Estuary Management Small Grants Program
Now Accepting Applications for Round 3!
Due June 26, 2026
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 any entity that conducts work and serves the HSE watershed communities surrounding the HSE (Hampton, Seabrook, Hampton Falls) and its watershed (Exeter, Kensington, North Hampton, Salisbury (MA), and Stratham). Please see HSE Watershed Map below for full list. Types of entities that are eligible to apply may include, but are not limited to, municipalities, nonprofits, academic institutions, state departments, and others.
If you are unsure if you are eligible to apply, please reach out to Colette Tweeddale (ctweeddale@shea4nh.org).
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. (See Round 3 RFP, Section 6 for updates on priority actions)
- 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 AND has 20% of the total project budget dedicated to implementation of outreach.
Project Budget & Duration
Budget: Project budgets should generally be between $5,000- $15,000 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 3
- April 20, 2026: Request for Proposal (RFP) & Application Package released for Round 3 of Funding
- May 11, 2026: SHEA hosts informational grant webinar & provides applicant support - Register Here.
- June 26, 2026: Application Submission Deadline: emailed to ctweeddale@shea4nh.org by 4pm EST.
- June 24 - July 22, 2026: Proposal Review and Selection
- July 23, 2026: Notification of Funding Decisions to Applicants
- July 31 - September 14: NOAA Budget Review Period
- September 23, 2026: Contracts Executed and Projects Kick-off
January 1, 2028: All Projects Completed
Overview of Submission Requirements
*New for Round 3* - Applicants must meet with SHEA for a virtual pre-submission meeting to discuss proposed project alignment with program budget and priorities before submitting an application. Any organization that submits an application without meeting with SHEA before submission may not receive full consideration in this round. Book your Mandatory Pre-Submission Meeting with SHEA here or reach out to ctweeddale@shea4nh.org.
Applicants must submit the following to Colette Tweeddale, Hampton-Seabrook Estuary (HSE) Coordinator, via email (ctweeddale@shea4nh.org) by 4pm on June 26, 2026. Please include “EMP Grant Program Application” in the subject line. Faxed or mailed applications will not be accepted.
The following is the information required for submission, which you will provide via the fillable application package documents & attachments (download by clicking links in next section):
- 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 & Narrative: 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