IISG provides funding to researchers in Illinois and Indiana who are working on issues of importance to the southern Lake Michigan region. If you would like to receive emails related to funding competitions,including career opportunities,please subscribe to our mailing list.

Funding is competitively awarded following procedures outlined in each request for proposals or applications (RFP or RFA). The RFP or RFA document details all steps that applicants should follow for that competition, including evaluation criteria reviewers will use to assess the proposed work.

Work can typically be completed outside of the immediate Lake Michigan vicinity, provided strong connections are made between potential impacts of the proposed work and the southern Lake Michigan region or surrounding communities. IISG typically supports Illinois- and Indiana-based researchers, but occasionally funding opportunities are open to researchers outside of our two states.

If a researcher has an idea for a pilot project that fits with IISG’s mission and would cost less than $10,000 including indirect costs, they are encouraged to contact IISG with their idea.

OPPORTUNITIES

Applicants to Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant should review the following templates and guidance. 

One-year research projects: Seed Grant Research Competition/Funding Opportunity

The Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program (IISG) requests proposals for our seed grant research competition. The goal of this funding opportunity is to provide seed funding, or funding for pilot data or initial investigations, that will provide a basis for a larger, future proposal to another funding agency. Projects should be based in southern Lake Michigan and should support IISG’s 2024–27 Strategic Plan.

Timeline
June 17, 2026: Release RFP
July 2, 2026, 2:00pm EDT: Informational webinar (register here)
July 21, 2026, 11:00am EDT: Informational webinar (register here)
August 17, 2026, 11:59pm EDT: Full proposals due via eSeaGrant

December 1, 2026: Notification of funding
January 11, 2027: Final adjusted proposals due to IISG
February 1, 2027: Project start date
January 31, 2028: Project end date*

*Due to the timing of these awards within our funding cycle, we do not anticipate providing substantial no-cost extensions. Please plan accordingly.

Please review the full request for proposals for more information.

2026 IISG Scholars competition: CLOSED

IISG scholars programs are professional networking and development opportunities for graduate students and faculty from institutes of higher learning in Illinois and Indiana who wish to develop extension, education, or communication capacities related to their scholarly interests.

Awards are issued for one year and activities should be completed during that year. IISG expects to support 6–10 graduate student scholars in 2026. Projects are anticipated to start June 1, 2026 and end May 31, 2027. View the most recent full request for applications at https://iiseagrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IISG-Scholars-RFA-2026.pdf.

 

Two-year research projects: CLOSED

Competitions typically occur every two years. Funding typically ranges from $40,000-$120,000 per year for two years. The specific opportunity you are applying to will outline the total amount that can be requested, and if cost share (match) is required.

IISG plans to award successful projects up to $200,000 per project ($100,000 per year) with a 50% non-federal match requirement. Funded projects should begin no earlier than February 1, 2026 and end no later than January 31, 2028.

More information on priorities for this funding cycle can be found here. You can also view the full request for proposals for more information.

 

National competitions: VARIABLE

The National Sea Grant Office periodically requests proposals for research and outreach projects in topics of regional and national importance. Recent competitions have focused on aquaculture, American lobster, and marine debris. Topics for future competitions will vary.

Further information, plus other national competitions, are listed here: https://seagrant.noaa.gov/Funding. 

 

Fellowships & Scholarships

Find additional opportunities for faculty and graduate students on our Fellowships & Scholarships page.