioritize ecological protection and restoration, ensuring sustainable benefits for future generations.

The Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board Grant, established in 2014, aims to enhance salmon and steelhead migration by funding projects that remove fish passage barriers. With $25 million available through the PROTECT program, local governments can apply for projects exceeding $1 million. This initiative, administered by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Recreation and Conservation Office, supports sustainable transportation solutions while aligning with state conservation principles.