Biennial Request for Proposals

Every two years, the New Hampshire Sea Grant Program issues a Request for Proposals (RFP) for those seeking major (≤$100K plus 50% match per year) funding for research projects. During 2025, NH Sea Grant will be reviewing proposals from investigators for one or two-year research funding during the 2026-2027 cycle, which officially runs February 1, 2026 - January 31, 2028. A brief summary of this opportunity is provided below along with links to additional information.

The guiding philosophy for NH Sea Grant is to serve the state and region by funding innovative and cutting-edge research integrated with expert extension, outreach, and education to support dialogue and science-based decision-making in areas of particular importance to our region. To meet our mission, we seek to foster and support the highest quality marine and coastal research and education projects that relate to the NH Sea Grant Program’s Strategic Plan’s Focus Areas:

1. Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
2. Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
3. Resilient Communities and Economies
4. Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development

The 2024-2027 NH Sea Grant Strategic Plan provides specific guidance on goals for research, extension and education in relation to these focus areas. Investigators writing research proposals should carefully read this document and consider how their proposed project aligns with the research theme and/or the broader goals of NHSG. PIs should also pay attention to the core values and crosscutting principles in the Strategic Plan to consider how they can contribute potential research and extension topic areas.

For the 2026-2027 RFP, NH Sea Grant will also encourage proposals that relate to aquaculture research. However, all high-quality proposals addressing any of the Focus Areas outlined in NH Sea Grant’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan will be given equal consideration.

Successful proposals will clearly identify and delineate a process for engaging end-users of the resulting research, and robust outreach, engagement and extension activities will be a requirement for all proposals. Thus, we strongly recommend that researchers seek out external partners and/or work with NH Sea Grant extension specialists and educators as early as possible to ensure that their direct input regarding identification/engagement with potential end-users is integrated during the proposal development process.

See all guidelines, proposal instructions and process for preparing and submitting proposals:

Download 2026-2027 Biennial RFP Announcement/Instructions

eSeaGrant Portal

Information Sessions

• December 18, 2024 | 2:30-4:00 p.m. Virtual. Register to attend
• January 31, 2025 | 4:30-5:00 p.m. In-person at UNH Durham, Holloway Commons, Piscataqua Room. 

Important Deadlines

• Pre-proposals must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on February 6, 2025.
• Notification of the status of the review of all pre-proposals will be made by early April 2025.
• Full proposals must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on May 30, 2025.

Helpful Links

• 2026-2027 Complete RFP Instructions
• NH Sea Grant Strategic Plan 2024-2027
• 2026-2027 RFP Announcement Flyer
• List of current and previously funded projects
• NH Sea Grant staff list and contact info
• Budget Form (90-4) and Budget Justification

RFP Contact

Steve Jones
Associate Director
Assistant Director for Research
stephen.jones@unh.edu
(603) 862-5124

eSeaGrant Submission Portal Contact

Michelle Lemos
Program Assistant
michelle.lemos@unh.edu
(603) 862-6702