Sea Grant Request for Proposals
Important Dates
Virtual Research Workshop
Jan. 8-9, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Register here
Preproposal Deadline:
February 10, 2025
Full Proposal Deadline:
May 16, 2025
Request for Proposals
Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s biennial request for FY2026-2028 research proposals is open to submissions.
Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant invests in use-inspired research that improves the understanding, management, and wise use of Georgia’s coastal and marine ecosystems. Experts conduct research in close collaboration with on-the-ground extension agents, community partners, educators, or decision-makers. Research results are shared with those who need it the most, in ways that are timely, meaningful and relevant.
Projects must address priorities outlined in Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.
Two types of funding opportunities are outlined in the RFP, Planning Grants and Collaborative Research Grants:
- Planning Grants focus on fostering community engagement, prioritizing underserved communities, and supporting foundational activities like team-building, data collection, and educational outreach.
- Collaborative Research Grants emphasize answering well-defined research questions aligned with strategic priorities such as climate resilience, sustainable development, and ocean literacy.
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.
Eligibility
- Universities and colleges: Georgia universities, and two- and four-year colleges (including community- colleges) acting on behalf of their faculty members. We strongly encourage applications from women and minorities, and faculty at Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in Georgia.
- 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
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 2 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 here.