Grants

Harmful Algal Bloom Innovation Challenge: Toxin Detection in Seafood: eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)

Updated October 2026 5 min read

Key Facts

Agency
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Award Range
up to $250,000
Deadline
Closed 2026-07-16
Time Remaining
This cycle closed on 2026-07-16. Check grants.gov for the next cycle.
CFDA Number
11.478
Bottom line: The Harmful Algal Bloom Innovation Challenge: Toxin Detection in Seafood provides up to $250,000 in funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The purpose of this document is to advise the public that NOAA/NOS/National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Competitive Research Program (NCCOS/CRP) [formerly Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research (CSCOR)/Coastal Ocean Program (COP)] is soliciting proposals to drive practical and cost-effective innovations for harmful algal bloom toxin detection in seafood that promotes seafood safety, food security, and the economic success of U.S. seafood industries and their competitiveness in global markets.

The Harmful Algal Bloom Innovation Challenge: Toxin Detection in Seafood is a federal funding opportunity administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application once the next cycle opens.

Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for the Harmful Algal Bloom Innovation Challenge: Toxin Detection in Seafood, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Eligible applicants for Federal financial assistance in this competition are U.S. institutions of higher education, non-profits, state and local governments, tribal government entities, U.S. Territories, U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands institutions, and for-profit organizations.

Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official Grants.gov listing before beginning your application.

Not sure your organization qualifies? Run the free Grant Finder check → or compare other Research programs by who can apply.

How to apply: step by step

  1. Register on SAM.gov. Every federal grant applicant needs an active SAM (System for Award Management) registration. Allow 2-4 weeks for new registrations to process. Existing registrations must be renewed annually.
  2. Get a UEI number. Your Unique Entity Identifier is assigned through SAM.gov and replaces the old DUNS number. You will need this on every federal application.
  3. Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Download the full NOFO from the Grants.gov listing. Pay close attention to review criteria, budget limits, and required attachments.
  4. Prepare your application package. Most federal grants require a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capacity statement, and supporting documents. Follow the page limits and formatting rules exactly.
  5. Submit through Grants.gov. Create a workspace, upload all required forms and attachments, and submit once the next cycle opens. The system timestamps your submission, and late applications are automatically rejected.
  6. Confirm receipt. Keep the tracking number or confirmation email, and check back in 1-2 business days that your application passed the validation checks.

For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.

Grant details

Detail Information
Grant Name Harmful Algal Bloom Innovation Challenge: Toxin Detection in Seafood
Funding Agency National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
CFDA Number 11.478
Award Minimum Not published
Award Maximum $250,000
Deadline Closed 2026-07-16
Category Research
Matching Required No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated for this program
Application Link Apply on Grants.gov

Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.

If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.

Get the free grant eligibility screener worksheet (PDF)

Check your fit for Research grants like this one before you apply: eligibility, match and registration in one worksheet.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for the Harmful Algal Bloom Innovation Challenge: Toxin Detection in Seafood?

Eligible applicants for Federal financial assistance in this competition are U.S. institutions of higher education, non-profits, state and local governments, tribal government entities, U.S. Territories, U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands institutions, and for-profit organizations. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official Grants.gov listing before applying.

What is the deadline for Harmful Algal Bloom Innovation Challenge: Toxin Detection in Seafood?

The current deadline is closed on 2026-07-16; the next cycle has not been posted. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the Grants.gov listing for the next funding opportunity.

Does Harmful Algal Bloom Innovation Challenge: Toxin Detection in Seafood require matching funds?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated for this program. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.