Mote Marine Laboratory has been successfully leading the “Protect Our Reefs” (POR) specialty license plate for over 20 years to help supplement traditional coral reef research and restoration funding sources. Mote makes a substantial proportion of the proceeds from the sale of these plates available through POR grants to build partnerships that support research, education (and outreach), and conservation efforts focused on the restoration and sustainable use of Florida’s coral reefs. Over the past 20+ years of the POR Grant Program, Mote has received and reviewed over 500 proposals and grants have been awarded to more than 300 projects totaling over $7.5 million.

Organizations may now apply for grant funds to support their Florida-based coral research & STEM education. Read the 2025 announcement, eligibility criteria and other application details here. Priority will be given to research and STEM education proposals that focus on applied aspects of coral reef restoration, such as coral propagation (sexual and asexual), rearing, and outplanting, as well as key coral reef associated fauna that promotes holistic ecosystem recovery strategies. Projects may include field-based or laboratory studies, integrating new technologies, analysis of big data sets, and introducing molecular techniques into restoration. Priority will be given to proposals that have a high likelihood of tangibly influencing coral reef restoration as a direct result of the funded project. It is highly recommended that proposals include collaboration with or use of Mote’s International Coral Gene Bank in Sarasota, Mote’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration on Summerland Key (including the Climate and Ocean Acidification Ocean Simulator), Mote’s Key Largo Coral Nursery, and Mote’s Islamorada Coral Nursery.

 Application Deadline: February 28, 2025 by 5 p.m. EST