Funding to create engaging education programs that help the public understand ocean and Great Lakes acidification
The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) is pleased to offer the opportunity to apply for an eeBLUE Ocean Acidification Education and Outreach Mini-Grant. Through this mini-grant program, NAAEE supports partnerships sharing the mutual goals of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Office of Education and Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) included in the 2025–2045 NOAA Education Strategic Plan and NOAA Ocean Acidification Education Implementation Plan.
Submit your proposal to eeBLUE@naaee.org by June 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM (Eastern).
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About the Mini-Grant Program
The principal objective of this request for proposals is to support CELC members with integrating ocean and coastal acidification (OA) into their institutions' education and outreach efforts.
In a 2014 report, the Frameworks Institute evaluated climate and ocean literacy nationally and found low awareness and understanding of ocean acidification (OA), with 1 in 14 people familiar with the term (Frameworks Institute, 2014). While this level of awareness has surely increased over the past decade, the complex OA science and its distinctness from climate change remain poorly understood by the general public.
It's vital that we increase ocean acidification literacy so people can better prepare and adapt to the consequences of changing ocean chemistry. Audiences who visit CELC organizations have access to learning about ocean and coastal acidification, especially the latest scientific information and tools on these topics.
In general, eeBLUE Ocean Acidification Education and Outreach Mini-Grant projects should:
- Increase OA literacy, including regional or local relevance to the general public or target audiences, and also increase reach;
- Draw from or incorporate NOAA data and best available information, relevant NOAA and other resources aiding decision making, NAAEE assets, best practices for environmental education and communicating ocean acidification, and/or activities that CELC members are expert;
- Utilize best practices for engaging with the public on the complex topic of OA that avoid misconceptions and provide information and/or tools for informed decision-making;
- Create innovative and/or new approaches that increase OA literacy through CELC programming.
Proposed projects can take a variety of forms, including but not limited to:
- Creating a (partial) exhibit or installation;
- Developing workshops or classes for visiting teachers or students;
- Producing or incorporating multimedia tools or digital content, games, infographics, apps, or tools;
- Creating traveling exhibits or other activities;
- Creating innovative and interactive experiences.
Key details to help you get started are outlined below. Please review the full RFP for complete requirements.
Who is eligible to apply?
This solicitation is intended to support CELC members in integrating ocean and coastal acidification into their institutions' education and outreach efforts. All funded activities must serve this effort.
Prospective applicants are eligible to submit a proposal if:
- The primary applicant is not a federal government agency, a foreign entity, or an individual.
- Project work is conducted by a U.S. organization in the United States or territories that can provide a valid UEI number. A UEI number is the authoritative identification number provided by the U.S. government, used to identify businesses awarded federal grants, awards, and contracts.
- The application must be led by a CELC member, but may include other partners or collaborators, including but not limited to institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, commercial organizations, state or local government agencies, or interstate agencies.
How much funding is available, and what is the project timeline?
Applicants may request funding starting at $10,000 up to $50,000, for a total available investment of $300,000 across the program.
We anticipate 4–8 awards, depending on the number and size of proposals received. Final award amounts will be determined by the merit review process and available funds.
Projects may last up to 24 months.
Anticipated key dates:
- Award notifications: August 15, 2026
- Project start date: October 1, 2026
How do I submit a proposal?
Proposals must be submitted by June 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time via email to eeBLUE@naaee.org.
To apply, download and complete the application materials from the "Download Application Materials" section on this page, then submit your complete proposal package by email.
A complete proposal includes the following materials:
- Title page
- *Project description (up to five pages)
- Project timeline or milestone chart (up to two pages)
- Budget table
- List of project partners
- CV or resume for each Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-PI(s) (up to two pages each)
- Letters of commitment from all project partners (up to 1 page each)
*The Project Description must not exceed five standard letter-sized pages. You may include figures or visuals within this section, but they count toward the page limit. Please use 11-point font or larger, 1-inch margins, and number each page.
Application Timeline
May 5, 2026
Request for proposals announced.
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Informational Webinar
May 7 at 3:00 PM Eastern
Learn what makes a strong proposal and get your questions answered.
June 18, 2026
Proposals due at 11:59 PM ET.
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Learn More About Ocean Acidification (OA) Education and Outreach
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NAAEE and NOAA's Office of Education entered a second 5-year eeBLUE partnership to increase environmental and science literacy among NOAA's partners and external networks. Education plays a significant role in supporting NOAA's mission. NOAA's Office of Education coordinates activities across the agency and supports the integration of NOAA science into education programs. Through this partnership, NOAA and NAAEE aim to create a more environmentally literate society with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to conserve our natural resources and build more resilient communities nationwide. NAAEE helps NOAA strengthen professional networks, disseminate best practices, support high-quality STEM education, and provide education and outreach for educators and other target audiences.
