Funding Opportunities

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 when they are open, please subscribe to our mailing list. *Note that Purdue Mailman services are secure despite some warnings that may pop up.

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: CLOSED

Competitions happen as funding is available. Funding for one-year projects is typically $10,000-$25,000 for not more than one year. The amount applicants can request is listed in the RFP or RFA.

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. 

2024 IISG Scholars competition

The 2024 IISG Scholars competition for Graduate Students only is currently closed and applications are under review. The IISG Faculty Scholars Program is on hiatus for 2024 but faculty with research ideas that could benefit the IISG mission are encouraged to contact IISG to discuss them.

Awards are issued for one year and activities should be completed during that year. IISG expects to support 9–10 graduate student scholars in 2024. Projects are anticipated to start June 1, 2024 and end May 31, 2025. View the full request for applications at this link. 

Applications due: 11:59 p.m. Central time on April 8, 2024 (updated February 12, 2024)

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.

The most recent 2-Year research RFP can be found here https://iiseagrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IISG-RFP-2022.pdf.
 

National competitions: VARIABLE

The National Sea Grant Office periodically requests proposals for research and outreach projects in topics of regional and national importance. Past competitions have focused on aquatic invasive species, aquaculture, migratory fishes, and American lobster. 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.

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