Grant Opportunities - Announcements
- The Oregon Sea Grant Program Development funding opportunity is now open (April 2026). Anyone residing in Oregon who can receive a personal services contract from OSU and is / can be set up in the Federal SAM system is eligible to apply for Oregon Sea Grant program development funds up to $6,700 (direct costs) during the period April – December 2026, funds permitting. Awards over $6,700 (direct costs) will be made only through colleges and universities. See the ORSG Program Development page for details.
- Oregon Sea Grant Conference and Activity Support is also open for smaller awards ($2500 or less total funding). See the ORSG Conference and Activity Support page for details.
- Oregon Sea Grant will launch the next phase of Seed-to-Leaf funding in Summer 2026. Stay tuned for details!
Excellence & Innovation Supported Here
Oregon Sea Grant provides competitive and noncompetitive funding opportunities for university-based researchers who seek to address questions about our oceans, coastlines and their natural and human communities. Projects often involve collaboration among scientists from public and private agencies, and from other parts of the region or the world. Primary funding comes from NOAA, as authorized and appropriated by Congress.
We also offer:
- modest, fast-track support for urgent or innovative projects
- fellowships and internships for graduate and undergraduate scholars
- management of applications for grants offered by the National Sea Grant office and other federal and state agencies
Program development grants
Oregon Sea Grant offers small, short-term grants to meet pressing research needs between biennial funding cycles as resources are available. Amounts are modest - typically less than $10,000 - and the application and review process is simplified and compressed. Eligible applicants may apply at any time.
Conference and activity support
Oregon Sea Grant offers resources to conferences or other activities that support or promote interaction, engagement or discussion with our stakeholders on topical areas that align with our strategic efforts.
Special grant opportunities
From time to time, Oregon Sea Grant issues special calls for proposals related to targeted research areas of state, regional or national significance. To be notified when such opportunities occur, subscribe to our RFP notification e-mail list.
Biennial grant competition
Every two years, competitive research grants are available, assuming Congressional authorization and appropriation. Researchers affiliated with any Oregon institution of higher education are welcomed to apply. Grant award amounts average $125,000 per award. The next biennial competition will be for 2028-2030, and the request for proposals is anticipated to open in late 2026. The request for preliminary proposals for the 2026-2028 competition is below for reference.
Request for preliminary proposals, 2026-2028 competition
Other funding opportunities
The National Sea Grant Program periodically offers special funding opportunities for projects addressing strategic national or regional needs. In some cases, you must apply through Oregon Sea Grant.