The organization offers a variety of annual funding opportunities aimed at supporting conservation, management, and restoration efforts in coral reef regions across the United States and its territories. Some grants provide substantial funding, with awards ranging from around $80,000 up to $600,000, while others offer smaller-scale funding from approximately $125,000 to $300,000. The funds are intended for a broad range of uses, including reducing environmental stressors on reef ecosystems, supporting sustainable fisheries management, advancing restoration and rehabilitation projects, and enhancing local or regional capacity for environmental stewardship.
Certain opportunities are geared toward nonprofit organizations, state or territorial agencies, local governments, tribal governments, and educational institutions, allowing these groups to implement programs that protect and restore coral reefs. Some programs also provide rapid-response support for unexpected events that threaten reef systems, such as natural disasters or disease outbreaks, with minimal restrictions on funding requirements.
In addition to organizational grants, there are fellowship opportunities designed specifically for individuals. These fellowships allow participants to work closely with management agencies, gaining professional experience while contributing directly to conservation and management initiatives. Fellows typically receive a salary and benefits along with professional development support, including training and travel opportunities, and are placed in U.S. coral reef jurisdictions such as Florida, Hawaiʻi, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Overall, these programs aim to strengthen local and regional capacity, encourage sustainable practices, and support hands-on management and research activities that contribute to the long-term health and resilience of coral reef ecosystems. Funding opportunities are generally renewed each year, offering consistent support for both organizational projects and individual professional development in coral reef management.
