Core Funding
North Carolina Sea Grant’s core research projects include diverse coastal topics that typically are funded by a combination of both federal and state dollars with an emphasis on applied research initiatives. Core funding operates on a two-year cycle.
The 2026–2028 Biennial Competitive Research Funding Cycle is accepting preproposals until 5 p.m. ET on January 13, 2025.
North Carolina Sea Grant’s core research projects include diverse coastal topics that typically are funded by a combination of both federal and state dollars with an emphasis on applied research initiatives. Core funding operates on a two-year cycle.
This funding opportunity continues North Carolina Sea Grant’s tradition of connecting innovative research and outreach programs across our state’s public and private universities with coastal and coastal watershed communities to address critical, place-based, needs.
North Carolina Sea Grant uses a two-step process for its core funding.
Researchers first submit preproposals that outline their research, its need within the state, the approach and strategy, and team members. A preproposal is required before researchers may submit a full proposal for the final competitive review.
Proposed work should recognize Sea Grant’s multidisciplinary and integrated program of applied research, outreach, and education under one or more of these focus areas: Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, Resilient Communities and Economies, Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development.
Researchers must include extension and outreach as part of their research proposals.
Lead investigators from any institution of higher education in North Carolina can submit proposals. Collaborators can come from academic, industry, government, and other areas.
North Carolina Sea Grant will review preproposals with regard to relevancy and need, approach, and transferability:
- Will the project help address a high priority coastal issue?
- Are the proposed methods appropriate to complete the work?
- Is it clear the results of the work will be provided to end-users, and do they want the research and results?
These research grants will fund projects that begin February 1, 2026, and finish by January 31, 2028. Projects require matching funds identified by the researcher and their home university.
For questions, contact John Fear at jmfear@ncsu.edu.
Preproposal Deadline
January 13, 2025, 5 p.m. ET.
Application Materials
- Request for Preproposals
- Preproposal Narrative Form
- Investigators must submit preproposals through eSeaGrant.
Additional Resources
2024-2026 funded research grants