Baltic Conservation Foundation - Funding

Enriched Nordic · Found: 2026-03-10 13:20

The Baltic Conservation Foundation provides funding for conservation projects in the Baltic Sea region. Supports initiatives for marine and coastal ecosystem protection and restoration across Baltic states.

Source: https://baltcf.org/funding

Funding Details

Funder

Baltic Conservation Foundation (BaltCF)

Funding Goal

Funds conservation and restoration projects providing a clear benefit for the Baltic Sea ecosystem. Priority areas: reduction of eutrophication, conservation and restoration of marine and coastal habitats, creation or improvement of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), reduction of harmful fishing practice impacts, and other improvements to the Baltic Sea ecosystem. Also funds grant writing support, isolated equipment expenses, litigation for Baltic Sea protection, capacity building, and zero-interest loans for projects funded by reimbursement-based programmes.

Funding Amount

Project amounts not publicly disclosed; BaltCF funds small to mid-sized projects and also isolated expenses as one-off items

How to Apply

Step 1: Download and read the Funding Guidelines from baltcf.org. Step 2: Schedule a call with project coordinator Kathleen (kathleen.schwerdtner-manez@baltcf.org) before submitting. Step 3 (projects/litigation): Submit a one-page concept note to applications@baltcf.org (assessment takes up to 2 months). Step 4: If approved, submit a full grant application using the provided form and budget template. For grant writing support, isolated expenses, and loans, use a concept note form. Frankfurt Spring School Scholarship has a deadline — see special guidelines.

Target Region

Baltic Sea catchment area (Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Belarus, Norway, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine)

Contact

Project coordinator: Kathleen Schwerdtner Manez, kathleen.schwerdtner-manez@baltcf.org. Applications: applications@baltcf.org. Website: baltcf.org

Last Checked

2026-03-15 08:36

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Applicant must be an NGO/non-profit, governmental authority (beyond legal duty), or research institution in Baltic Sea catchment country
• Private individuals and for-profit entities are NOT eligible for grants (commercial investment possible separately)

Project Scope

• Project must provide a clear and measurable benefit to the Baltic Sea ecosystem
• Priority: eutrophication reduction, habitat conservation/restoration, MPA creation, fishing impact reduction

Required Documents

• Download and review the Funding Guidelines before applying (baltcf.org)
• Contact the project coordinator before submitting a concept note
• Submit a one-page concept note to applications@baltcf.org; allow up to 2 months for review
• If concept approved, submit full application form and budget template

Constraints

• Pure research, awareness-raising, lobbying or education projects are NOT eligible as standalone activities
• Zero-interest loans available for projects funded via reimbursement-based programmes

Summary

The Baltic Conservation Foundation (BaltCF) is a private foundation dedicated exclusively to the conservation of the Baltic Sea ecosystem. It operates across all countries in the Baltic Sea catchment area and provides funding to NGOs, non-profits, governmental authorities (acting beyond legal obligations), and research institutions whose work delivers measurable conservation benefits to the Baltic Sea. BaltCF funds a diverse range of activities: conservation and restoration projects (habitat restoration, MPA creation, wetland restoration, marine species protection), grant writing support for larger applications, isolated equipment purchases, legal action with a reasonable chance of improving Baltic Sea health, and zero-interest bridge loans for projects funded through reimbursement-based programmes. Capacity building, such as participation in the Frankfurt Spring School, is also supported. Funding priorities include eutrophication reduction measures, coastal and marine habitat conservation and restoration, creation or expansion of Marine Protected Areas, and reduction of harmful fishing impacts. Projects focused purely on research, advocacy, or education are generally not funded as standalone activities, though these elements can form part of a broader conservation project. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through a two-step process: first a brief concept note, then a full application if the concept is approved. The foundation explicitly asks applicants to make contact before submitting. BaltCF is particularly well-suited for small to mid-sized NGOs working on hands-on conservation in the Baltic Sea region.

Historical Context

BaltCF has funded multiple past and current Baltic Sea conservation projects. Past and current fundees include Ghost Diving (ghost net removal), Ostseestiftung (German Baltic Sea conservation), Klub Przyrodnikow (Polish nature conservation), and Gaja Federacja zielonych. The foundation operates on a rolling basis with no fixed annual deadline for most funding types.

Why it was added

Dedicated Baltic Sea conservation funding organization - directly relevant for marine conservation NGOs in the region

Sources

• https://baltcf.org/funding

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