DEP-BWR-RFR-FY26-Carbon and Eelgrass CMT Grant

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection seeks grant proposals for an eelgrass restoration and monitoring project designed to quantify carbon storage, sequestration rates, and/or emissions within natural and restored eelgrass meadows in Massachusetts. The project should address at least two of the four questions posed in the grant opportunity, including the amount of carbon stored in eelgrass meadows, the difference in carbon sequestration and/or greenhouse gas fluxes in eelgrass meadows with different characteristics, the change in carbon sequestration under different sea level rise scenarios, and the development of successful eelgrass restoration methods. The grant opportunity is open to eligible entities, including Commonwealth state or local governmental entities, non-profit entities, and academic institutions. The total funding available is up to $500,000 over two years, and applicants are encouraged to provide matching funds. The application deadline is January 12, 2026, and the estimated contract start date is May, 2026. • The grant opportunity is funded through the Climate Protection and Mitigation Expendable Trust. • The project should be completed within two years of the notice to proceed. • The applicant should demonstrate a realistic understanding of project costs and provide a detailed budget table. • The applicant should identify and describe any match or other funding sources that will support the project. • The applicant should demonstrate a sound governance structure and record of fiscal responsibility. • The applicant should provide information on how the project will benefit the Commonwealth and further our quantitative estimates of carbon in eelgrass. • The applicant should describe the qualifications of the organization to carry out the proposed work.