2026 Alaska Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations supporting marine education and workforce training in Alaska. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, educational institutions, tribes, and government agencies focused on marine-related training. Activities support education, training, and career pathways in commercial fishing, aquaculture, marine science, and related sectors. Geographic scope is limited to Alaska. Applications must demonstrate community need and alignment with marine workforce development priorities.
This grant is for organizations supporting marine education and workforce training in Alaska. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, educational institutions, tribes, and government agencies focused on marine-related training. Activities support education, training, and career pathways in commercial fishing, aquaculture, marine science, and related sectors. Geographic scope is limited to Alaska. Applications must demonstrate community need and alignment with marine workforce development priorities.
Program description
This announcement supports Executive Order 14276, Restoring America’s Seafood Competitiveness, by soliciting projects that support: workforce development for marine-related professions in marine science, aquaculture/mariculture, and maritime operations; enhancing seafood safety and management through training in seafood best practices, marketing, and fishery management; technological innovation in fishing practices; outreach and education for consumers on quality and sustainability of wild caught fish or products farmed through aquaculture/mariculture; enhanced regionally-specific management of fishery resources based on local knowledge; and strengthening the seafood supply chain through partnerships with industry, researchers, and community organizations to build relationships that increase the sustainability and competitiveness of the marine community in Alaska. Proposed projects must be conducted in Alaska.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Community College
- County Government
- Individuals
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for organizations supporting marine education and workforce training in Alaska. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, educational institutions, tribes, and government agencies focused on marine-related training. Activities support education, training, and career pathways in commercial fishing, aquaculture, marine science, and related sectors. Geographic scope is limited to Alaska. Applications must demonstrate community need and alignment with marine workforce development priorities.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Letters of Support
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Detailed program timeline
Program contact
- 👤 Keisha Trent Grantor
- 📧 akr.grants@noaa.gov
- 📞 3016281449
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 11.455 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$705,000
-
$305,734
-
$119,103
-
$74,425
-
$63,814
-
$18,000
-
$17,400
-
$9,500
-
$9,498
Top States by Funding
- MA 2 awards $0.7M
- DC 1 awards $0.3M
- FL 2 awards $0.2M
- CA 1 awards $0.0M
- LA 1 awards $0.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 11.455). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $145,300 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Nonprofits, schools, tribes, government agencies, and community organizations based in Alaska. For-profit businesses typically cannot apply directly.
What is the deadline?
The application deadline is May 1, 2028. Applications typically open approximately one month prior.
What activities are funded?
Marine education programs, workforce training, curriculum development, and career pathway initiatives in fishing and aquaculture sectors.
How competitive is this funding?
As a mini-grant program, competition is often moderate. Clear local impact and partnership letters strengthen applications.
What is the typical funding range?
Mini-grant programs typically award smaller amounts. Exact ranges should be verified in the published Notice of Funding Opportunity.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with the official NOAA Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to understand specific priorities and eligible activities for 2026.
- Build partnerships with schools, tribes, fishing communities, or government agencies early to strengthen your application and demonstrate regional support.
- Focus on measurable outcomes like participant enrollment, completion rates, or job placement in marine industries.
- Emphasize how your project addresses workforce gaps specific to Alaska's marine economy.
- Include letters of support from local marine industry partners, employers, or community leaders.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Many applications fail to demonstrate direct connection to Alaska's marine workforce needs or lack specific, measurable program outcomes. Weak partnerships or insufficient community engagement reduce competitiveness significantly. Applicants often underestimate budget requirements for training delivery and participant support.
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