Program Development Funding (USC Sea Grant)

Program Development Funding (USC Sea Grant) is sponsored by USC Sea Grant. USC Sea Grant's "Urban Ocean" research program develops and sponsors projects solving problems associated with urbanization in and adjacent to the coastal zone. This ongoing funding supports projects aligning with their mission.

USC Sea Grant Funding - USC Sea Grant Current Funding Opportunity USC Sea Grant Request for Research Proposals: 2026-2028 Omnibus Funding Cycle Funding Cycle: February 1, 2026 – January 31, 2028 Preliminary proposals for projects were due March 7, 2025, by 5 pm PST. Full proposals were due June 23, 2025, by 5pm PT. Click here to view USC Sea Grant’s Request for Preliminary Proposals PDF.

The University of Southern California Sea Grant Program (USCSG) is soliciting preliminary proposals for research projects of one or two years’ duration beginning February 1, 2026. Projects should focus on topics pertaining to the “Urban Ocean,” USC Sea Grant’s primary focus.

University faculty and academic staff at California academic or research institutions are eligible to apply, and we encourage interdisciplinary and inter-institutional projects. USC Sea Grant’s “Urban Ocean” research program supports projects directed at solving the particular problems associated with urbanization on and adjacent to the coastal zone.

The program’s overall aims are to foster the use of sound scientific information to advance our understanding of coastal and ocean resources, to examine the ways we conserve and use these resources, and to support tools for evaluating issues and socio-economic trade-offs that comprise coastal decision making.

USCSG works closely with funded researchers to ensure research results will have a broad reach to diverse California constituencies, with particular attention to communities in the Los Angeles region. Guidelines for Submitting Full Proposals Following the submission of preliminary proposals, applications undergo a thorough review process. Select proposals are recommended to submit a full proposal, which are due June 23, 2025, by 5pm PT.

All applicants must submit their proposals using eSeaGrant , USC Sea Grant’s electronic proposal submission and management system. To learn how to submit a full proposal and to access the full guidelines, read our 2026-2028 USC Sea Grant Request for Proposals PDF . Guidelines for Submitting Preliminary Proposals Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact USC Sea Grant at seagrant@usc.

edu to discuss potential projects and funding. Our office can serve as a regional clearinghouse for the coordination of complementary project proposals, and as a resource for research and education contacts. All applicants must submit their proposals using eSeaGrant , USC Sea Grant’s electronic proposal submission and management system.

To learn how to submit a preliminary proposal and to access the full guidelines, read our 2026-2028 USC Sea Grant Request for Preliminary Proposals PDF . February 11, 2025, at 1pm PT: Webinar for potential applicants.

March 7, 2025, by 5 pm PT: Preliminary proposal submission deadline Postponed until May 19, 2025 (originally May 9, 2025): “Encouragement to submit full proposals” sent to PIs June 23, 2025, by 5pm PT: Full proposal submission deadline Mid-September 2025: Notification of funding decision sent to PIs February 1, 2026: Project initiation (subject to the availability of funds) Watch a recording of our 2026 Biennal RFP Informational Webinar: Join our mailing list to receive USC Sea Grant’s monthly Urban Mariner e-newsletter, as well as periodic information on funding and fellowship opportunities, AdaptLA, and our Urban Tides Initiative.

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