Our funding approach

Catalytic Grants are tailored to the needs of each initiative, providing funding that de-risks innovation, fosters cross-sector collaboration, and improves the enabling environment for ocean conservation. While many grants support marine protection and restoration, we also fund work in ocean literacy, alternative seafood, and policy strengthening.

These grants are designed to:

• Pilot innovative conservation models with potential for scalability and replication.

• Advance multi-stakeholder conservation efforts, particularly those involving governments, industry and local communities.

• Build technical and institutional capacity where local infrastructure, expertise, or narrative power is limited.

• Fill strategic gaps in areas where local organisations or information ecosystems are underdeveloped.

Although catalytic grants may work through intermediary structures, many partners employ national staff, re-grant to local groups, or collaborate with grassroots actors—ensuring continued investment in local capacity, leadership, and livelihoods. This approach ensures focused, strategic action that amplifies and reinforces our long-term commitment to locally-led conservation.

Eligibility

Catalytic Grants are invite-only and are not open for unsolicited applications.