Oceanic Society: Global Ocean Cleanup — Annual Partner Grant Programme

Enriched private-foundation · Found: 2026-05-06 17:12

Annual campaign by Oceanic Society to fight ocean plastic pollution. Provides grants to community-based partners worldwide to conduct cleanups. USD 64,000 distributed across 23 countries to date. The 2026 edition runs June 13-14, 2026. Applications via Google Form (now closed for 2026 cycle).

Source: https://www.oceanicsociety.org/global-ocean-cleanup/

Funding Details

Funder

Oceanic Society

Funding Goal

Support community-based partners worldwide to conduct ocean plastic cleanups as part of the annual Global Ocean Cleanup campaign, combining cleanup activities with science-based behavior change storytelling to fight ocean plastic pollution and protect marine habitats.

Funding Amount

USD 64,000 total distributed across 23 countries to date (historically); typical per-partner grant amount not specified

Deadline

Annual, typically spring (2026 cycle closed; 2026 event: June 13-14, 2026) (periodic)

How to Apply

Applications submitted via Google Form (link provided each cycle). The 2026 application cycle is now closed. Applications for 2027 expected in early 2027. Contact: https://www.oceanicsociety.org/contact/

Target Region

Global (23 countries reached to date)

Contact

https://www.oceanicsociety.org/contact/ | 1-800-326-7491

Last Checked

2026-05-06 22:33

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Applicant must be a community-based organisation capable of organising cleanup events

Project Scope

• Partner must be available to lead cleanup activities on or around the campaign dates (June 13-14 for 2026)
• Events must target ocean, coastal, or marine habitats for plastic waste removal

Required Documents

• Applications submitted via Google Form (link shared each annual cycle)

Constraints

• The 2026 cycle is closed; next opportunity expected in early 2027
• Grant amounts are small (historically ~USD 2,000-3,000 per partner)

Summary

The Global Ocean Cleanup is an annual campaign organized by the Oceanic Society since 2022 to fight ocean plastic pollution through community-led cleanup events and science-based behavior change storytelling. The 2026 edition — the fifth annual event — is scheduled for June 13–14, 2026. The programme funds community-based partner organisations worldwide to plan and execute ocean and coastal cleanup events during the campaign dates. Activities focus on physical removal of plastic waste from ocean and coastal habitats, combined with storytelling, art, and community engagement to change behaviors around plastic pollution. Partners receive financial support (grants) to cover event costs and are guided on how to align with the campaign's behavior change messaging. Thematically, the call covers ocean plastic pollution, coastal cleanup, marine conservation, and behavior change. Priority areas include ocean plastic removal and marine habitat protection. The campaign does not focus on recycling infrastructure, value chains, or circular economy at scale — it is community-led cleanup and awareness. The program is globally open, having reached 23 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. There are no explicit geographic restrictions. Eligible applicants are community-based organisations capable of organising cleanup events. Historically, USD 64,000 has been distributed across 23 countries in four years (approximately USD 2,000-3,000 per partner on average), suggesting small individual grants. Applications are accepted annually via Google Form, typically in spring. The 2026 cycle application is already closed, with the event proceeding June 13–14, 2026.

Historical Context

Annual campaign held since 2022 (2026 is the fifth annual edition). Total impact to date: 169 cleanups, 133 tons of waste removed, 7,725 volunteers, 22.5 million people reached. USD 64,000 distributed across 23 countries over 4 prior editions. Supported by sponsors, artists, and partner organisations including Sea Turtle Week.

Why it was added

discovered from funder #698: Oceanic Society Application Form — parent program identified

Sources

• https://www.oceanicsociety.org/global-ocean-cleanup/

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