Ocean Guardian School

Before downloading an application form, please be sure to read the "GRANT APPLICATION GUIDELINES" below as well as the Program Guidelines and Requirements.

2017 Application Form  
Example Application -5Rs Pathway
Example Application - Restoration Pathway

Please note: The PDF application form requires Adobe Acrobat. Download a free version of Adobe Acrobat . In order to fill out and save the form, you must download the PDF document to your desktop first, then open it with Adobe Acrobat, as opposed to opening the form via your browser window.  

IMPORTANT UPDATE for CALIFORNIA PROPOSALS in the 5R PATHWAY: To those California schools that are proposing a school-based waste reduction project focusing on single-use plastic items, please note the following: An additional $500 (for a total of $4,500) may be requested for a proposed project that includes goals to reduce single use plastic items above and beyond the cafeteria/classroom activities. The proposal must communicate plans to reduce single use plastic items in at least 2 or more of the following school-based areas: PTA/parent sponsored meetings, class parties, school sporting practices and/or events, staff meetings/staff rooms, etc.

GRANT APPLICATION & GUIDELINES

The Ocean Guardian School program funds projects focused on a current issue(s) affecting local watersheds and/or the ocean while promoting best environmental practices. Through a school- or community-based project, schools work to make a difference in the health and protection of their local watersheds, ocean and/or special ocean areas like national marine sanctuaries.

WHO CAN APPLY?
Any school (preK-12) located in the following CALIFORNIA counties: Mendocino, Humboldt, Del Norte, Marin, San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Sonoma, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura. Any school (preK-12) located in the following OREGON counties: Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, Lane, Douglas, Coos and Curry. Any School (preK-12) located in the following WASHINGTON counties: Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor and Pacific

Grant amounts range from $1,000-$4,000 per school depending on the level of the project and funding year. A school may re-apply for funding for the same project for up to five (5) successive years. Funding amounts are: $4,000 for Years 1-3, $2,500 for Year 4, and $1,000 for Year 5. If you do not need funding, but you would like to apply to become an Ocean Guardian School, you must still complete and submit an application by May 1st.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Schools must submit a new application for each successive year of funding and/or participation in the grant program. Continuing projects in years 4 and 5 must demonstrate how the project is being integrated within the school, with the goal of the project becoming a sustainable part of the school activities/culture/policies.  To that end, it is reasonable to request zero funding in your 4th or 5th year.
• For current grant recipients who are applying for new funding for a continued project, please include a progress report of your current project with your new application. This information should include the following:
  • Brief outline of your current  project’s budget report to date (what funds you have spent to-date, what funds will be spent by the end of the school year);
  • Brief outline of your current project’s accomplishments to date (e.g., outreach activities, measurable data, etc.)
• A school may apply to the Ocean Guardian School program without request for funding.  In this case, the school must submit an application by the official deadline and fulfill all program requirements to be evaluated for official Ocean Guardian School recognition.

HOW TO COMPLETE AND SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION:

Step 1: Download and save the application form to your computer.

Step 2: Complete (and save) the application form.

Step 3: Print 2 copies (double-sided preferred) of your completed application form. Remember to keep an extra copy for your files. Mail both copies to the appropriate address below:

PACIFIC NORTHWEST Schools (WA, OR):
NOAA's Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary
Attn: Ocean Guardian School Program
115 East Railroad Avenue, Suite #301
Port Angeles, WA 98362

GALVESTON, TEXAS Schools
NOAA’s Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
Attn: Ocean Guardian School Program
4700 Avenue U, Bldg 216
Galveston, TX 77551

ALL OTHER Schools:
NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
Attn: Ocean Guardian School Program
99 Pacific Street, Building 455-A
Monterey, CA 93940

APPLICATION DUE DATE

ALL grant applications are due by 5 pm Pacific Time on May 1 (for projects to begin at the start of the following academic year). Funding decisions will be made by early June. A proposed project period must run for the full academic year.

Applications must be postmarked or provided to a delivery service by 5:00 pm Pacific Time on May 1. Use of a delivery service must be documented with a receipt. NO fax applications will be accepted.

APPLICATION REVIEW CRITERIA (weighted equally)

1. A specific school- or community-based project that addresses a current issue(s) affecting local watersheds and/or the ocean.
2. The number of classes and grades directly involved in the project.
3. How the project will make a difference in the school and/or local community.
4. The outreach plan for communicating the project to both the school and local community.

Before completing the application form, please review the program guidelines and requirements.

For more information, contact Alyssa Nally at alyssa.nally@noaa.gov