David and Lucile Packard Foundation - Conservation and Science Program

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Enriched US Foundation · Found: 2026-03-10 13:21

Strategic invitation-based grantmaking for marine conservation and sustainable fisheries. Past grants include Blue Communities Program ($600K/36 months) and human rights-based approaches in small-scale fisheries ($350K/18 months). Proactive model - foundation identifies partners aligned with strategic initiatives.

Source: https://www.packard.org/grants-and-investments/conservation-and-science/

Funding Details

Funder: David and Lucile Packard Foundation
Funding Goal: The Packard Foundation's Ocean Initiative supports work to protect and restore the ocean for people and nature. Key focus areas include: (1) conserving ocean areas rich in marine life in the U.S., Indonesia, and Chile; (2) ending illegal fishing, improving conditions for seafood workers, protecting human rights, and ensuring fisheries are managed responsibly and sustainably; and (3) advancing responsible floating offshore wind energy in California. The foundation aims to protect and restore ocean habitats, ensure fair and sustainable fisheries, end illegal fishing, and harness the power of the ocean to slow climate change.
Funding Amount: In April 2024, $480 million was announced to advance ocean conservation. Grants are primarily awarded through invitation; less than 1% come from unsolicited proposals.
How to Apply: No formal open call. Less than 1% of grants come from unsolicited proposals. The foundation occasionally opens RFPs — check https://www.packard.org/grantees/funding-opportunties/ for any open calls. Organizations may register interest through the Grantee Portal at packard.fluxx.io.
Target Region: United States (primary), Indonesia, Chile. Global ocean conservation interests.
Contact: Contact via https://www.packard.org/contact/
Official Page: https://www.packard.org/initiative/ocean-initiative/
Last Checked: 2026-03-15 08:59

Application Checklist

Eligibility

Must be a tax-exempt charitable organization (e.g., 501(c)(3) equivalent)
Grants are predominantly invitation-only; unsolicited proposals are rarely funded (<1%)

Project Scope

Primary geographic focus is U.S., Indonesia, and Chile — not European/Baltic waters
Projects must address ocean conservation: marine habitats, fisheries sustainability, illegal fishing, or offshore wind
Large-scale, systemic change approaches preferred over single-project grants

Required Documents

Initial contact can be made through the foundation's Grantee Portal

Constraints

No open RFPs currently; check website for future opportunities

Summary

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation is a major US private foundation with a long history of ocean conservation philanthropy. Its Ocean Initiative, backed by a $480 million commitment announced in 2024, focuses on protecting and restoring ocean habitats, ensuring sustainable and fair fisheries, ending illegal fishing, and advancing offshore wind energy as a climate solution. The foundation works primarily in the United States, Indonesia, and Chile, partnering with conservation organizations, Indigenous communities, small-scale fishers, and seafood workers. It takes a systems-change approach, addressing ecological threats alongside human rights and community well-being. Grantmaking is predominantly invitation-based and strategic. The foundation rarely accepts unsolicited proposals (less than 1% of grants), instead building long-term partnerships with selected organizations. There are currently no open RFPs, but occasional calls are posted on their website. For small to medium-sized NGOs focused on North Sea or Baltic Sea conservation, this foundation is a difficult prospect due to its geographic focus on the US, Indonesia, and Chile, and its highly selective, invitation-only approach. However, organizations with innovative marine conservation models or strong international networks may consider establishing contact.

Historical Context

Packard Foundation made its first ocean grant in 1968. In April 2024, it announced $480 million to advance ocean conservation over multi-year period. The foundation has more than 50 years of history in ocean science and conservation grantmaking. Grantees have included BirdLife International, Native Americans in Philanthropy, Seafood Legacy, and others.

Why it was added

Major US foundation funding marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and ocean health globally. Invitation-only but critical funder in the space.

Sources

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