Biennial Funding

Research is a core part of Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s mission to improve the environmental, social and economic health of Georgia’s coast.

Biennial Research Program

Through our biennial research funding competition, we invest in use-inspired research that advances the understanding, management and wise use of Georgia’s coastal and marine ecosystems.

Our approach is collaborative by design. Researchers work closely with faculty, on-the-ground extension agents, community partners, educators and decision-makers to ensure projects address real-world needs. Results are shared in ways that are timely, meaningful and accessible to the people who can put them into action.

Projects must address priorities outlined in Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.

Biennial Funding Awards

Through our biennial research competition, we offer two types of awards:

Planning Grants
Smaller awards designed to foster community engagement, build partnerships and develop collaborative teams. These projects often lay the groundwork for larger, integrated research efforts.

Collaborative Research Grants
Larger awards that support interdisciplinary teams addressing well-defined research questions aligned with our strategic priorities. Projects are expected to integrate research, extension and/or education components and demonstrate clear pathways to impact.

Prospective investigators can request up to $30,000 per year for planning grants, OR $75,000 per year for collaborative research grants. We anticipate funding 6-8 planning and collaborative research awards. Applications require 50% non-federal match.

Both grant types require a rigorous application process, including a merit review involving technical experts and community partners. Potential investigators are required to submit a pre-proposal in response to this call. Select applicants will be invited to submit full proposals.

View Current projects

Eligibility

Universities and colleges: Georgia universities, and two- and four-year colleges (including community- colleges) acting on behalf of their faculty members.
Nonprofit, non-academic institutions: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar organizations in Georgia that are directly associated with educational or research activities.

Guidelines for Submission

Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant uses a web-based system called eSeaGrant (eSG) that allows preparation, submission, and management of proposals online. Mandatory registration is required before the pre-proposal submission process. Proposals that are not submitted via eSG will not be considered.

Prior to submitting an application, the principal investigator (PI) must complete a one-time registration process in the eSG. It can take as long as two weeks to complete the registration process so it is critical to begin as soon as possible before the pre-proposal due date.

Instructions on how to register to use the system and submit your proposal are available below.