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

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 $115,000 per award. The next biennial competition will be for 2020-22. Project duration is February 1, 2020, through January 31, 2022. Below is the request for preliminary proposals for the 2020-2022 competition.

Request for preliminary proposals, 2020-2022 competition 

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. Researchers may apply at any time.

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.

Activity and conference 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.

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.