Estuary Management Small Grants Program
Background
The Seabrook-Hamptons Estuary Alliance (SHEA) is excited to invite applicants to submit proposals for projects that advance the goals and actions identified in the Hampton-Seabrook Estuary Management Plan (EMP) Action Plan. This EMP Small Grants Program was established with Congressionally-designated funds in 2024, with budget oversight from NOAA’s Office of Coastal Management, and is being administered by SHEA. This program aims to provide guidance, support, and funding to the surrounding Hampton-Seabrook Estuary (HSE) communities and other local and regional partners to investigate, scope, and implement planning and outreach efforts that address emerging issues or challenges related to maintaining and improving the health of the HSE.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include municipalities, nonprofits, academic institutions, amongst others, that conduct work and serve the HSE watershed with a focus on applicants already conducting work and serving the communities surrounding the HSE (Hampton, Seabrook, Hampton Falls) and its watershed (Exeter, Kensington, North Hampton, and Stratham).
HSE Watershed Map
Types of Projects
Projects must meet the following requirements to be considered eligible for funding:
- Advance one or more of the five goals of the Estuary Management Plan.
- Require no demolition, construction, or ground disturbance of any kind.
- Contain an outreach component: either as a central component throughout the project OR as a final component to communicate project results to community members.
Project Budget & Duration
Budget: Project budgets should generally be between $5,000- $25,000 and do not require any external or matched funds to be considered for EMP grant funding. We anticipate up to 4 rounds of funding from 2025-2028, with $93,000 total in awards to be distributed.
Duration: All projects across all funding rounds must conclude no later than January 2028.
Important Dates for Round 1
- August 8, 2025: Request for Proposal released for Round 1 of Funding
- August 30, 2025: Application released and applicants prepare project proposals
- September 8, 2025: SHEA hosts informational grant webinar & provides applicant support - Recorded Webinar
October 15, 2025:Proposal deadline: emailed to ctweeddale@shea4nh.org by 4pm
October 15-28, 2025: Proposal review and selection
October 29, 2025:Notification of approved proposals
January 1, 2026: Contracts Executed and Projects Kick-off
- January 1, 2028: Project Completion Date
Overview of Submission Requirements
Applicants must submit the following to Colette Tweeddale, Hampton-Seabrook Estuary (HSE) Coordinator, via email (ctweeddale@shea4nh.org) by 4pm on October 15, 2025. Please include “EMP Grant Program Application” in the subject line. Faxed or mailed applications will not be accepted.
- Applicant Information: Organization name, address, contact person name and title and contact email and phone. If a 501(c)3, provide IRS ID #.
- Application Narrative: Project title, project description (background, methodology, audience, etc), timeline, and project location(s).
- Proposed Budget: Requested funds broken down by line item, and matching funds if any (matching funds are not required).
- Letter(s) of Commitment: A letter of support is required from each organization participating as a named partner with the primary applicant in the proposed project activities.
- Signature Form
Application Materials
Grant Application