The Maryland Sea Grant program is dedicated to advancing translational watershed, coastal, and marine science to educate and inform the wider community in the Chesapeake Bay region and Maryland's coastal areas. Their mission is centered on supporting research, outreach, and education efforts that are informed by their strategic plan, focusing on conservation and restoration efforts within these ecosystems.
The grant program aims to support small, targeted grants within the general category of program development awards. These funds are intended to back new research, outreach, or education efforts, or to offer strategic support to emerging areas of importance. The purpose is to stimulate and foster innovative projects at a small scale that will lead to larger grant submissions from various sources in the future. Additionally, the funds may support workshops and educational opportunities to connect marine and coastal science with diverse audiences. Proposals must align with the Maryland Sea Grant Strategic Plan and show a clear link between coastal, marine science, and conservation/restoration efforts in Maryland. An outreach component or relevance to audiences beyond academia is crucial for a proposal’s success. Due to limited funds, the program is highly selective.