Please find information regarding MassDEP’s Eelgrass Restoration and Carbon Study Grant program. The grant will support eelgrass restoration and monitoring projects design to quantify carbon storage, sequestration rates and/or emissions, within natural and restored eelgrass meadows in Massachusetts.

Eligible applicants for this grant opportunity are any state or local governmental entities, quasi-governmental entities, non-profit entities, or academic institutions. Applications are due January 12, 2026.

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The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is pleased to announce a grant to support eelgrass restoration and carbon research for Commonwealth academic, Commonwealth state and municipal governmental, quasi-governmental, and non-profit entities. Applications are due by 5:00 PM EST on January 12, 2026.

The grant will support eelgrass (Zostera marina) restoration and monitoring projects that also include research to quantify carbon storage, sequestration rates and/or emissions within established and restored eelgrass meadows in Massachusetts.

The grant opportunity is funded through the Massachusetts Climate Protection and Mitigation Trust, which aims to support programs and projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

We expect to make one or two large awards and encourage collaborative teams.

Program Details:

• Maximum Award: $500,000 over two years
• Deadline: January 12, 2026, 5:00 PM EST
• Submission: email to Tay Evans, MassDEP Wetlands Program at [email protected]

To learn more and apply please see the Request for Response attached to this email and posted on the MassDEP website here: Water Resources Grants & Financial Assistance | Mass.gov as well as on COMMBUYS (BD-26-1045-BWR00-BWR01-123283).