Save Our Seas Foundation Grants: Funding Marine Conservation and Storytelling
The Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) offers a variety of international funding opportunities for individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting sharks, rays, and marine ecosystems. These grants support research, conservation efforts, education, and compelling storytelling that raises awareness about ocean health. If you are a researcher, filmmaker, photographer, educator, or advocate focused on marine conservation, understanding the SOSF’s offerings can provide crucial support for your impactful work.
The foundation is committed to funding projects that demonstrate measurable conservation impact and strengthen global ocean protection initiatives. By supporting a diverse range of activities, SOSF aims to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and public understanding, fostering a greater appreciation for marine life and the challenges it faces.
About the Save Our Seas Foundation
Based in Switzerland, the Save Our Seas Foundation is a non-profit organization that funds and supports projects focused on protecting oceans and threatened marine wildlife. Their primary areas of interest include sharks, rays, skates, marine megafauna, ocean ecosystems, and marine biodiversity. SOSF believes that successful marine conservation relies on a combination of scientific research, public engagement, education, storytelling, community involvement, and policy awareness. They specifically look for projects that blend conservation science with tangible real-world impact and public outreach.
Main Areas Supported by SOSF
The foundation’s funding primarily falls into three broad program categories:
Research
This category supports projects that aim to deepen our scientific understanding of marine species, their ecosystems, the threats they face, and potential conservation solutions. Funding here enables critical studies that form the basis for effective conservation strategies.
Conservation
Initiatives focused on protecting marine habitats, safeguarding threatened species, promoting sustainable fisheries, and supporting community-led conservation efforts are funded under this program. These projects often involve direct action to preserve marine environments and wildlife.
Education
Programs designed to raise public awareness about marine conservation issues and encourage environmental stewardship are supported through this category. These initiatives aim to educate and inspire action for ocean protection.
SOSF Grant Categories
The Save Our Seas Foundation provides several distinct funding streams to cater to different needs and project types:
Keystone Grants and Continuation Grants
These are substantial grants designed for more established projects or to provide ongoing support for successful initiatives. They typically fund larger-scale research or conservation efforts that require significant resources over a longer period.
Keystone Special Grants
These grants are often awarded for specific, high-priority conservation needs or innovative projects that may not fit neatly into the standard grant categories. They allow SOSF to respond to emerging challenges or unique opportunities in marine conservation.
Small Grants
As the name suggests, these grants offer more modest funding amounts, ideal for smaller projects, pilot studies, or specific research components. They are accessible for individuals or smaller organizations needing support for focused activities.
Conservation Fellowships
The SOSF Conservation Fellowship is specifically designed to support individuals actively engaged in shark and ray conservation, particularly those from developing regions. The program aims to foster long-term conservation leadership by providing financial stability and support for individuals dedicated to this work. Fellows receive USD 8,000 per year for two years, assisting with living costs and enabling them to continue their vital conservation efforts within their communities. These fellowships are awarded every two years across Africa, Asia, and Central/South America, with applicants needing to be previous SOSF grantees working in a developing country and actively involved in shark or ray conservation.
Ocean Storytelling Photography Grants
This grant supports emerging photographers who use visual storytelling to highlight marine conservation issues. It is open to photographers documenting stories related to sharks, marine wildlife, fisheries, coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and ocean conservation challenges. SOSF particularly encourages applications from women, underrepresented communities, and individuals from Africa, Asia, South and Central America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Grantees receive daily rates, covered expenses, and opportunities for international exposure and publication.
Ocean Storytelling Film Grants
The Ocean Storytelling Film Grant assists emerging filmmakers in producing cinematic and conservation-focused ocean stories. SOSF seeks visually compelling short films about marine wildlife, fisheries, coastal communities, conservation science, and ocean protection. Successful applicants receive a significant production budget, a cash prize, and mentorship. The final films must be under 20 minutes, focus on marine conservation storytelling, and be visually strong and engaging. Eligibility requires emerging filmmakers with less than five years of professional film experience.
General Funding Guidelines and Expectations
SOSF prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong conservation value, have clear pathways for real-world impact, and include components for public engagement. They also value projects that can raise government awareness and involve community participation. Grant holders are expected to actively participate in public outreach, environmental education, media engagement, and awareness campaigns.
There are certain financial restrictions, with SOSF not funding large institutional overheads, conference attendance, or excessive travel costs. International travel expenses generally cannot exceed 10% of the requested funding. Grant recipients are required to provide regular updates through blogs, final reports, financial summaries, high-quality photographs, media documentation, and details of public awareness activities.
These opportunities from the Save Our Seas Foundation are valuable because they combine scientific research with storytelling and public engagement. They provide essential support for the next generation of marine conservation leaders, researchers, photographers, and filmmakers, offering not just funding but also global visibility and the chance to contribute to meaningful environmental change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of projects does the Save Our Seas Foundation fund?
SOSF funds projects focused on research, conservation, education, and storytelling related to sharks, rays, marine ecosystems, and ocean health.
What are the main grant categories offered by SOSF?
SOSF offers Keystone Grants, Small Grants, Conservation Fellowships, Ocean Storytelling Photography Grants, and Ocean Storytelling Film Grants.
Who is eligible for the SOSF Conservation Fellowship?
The fellowship is for individuals from developing regions actively engaged in shark and ray conservation who have been previous SOSF grantees.
What are the reporting requirements for SOSF grant recipients?
Grant holders must provide regular updates through blogs, final reports, financial summaries, photos, media documentation, and details of public awareness activities.
