Marine Sanctuary Program

Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
CFDA 11.429 Active Cooperative Agreement

Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$15.3M FY2026
$32.9M
FY24
$38.3M
FY25
$15.3M
FY26*
* estimated

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2025 28 awards totaling over $38 million

Program Objective

The National Marine Sanctuary Program conducts and supports research and monitoring, education and outreach, and resource protection programs tailored to the management needs of each sanctuary. These programs target a wide array of topics involving natural processes, human influences on water, habitat, living resources and maritime archaeological resources. Research projects within the sanctuary system also allow scientists to address information needs that are not recognized through site characterization and monitoring.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Unrestricted by Entity Type

State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals), Local (includes State-designated lndian Tribes, excludes institutions of higher education and hospitals, Public nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), U.S. Territories and possessions (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), Private nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), State Agreements to solicit private donations may only be made with nonprofit organizations. Agreements to solicit private donations may only be made with nonprofit organizations.

Beneficiaries

  • Unrestricted by Entity Type

State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals), Local (includes State-designated lndian Tribes, excludes institutions of higher education and hospitals, Public nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), U.S. Territories and possessions (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), Private nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals). The scholarship program benefits individuals who do not have the financial means of pursuing graduate level studies.

How to Apply

Award Procedure

Applications are required for competitive and non-competitive grants. Grantees must apply by the due date published in the announcement posted on www.grants.gov. Application packages must be submitted on time, be complete, and meet minimum requirements in order to be considered for funding.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: > 180 Days

Up to 240 days

Program details & compliance

Description

The National Marine Sanctuary system works with diverse partners and stakeholders to promote responsible, sustainable ocean uses that ensure the health of our most valued ocean and Great Lakes places. A healthy ocean is the basis for thriving recreation, tourism and commercial activities that drive coastal economies. The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries also leads the National Marine Protected Areas Center, the nation’s hub for building innovative partnerships and tools to protect our special ocean.

Mission Categories

Primary: Water Conservation

Other categories:
Earth and EnvironmentResearch and Development

Required Documentation

The applicants must provide all funding and related documentation in order to apply for a grant.

Reporting & Compliance

Audit Required
Yes — Determined at Time of Award
Records Retention
3 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Formula

Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972

Contacts

Monique Baskin
301-734-1113
1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Julie Whitaker
808-725-5296
1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-02-19. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-31 02:00:22.