Pure Ocean Challenges — Call for Projects

Enriched Foundation · Found: 2026-03-14 20:57

Annual competitive grant for NGOs, research institutes, and universities to address marine pollution, biodiversity conservation, and coastal resilience. Up to EUR 80,000 per project over 1-2 years.

Source: https://www.pure-ocean.org/en/call-for-projects/

Funding Details

Funder

Pure Ocean

Funding Goal

Funding for innovative applied research projects that contribute to the protection of fragile marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Projects must address one or more of four Pure Ocean Challenges: (1) understanding marine pollution and tackling it at the source, (2) protecting biodiversity and restoring degraded marine ecosystems, (3) building resilience and adaptation to climate change, (4) improving understanding of the ocean system. 2026 focus areas include alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, fighting illegal fishing with satellite monitoring, studying deep-sea life, and projects conducted on the French coast.

Funding Amount

Up to €40,000 per year (average €30,000/year), for 1-2 year duration; maximum €80,000 for a 2-year project. Renewals possible. (up to 80.000 €)

Deadline

Annual, September 1 – October 1 (Phase 1); Phase 2 by invitation (October 20 – November 23) (periodic)

How to Apply

Two-phase selection process. Phase 1: open to all eligible applicants — short online form with project summary, applicant details, graphical summary, and keywords. Phase 2: top 40 candidates invited to submit full proposals with detailed methodology, expected outcomes, and budget. Apply via pure-ocean.wiin.io. Applications in English only.

Target Region

Global; 2026 focus points include French coast (Atlantic, Mediterranean, Corsica)

Last Checked

2026-04-21 05:28

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Applicant must be a non-profit organisation (research institute, university, or NGO)

Project Scope

• Project must address at least one of the four Pure Ocean Challenges
• Project must demonstrate innovative approach and multi-stakeholder collaboration

Required Documents

• Application must be submitted in English
• Phase 1 application: short online form including graphical summary and keywords
• Applicants must indicate co-funding status and minimum budget if partial funding

Constraints

• Funding window: Phase 1 September 1 – October 1 annually; only invited applicants proceed to Phase 2
• Maximum funding: €40,000/year; up to €80,000 for a 2-year project

Summary

Pure Ocean is a French endowment fund (fonds de dotation) founded in 2017 and based in Marseille. Its core mission is to finance innovative applied research projects worldwide that contribute to the protection of fragile marine ecosystems and biodiversity. The annual call for projects is the main grant mechanism. Thematically, projects must address one or more of four Pure Ocean Challenges, aligned with the 10 UN Ocean Decade Challenges: understanding marine pollution and tackling it at the source; protecting biodiversity and restoring degraded marine ecosystems; building resilience and adaptation to climate change; and improving understanding of the ocean system. The 2026 edition added specific focus points: alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, satellite monitoring of illegal fishing, deep-sea life studies, and projects conducted on the French coast. Eligible activities include applied research, pilot projects, and innovative field initiatives. Projects must demonstrate an innovative approach (technological, social, nature-based, or exploratory innovation), clear objectives, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and a results dissemination plan. Pure research with strong implementation linkage is the typical profile of funded projects. Geographically, the programme is global. Any region of the world is eligible. However, in 2026, specific focus areas referenced the French coast (Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Corsica). There are no nationality restrictions for applicants. Eligible applicants include non-profit organisations: research institutes, universities, and NGOs. Private companies may participate in collaborations but cannot lead proposals. Budget of lead applicant is not restricted (unlike some programmes). The application requires indication of co-funding status. Funding is up to €40,000 per year, with an average of €30,000/year, for a 1-2 year project duration. A 2-year project can receive a maximum of €80,000. Previous grantees may have support renewed. The programme selects approximately 6 projects per year from a global applicant pool, following a two-phase competitive selection process.

Historical Context

Pure Ocean is an endowment fund created in 2017 in Marseille, France. The annual call for projects has been running since inception. In 2025, six projects were selected as winners. The 2026 call opened September 1, 2025 and closed October 1, 2025. Winners for 2026 were announced on March 21, 2026. The fund also organises races and sporting challenges (Pure Ocean Challenge, Race for Pure Ocean) to raise awareness.

Why it was added

grant-scan-list10-2026-03-14

Sources

• https://www.pure-ocean.org/en/call-for-projects/

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