NOAA Launches New $56M Marine Debris Grant Opportunity
Eligible applicants: states, local governments, tribal entities, forprofits, local authorities, nonprofits. Applications are due: Sep 30, 2022
Note: This opportunity is part of a series of grant opportunities that NOAA released on June 29th. You can find the news release here and the list of associated funding opportunities here. This program is a great (albeit financially small) opportunity for localities focused on the “blue economy” to receive support.
Opportunity: Marine Debris Program (NOAA)
Overview and Eligible Uses: The first priority will support partnerships for the development of large scale and high-value marine debris removal programs. These programs should focus on large marine debris, including abandoned and derelict vessels, derelict fishing gear, and other debris that is generally unable to be collected by hand. Removal partnerships are expected to be responsive to marine debris needs throughout all coastal and marine areas in the United States, including the Great Lakes, United States territories, and Freely Associated States, including within National Marine Sanctuaries and National Estuarine Research Reserves. Successful applicants are expected to have technical and administrative ability to identify, catalog, evaluate, fund, and administer such efforts through their own competitive funding programs. This is not a request for individual or localized marine debris removal projects.
The second priority of this competition focuses on implementation of proven marine debris interception technologies in coastal riverine, shoreline, estuarine, and urban environments where trash, plastics, and other persistent, reaccumulating macro-debris can be captured and removed. Successful applicants are expected to have the technical expertise to implement these technologies, navigate and comply with all regulatory requirements associated with such projects, and properly maintain these technologies once deployed.
Amount: Awards between $100k and $15M, up to $56M total
Type: Competitive grant
Eligible Applicants:
State governments
County governments
Small businesses
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Independent school districts
City or township governments
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Key Dates: Applications are due September 30, 2022
Key Links:
Notice of Funding Opportunity (Grants.gov)
For a full list of currently available grant programs under the Infrastructure Law and other helpful tools, take a look at our Helpful Resources page.