Funding Opportunity: Biennial Research Competition

The purpose of this solicitation is to invite research proposals for the upcoming NJSGC’s omnibus grant period (February 1, 2026 – January 31, 2028). The application process has two steps. First, to submit a full proposal, prospective investigators must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) that adheres to the guidance herein. Letters of Intent will undergo an administrative review, after which those meeting the review requirements will be encouraged for submission as full proposals. The opportunity to submit a full proposal is contingent on the timely receipt of a Letter of Intent. Second, prospective investigators must submit a full proposal that adheres to the guidance herein. Full proposals will be evaluated by external peer reviewers and reviewed by an authoritative Technical Review Panel.

Original, innovative proposals that target the research priorities and principles described here are welcomed. NJSGC is interested in funding proposals from all qualified investigators, particularly those from New Jersey institutions with a history of under-funding from New Jersey Sea Grant that:

• Engage and support students and promote workforce development.
• Demonstrate an integrated approach to research, outreach, and engagement.
• Engage NJSGC’s extension, communications, and/or education professionals to support the transition of applied research into useful applications that address the needs of New Jersey’s coastal residents and stakeholders.
• Involve stakeholders and end-users throughout all phases of the project, including identifying need and the statement of the problem at the pre-proposal stage.
• Strive to contribute to increased STEM literacy, greater stewardship to all interested constituents and communities.

Funding Period: February 1, 2026 – January 31, 2028
Letters of Intent: July 25, 2025, by 11:59 pm ET
Full Proposals: August 22, 2025, by 11:59 pm ET

For this solicitation, NJSGC anticipates federal funding:

• Up to eight (8) proposals with a maximum budget of $70,000 per year for two (2) years.
• Up to seven (7) proposals with a maximum budget of $20,000 per year for two (2) years.
• Total funding available combined is up to $560,000 per year for two (2) years.
• Proposals will be reviewed as two separate groups according to funding requested.
• DEADLINES FOR APPLICATIONS:

To view the proposal please click here or download the PDF. For general submission questions: Julie Shaw, Director of Research and Grants Administration JLang@njseagrant.org 732-872-1300 ext. 10. For questions on collaborations, priorities, evaluation criteria, data management: Dr. Peter Rowe, Executive Director 732-872-1300, x 31, prowe@njseagrant.org.