Every two years, N.H. Sea Grant issues an RFP for those seeking major (≤ $100k per year) funding for research projects. During 2013, the program will be reviewing proposals for one- or two-year research funding during 2014-2015 (funding period February 1, 2014 – January 31, 2016).
Who can apply?
Faculty and researchers with principal investigator status at any institution of higher education and research in New Hampshire are eligible to apply for funding through N.H. Sea Grant.
Does my research fit with the N.H. Sea Grant Program funding goals?
The guiding philosophy for N.H. Sea Grant is to serve the state and region by supporting innovative and cutting-edge research integrated with expert extension, outreach and education to support dialog and science-based decision-making in areas of particular importance to our region. To meet our organizational mission, we seek to foster and support the highest quality research in marine science, social science and education.
Research proposals should address one or more of the program goals identified in the 2014-2017 N.H. Sea Grant Strategic Plan under our four Focus Areas of Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development, Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, Resilient Communities and Economies, and Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture. The N.H. Sea Grant Strategic Plan provides specific guidance on goals for research, extension and education. Investigators writing research proposals should read the Strategic Plan carefully and consider how their proposed project aligns with the goals of NHSG. All proposed research should contribute to improved understanding, utilization and/or management of coastal and marine resources.
We strongly recommend that researchers seek to work with and integrate Sea Grant extension specialists and educators into their projects, as robust extension activities will be a requirement for all proposals.
Visit our Project Information Database to see projects N.H. Sea Grant has funded since 1998.
Match requirements
Sea Grant is a matching funds program, which requires that at least 50% of the aggregate federal dollars received be matched by state or private funds ($1 of match for every $2 of requested federal Sea Grant funds). N.H. Sea Grant recognizes that all PIs may not be able to provide a 50% match in their proposals. However, we ask that you provide as much as possible from non-federal sources. In-kind matching from university or other sources is often acceptable. Possible sources of matching funds include faculty/staff salaries, departmental or college student stipends, benefits, donated lab or ship time, indirect costs, and real or in-kind contributions from non-federal partners. Matching funds are scrutinized very closely for legitimacy by both the University of New Hampshire and the federal government.
For additional information regarding match/cost sharing, contact Lisa Scigliano at the UNH Research Office (lisa.scigliano@unh.edu, 862.0529) or Steve Jones, Assitant Director for Research for N.H. Sea Grant (shj@unh.edu, 862.5124).
Proposal process
The development and review of Sea Grant project proposals is a three-step process:
1. Principal investigators submit short preliminary project proposals by 5:00 p.m. February 25, 2013.
2. Following a review by a preliminary proposal review panel comprised of knowledgeable researchers from institutions outside N.H., the N.H. Sea Grant Executive Committee makes recommendations regarding development of full proposals on April 12, 2013. Principal investigators submit full project proposals by 5:00 p.m. June 3, 2013.
3. After a comprehensive merit review by mail and a technical advisory panel, PIs will be notified by September 23, 2013, on the review outcome of their proposal, and the most promising proposals will be submitted to the National Sea Grant Office with a recommendation for funding.
Proposal schedule and deadlines
For a comprehensive list of deadlines related to the RFP, see the RFP Calendar.
Application process
Preliminary proposals are no longer being accepted for the 2014-2015 funding period. Principal investigators who submitted preliminary proposals have been contacted with recommendations regarding development of full proposals
Full proposals are due to N.H. Sea Grant by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 3, 2013.
See Guidelines for Full Proposals for information on the proposal content and format, how to submit the proposal, and the criteria used when proposals are reviewed.
Contacts
General information
Steve Jones, Assistant Director for Research (603.862.5124)
Jonathan Pennock, Director (603.862.2921)
Budget information
Lisa Scigliano, Fiscal Administrator (603.862.0529)
Proposal submission information or problems
Sally Nelson, Senior Administrative Assistant (603.862.2987)