11th Hour Racing Grant Program

Enriched – · Found: 2026-03-13 16:44

Active grant program accepting applications on a rolling basis in 2026 for sustainability in the marine industry and community-led ecosystem restoration. Focus includes clean technologies and best practices to reduce waste, prevent plastic pollution, and assess new circular solutions. Eligibility open to non-profits and charitable entities globally. Typical awards range from $40,000-$150,000 for 1-year projects with measurable outcomes tied to plastic pollution prevention and circular economy innovations.

Source: https://11thhourracing.org/apply-for-a-grant/

Funding Details

Funder

11th Hour Racing

Funding Goal

Fund innovative projects that restore ocean health through: increasing experiential education and career pathways in ocean fields; advancing clean technologies and best practices to reduce waste, prevent plastic pollution, and assess new circular solutions in the marine industry; and restoring coastal and marine ecosystems including seagrass, kelp, salt marsh, mangroves, and shellfish.

Funding Amount

Typical grants USD 40,000-150,000 with average of USD 75,000. First-time grants to new organisations are generally smaller. One-year project grants; fewer multi-year grants offered. (40.000 € – 150.000 €)

Deadline

Rolling basis - applications accepted year-round in 2026 (Rolling)

How to Apply

Apply via the online portal at 11thhourracing.org/apply-for-a-grant/. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. First-time applicants receive smaller initial grants. Projects must align with one or more of the three strategic focus areas.

Target Region

Priority: East Coast USA, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Caribbean. Also: global (ocean-related projects worldwide)

Contact

11thhourracing.org/apply-for-a-grant/

Last Checked

2026-05-07 02:10

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Applicant must be a 501(c)(3) or equivalent nonprofit/charitable entity

Project Scope

• Project must align with at least one of three focus areas: ocean education, clean tech/plastic prevention, or ecosystem restoration
• Priority regions: US East Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Caribbean — global projects accepted but lower priority

Required Documents

• Apply via online portal at 11thhourracing.org/apply-for-a-grant/ on rolling basis

Constraints

• Project must be specific with measurable outcomes — no general operating support or capital grants
• Typical grant duration is one year; multi-year grants are rare
• First-time applicants generally receive smaller grants (below USD 40,000)

Summary

The 11th Hour Racing Grant Program supports non-profit and charitable organisations working to restore ocean health through three strategic focus areas. The programme has been active since 2013 and has awarded 361 grants to 160 programmes globally, with a particularly strong track record supporting coastal and marine conservation in the United States. The programme's three thematic focus areas are: (1) Increasing access to experiential education and career pathways in ocean fields — expanding K-12 programmes and maritime career training to build the next generation of ocean stewards; (2) Clean technologies and best practices — advancing technologies and practices in coastal communities and the marine industry to reduce waste, prevent plastic pollution, improve water quality, and assess new circular solutions; and (3) Ecosystem restoration — restoring coastal marine ecosystems including seagrass, kelp forests, salt marshes, mangroves, and shellfish beds through community stewardship. Eligible activities include specific projects with measurable outcomes in these three areas. General operating support, capital/infrastructure grants, and endowment funding are explicitly excluded. Projects must be one year in length; multi-year grants are available but rare. Geographic scope: while global applications are accepted, the programme prioritises the East Coast of the United States, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. International projects are funded but are secondary in priority. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organisations and equivalent nonprofit or charitable entities globally. For-profit organisations are not eligible. First-time applicants typically receive smaller initial grants (below USD 40,000); subsequent grants can reach USD 150,000. Applications are submitted via the online portal at 11thhourracing.org/apply-for-a-grant/ on a rolling basis throughout the year. Projects must include measurable outcomes and a clear connection to at least one of the three focus areas.

Historical Context

11th Hour Racing has awarded 361 grants to 160 programmes since 2013. In 2024, 36 renewed grants were funded. The programme has historically reached 913,499 students through grantee programmes and supported shellfish restoration. The fund connects offshore sailing with ocean health philanthropy.

Sources

• https://11thhourracing.org/apply-for-a-grant/
• https://11thhourracing.org/grant-giving/

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