Funding Opportunities
Ohio Sea Grant’s funded research focuses on the seven critical issues facing Lake Erie, such as harmful algal blooms and aquatic invasive species. Every two years, Ohio Sea Grant issues a request for proposals to scientists across Ohio conducting projects that address critical issues facing Lake Erie and the Great Lakes. In addition, the Small Grants Program accepts proposals on an ongoing basis. New funding opportunities will be added frequently, so please check back often.
2026 – 2028 Call for Large Grant Proposals
The Ohio Sea Grant College Program is requesting proposals for one- or two-year research projects on Great Lakes issues with particular significance to Lake Erie and its watershed.
Specific research funding priorities are outlined below. Proposals should not exceed $100,000 per year, including indirect costs. Approximately $600,000 is available in each project year (February 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027 and February 1, 2027 to January 31, 2028).
An additional $40,000/year ($80,000 total) may be requested by proposals that fill gaps in data or knowledge about the economic impacts, market opportunities, and drivers of business development and success in Ohio aquaculture. Proposals in this priority area can ask for up to $140,000 per year ($280,000 total). Please see the Research Priorities in Appendix 1 of the Ohio Sea Grant Large Grant Proposal Guidelines for specific examples.
Important Documents
- 2026 – 2028 Ohio Sea Grant Large Grant Proposal Webinar – Jan 23, 2025, 1pm
- Ohio Sea Grant Large Grant Proposal Guidelines and Research Priorities 2026 – 2028
- Budget Form
- Budget and Budget Justification Instructions
- Letter of Collaboration Template
- NOAA Data Sharing Directive – for full proposals only
- Subrecipient Letter of Intent – for full proposals only
- Submit Prepared Documents
Important Dates
Ohio Sea Grant must receive one combined PDF of your documents by the following deadlines:
Pre-proposal Deadline by
5:00pm Thursday, February 20, 2025
Proposal Deadline by
5:00pm Thursday, May 8, 2025
Ohio Sea Grant’s Small Grants Program
The Ohio Sea Grant College Program is accepting small grant proposals for one-year research projects with a maximum budget of $10,000 on Great Lakes topics with particular significance to Lake Erie and its watershed. For more information on our funding priorities, please refer to the Ohio Sea Grant Strategic Plan, linked on the side of this page.
Proposals are accepted and sent for review on a rolling basis and proposal instructions are linked below. We receive new funds at the beginning of each calendar year and award proposals until funds are depleted. Please reach out to Erin Monaco to inquire about the availability of funds or any accessibility needs.