The FY2025 NOAA National Sea Grant College Program is offering funding for workshops and professional meetings through its competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This opportunity, titled "Sea Grant Programs Only - Workshops and Professional Meetings," supports the National Sea Grant College Program’s goals of enhancing understanding, research, and resource management for the nation’s ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems. The funding is limited to Sea Grant College Programs, Sea Grant Institutional Programs, and Sea Grant Coherent Area Programs.

Two submission rounds are available: the first closes on January 8, 2025, and the second on April 16, 2025. Projects under the first round must start by April 1, 2025, and conclude within a year. Round two projects will begin by September 1, 2025, also requiring completion within a year. A total of $120,000 is anticipated for this opportunity, with individual awards capped at $15,000. Matching funds equal to at least 50% of the federal request are required unless waived.

Eligible proposals should address activities such as conducting or participating in workshops and professional meetings, supporting logistics and administration, or enabling travel for Sea Grant professionals. Priority topics include advancing goals from the Sea Grant 2024–2027 strategic plans and network visioning documents. While proposals may include Sea Grant staff salaries, those minimizing this cost are more competitive. Projects must take place within the United States or its territories.

Applications must include a Research & Related Budget Form, a Senior/Key Person Profile, and a detailed narrative explaining the project’s objectives, methods, timeline, and alignment with program priorities. A separate budget justification must detail federal and non-federal costs. Diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations are encouraged, with an emphasis on engaging underrepresented groups and ensuring equitable access.

Evaluation criteria focus on relevance to NOAA and Sea Grant priorities, justification of need, technical merit, budget realism, and inclusive outreach. Submissions will be reviewed by independent experts, with awards recommended based on merit and alignment with NOAA’s strategic goals. Selection may also consider geographic and institutional balance, project type, and applicant performance history.

Pre-award costs incurred within 90 days prior to the start date are allowable but are undertaken at the applicant’s risk. Successful applicants will adhere to NOAA’s terms, including transparency and reporting standards, and will utilize the Sea Grant Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation Reporting system to track project progress and impacts.

For assistance, applicants can contact the National Sea Grant Office via email or consult detailed application instructions available on Grants.gov.