The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the University of Rhode Island (URI) announces a small grants program to support scholarly research by graduate students in collaboration with URI faculty sponsors in ocean and estuarine science and policy. Applicants may request two years of funding (a maximum of $12,000 per year); however, approval for a second year is contingent upon progress and funding availability. Proposals should describe the development of tangible products (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles, outreach materials such as white papers, popular articles, symposia or conference proceedings) that serve to advance the state of knowledge in one of the following topics of particular importance to The Nature Conservancy. This year’s solicitation will focus on the following topics:

• Restoration and conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems
• The spatial extent and quantification of ecosystem services provided by existing and restored marine and coastal habitats.

For examples of conservation strategies that are currently employed by The Nature Conservancy, please visit this site. For complete information on how to apply, please see the application announcement here.  Applications are due January 13, 2017. Funds will be awarded on or about April 3, 2017.