The Save Our Seas Foundation (SOS) seeks photographers who tell conservation stories about the oceans. The call is not limited underwater photography. Story topics can range from the animals themselves, to fisheries to the communities whose lives are intertwined with marine life. Four successful grantees will receive a fully-funded assignment to shoot a conservation photo story on location, under direct mentorship from professional photographers from National Geographic. Award includes US$2 thousand cash prize, day rate for 3 to 4-week shoot, a year of mentorship, and logistical costs for shoot covered. SOS seeks to support early-career storytellers, therefore, applicants must have no more than 5 years of professional experience in any photography related discipline. The deadline to apply is 13 October 2023. Ocean Storytelling Photography Grant
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) funds researchers seeking to conduct their own environmental research within an eligible host organization in the UK. NERC supports fellows undertaking research across the breadth of the NERC remit within environmental sciences, including: freshwater, earth, atmospheric, marine and terrestrial sciences, earth observation, and polar science. The total available funding is £7.2 million. This opportunity is open to applicants who hold a PhD qualification. The fellowship covers 80% full economic cost for five years. Fellows can choose to work full time or part time. The deadline for application is 08 November 2023. Independent Research Fellowship
The Science Without Borders (SWB) Challenge is an international student art competition. The theme for this year’s challenge is “Hidden Wonders of the Deep.” Students are asked to use their artistic talents to create a piece of art that highlights the beauty and importance of a marine species that is on the brink of extinction. The SWB Challenge is open to primary and secondary school students (aged 11-19 years) from all around the world. The winners will receive scholarships of up to US$500. The deadline is 04 March 2024. Science Without Borders Challenge
The Ocean Innovation Challenge (OIC) seeks proposals that will stimulate socio-economic growth while restoring and conserving the coastal and marine ecosystems. The call invites approaches that create new and additional blue economy opportunities, such as innovations to improve fisheries and aquaculture management, ecotourism opportunities, or sustainable uses of marine resources empowering local coastal communities. Selected innovators will receive up to US$40 thousand to pilot their innovation within a period of maximum six months. Eligibility extends to entities in the least developed countries and/or small island developing states. The application deadline is 28 August 2023. Link
Royal Caribbean Cruises suppoRoyal Caribbean Cruises supports local communities invested in marine conservation and education. For that purpose, the company awards cash and cruise donations to be used for fundraising purposes to non-profit organizations with like-minded goals. Requests must be made at least 90 days prior to the event. The Fund accepts applications and requests throughout the year. Linkrts local communities invested in marine conservation and education. For that purpose, the company awards cash and cruise donations to be used for fundraising purposes to non-profit organizations with like-minded goals. Requests must be made at least 90 days prior to the event. The Fund accepts applications and requests throughout the year. Link
The Global Youth Climate Action Fund (GYCAF) makes microgrants to finance youth-led climate action in communities vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Focus areas include smart agriculture to ensure food sustainability, clean energy for local communities, protecting marine life and mitigating climate catastrophes, and biodiversity conservation. Grants range from US$500 to US$1000. The fund targets youth-led organizations and networks seeking funding for their projects and businesses. The application deadline is 16 June 2023. GYCAF Microgrants
The Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA) invites proposals for financial support to accelerate research and modeling on ocean risk and resilience. The Blue Planet Fund supports developing countries to protect the marine environment and reduce poverty. Pilot grants (US$50 thousand – US$150 thousand) are tailored for organizations to test and pilot innovative solutions. Project grants (US$150 thousand – US$500 thousand) are tailored for organizations to pilot innovative solutions and scale up and replicate proven ideas in new contexts. Projects should either be located or deployed in coastal countries. Applications close 02 July 2023. Blue Planet Fund
Save Our Seas makes grants for marine research, conservation, and education worldwide. Only projects concerned with marine chondrichthyan species (sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes and chimaeras) will be considered. Small grants (average about US$5 thousand) are made to early-career scientists for projects of up 12-18 months. The application deadline is 16 June 2023. SOSF Small Grants
The Blue Action Fund announces a new open call for grant proposals focusing on the Asia-Pacific Region. The Fund provides individual grants to selected conservation projects with focus on marine protected areas (MPAs) to support conservation of biodiversity, and projects that seek to enhance livelihood conditions and food security. The Fund will award grants of €2-4 million. Eligible applicants are non-profit organizations with proven experience in coastal and marine conservation and sustainable livelihood development in the area. Applicants must provide match funding of at least 25% of the total project costs. The deadline for submission is 08 September 2023. Link to the call
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) makes small grants in support of biodiversity conservation in Indonesia with focus on the “Wallacea Biodiversity Hotspot.” Grants are in support of community-based sustainable small-scale fisheries, protection and conservation of endangered marine species, marine protected areas management, and activities that promote improved marine and coastal ecosystems. This call is for small grants of less than US$50 thousand. Eligibility for grants extends to NGOs, community groups, private enterprises, universities, and other civil society applicants. Call details are available in Indonesian. The closing date for letters of inquiry is 07 February 2023. Wallacea Biodiversity Hotspot