Earthwatch Institute - Ocean Ecosystems Research Grants

Enriched International · Found: 2026-03-10 22:06

Research grants USD 20,000-100,000 supporting citizen science marine conservation projects. Covers coral reefs, seagrass, kelp forests, coastal areas. Provides citizen-scientist volunteers. Rolling RFPs from April 2026 for projects starting 2028.

Source: https://earthwatch.org/research/apply-for-research-funding

Funding Details

Funder

Earthwatch Institute

Funding Goal

Support field-based scientific research projects on biodiversity conservation, marine conservation, and traditional ecological knowledge that actively involve citizen-scientist participants in data collection. Funding covers field expenses including equipment, transport, field technicians, support staff, and food/housing for PIs and participants.

Funding Amount

Annual budgets USD $20,000–$80,000 per year; grants provided on a per-capita basis based on number of participants; projects tenable for three years with possible renewal; average 10–11 years of support (20.000 € – 80.000 €)

Deadline

Rolling basis, starting April 2026 for new projects beginning in 2028 (Rolling)

How to Apply

Submit pre-proposal through the Earthwatch Submission Portal at https://fs22.formsite.com/EarthwatchResearch/PreProposal/index. Pre-proposals accepted starting April 2026 for projects to begin in 2028. Three RFP tracks: Biodiversity Conservation, Marine Conservation, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge.

Target Region

Global (excluding regions on Earthwatch 'No Go' List due to safety concerns)

Contact

info@earthwatch.org | 1-800-776-0188 | 300 Washington St., Ste. 713, Newton, MA 02458

Last Checked

2026-03-15 12:58

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• PI or at least one team member must hold a PhD in the relevant research field
• Applicant must be affiliated with a university, government/tribal agency, or science-focused NGO
• Field leader must hold first aid certification and be fluent in English
• Verify project location is not on Earthwatch 'No Go' List before applying

Project Scope

• Research must include field-based data collection by Earthwatch citizen-scientist participants
• Minimum 4 research teams per year (4–15 participants each, typically 7–9 days)

Required Documents

• Submit pre-proposal through Earthwatch online submission portal (from April 2026)

Constraints

• Project duration must be 3 years or longer
• All field activities and communications must be conducted in English
• Earthwatch funding is supplemental — other funding sources required

Summary

Earthwatch Institute funds field-based scientific research projects that engage volunteer citizen scientists in data collection. The programme prioritises rigorous, relevant, and impactful science addressing global change challenges, including biodiversity conservation, marine conservation, and traditional ecological knowledge. Thematic priorities cover three RFP tracks: Biodiversity Conservation, Marine Conservation, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Eligible research topics include wildlife monitoring, coastal and marine ecosystem research, habitat studies, and community-based conservation. Projects must produce quantifiable goals and measurable conservation impacts, and must incorporate education of volunteers about the science and its global relevance. Eligible activities include field-based data collection, ecological monitoring, and participatory science. All research must involve citizen-scientist participants as primary data collectors. Field teams must be formed by a minimum of four teams per year (4–15 participants each), typically operating for 7–9 days in the field. PIs and support staff must lead participants in English. Earthwatch funds field expenses only: equipment and supplies, transport, field technicians, support staff (cooks, logistics coordinators, wildlife guards, drivers), and food/housing. It does not fund scientist salaries, student tuition, institutional overhead, capital equipment, or post-fielding data analysis. Geographic scope is global, but certain regions are excluded based on Earthwatch's 'No Go' List due to safety concerns. No specific regional preference is stated, though the programme encourages local scientists and scientists from historically underrepresented groups in STEM. Eligible applicants are researchers (PI or at least one team member) holding a PhD in the research field, affiliated with a university, government/tribal agency, or science-focused NGO. University labs (advisors plus graduate students) are highlighted as a strong model. Early career scientists and researchers from underrepresented groups are encouraged. Target beneficiaries include the global scientific community and local communities at research sites. Earthwatch emphasises collaboration with local stakeholders and sustainable sourcing of field logistics. Annual project budgets range from USD $20,000 to $80,000, provided on a per-capita basis based on the number of Earthwatch participants per team. Projects are funded for three years with annual performance reviews and possible renewal. Average support duration is 10–11 years. Earthwatch funding is intended to supplement other funding sources.

Historical Context

Earthwatch has averaged 10–11 years of support for projects they fund. They are transitioning to a rolling RFP process effective April 2026 for projects beginning in 2028. Three active RFP tracks (Biodiversity Conservation 2025, Marine Conservation 2025, Traditional Ecological Knowledge 2025) are available.

Why it was added

Key citizen science marine research funder aligned with SDG14 ocean ecosystems conservation

Sources

• https://earthwatch.org/research/apply-for-research-funding

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