Grant Application Guidelines

RIOW 2026 Grants

Application Guidelines & Instructions - Fall 2026 Application Period

RIOW invites applications for small projects up to US$3,000 for the 2026 application period.

This grant is designed for small projects, aimed at providing scientists, conservationists, or educators with an opportunity to demonstrate initiatives of marine conservation. The project may or may not be part of a larger endeavor but must be specific and finite. Only projects focused on marine science will be considered.

RIOW, also known as Beavertail Open Water, was founded with the mission of funding and advocating for better stewardship of New England’s natural water resources and promoting the conservation of these waters. The RIOW Small Grant seeks to support the local marine science community and only project submissions with linkage to New England will be considered. For clarity, this may include but is not limited to: New England-based project leaders conducting general projects, projects physically based in New England led by a project leader who is based outside of New England, etc.

Administrative notes

Dates should be in the format MM/DD/YYYY.

Currency used in this application should be in USD.

Deadline: September 30th, 2026

Please note applications are unable to be altered or amended after submission.

In this application period, RIOW will evaluate applications and award grants between September to November of 2026.

Document formatting and submission

All application materials must be submitted via email to patrick@beavertailopenwater.org as PDF documents and named using the following structure for the file name: [project leader last name]_[project leader first name]_[document type]_riowgrant.pdf

Examples:

  • doe_jane_projectoverview_riowgrant.pdf

  • doe_jane_resume_riowgrant.pdf

The subject line of the application email must follow this structure: RIOW Grant Application [project leader first and last name]

Example: RIOW Grant Application Jane Doe

Application materials

A.  Project Overview, must include the following items:

  • Project title (maximum 12 words): This title will be used by RIOW when referencing your project. It should be informative and concise to describe the subject and aim of the project.

  • Project location: List all geographical information about where the project activities will take place, including but not limited to: country, state, city, site.

  • Project summary (maximum 200 words): This brief abstract should provide a clear description of your project using language targeted toward a general audience.

  • Project objectives (maximum 200 words): State or list clearly the general aim or purpose of the project.

  • Project methodology (maximum 500 words): Briefly describe the methods you plan to use and activities that will be involved for this project to achieve its objectives. Make sure you are precise as possible in your descriptions.

  • Total project budget: State the total project budget. This amount should match the figures in the project budget, provided separately.

  • Project schedule: Indicate when you anticipate your project will take place, over what period of time, and any project milestones you intend to record.

  • Project leader biography (maximum 200 words): Give a brief summary of the project leader’s qualifications and interests. It is recommended that this short biography answer the question, “Why is the project leader passionate about this project?”

B.  Project Leader Resume

C.  Detailed Project Budget, must include the following items:

  • Personal costs such as travel, accommodations, food, etc. (should not exceed 10% of the total budget)

  • Field materials and equipment such as sampling equipment, equipment rentals, etc.

  • Lab materials and equipment such as chemicals, primers, etc.

  • Miscellaneous costs

  • Any additional or expected sources of funding to extend your project (note: any projects requiring additional funding not yet secured to be completed will not be considered)

Thank you for your application. Please note grant recipients will be asked to provide project updates at 6 months, 1 year, and the conclusion of the project, help produce a project profile to be posted on our website, and abide by other terms and conditions outlined in a grant agreement.

The RIOW board members and review process uphold values of equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We are committed to evaluating applications fairly and without bias to an applicant’s gender, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, genetic information, etc.