Shark Conservation Fund

Enriched International · Found: 2026-03-10 22:02

For NGOs For Researchers Philanthropic Network Grant Global Biodiversity Fisheries Marine Conservation Marine Protected Areas Research
SCF distributes grants aiming to end global overexploitation of sharks and rays, collaboration of multiple funders

Source: https://saveourseas.com/project/shark-conservation-fund/

Funding Details

Funder
Shark Conservation Fund (SCF)
Funding Goal
Support NGO and academic projects that advance shark and ray conservation through fisheries management reform, prevention of shark and ray extinctions, and identification and protection of important shark habitats (MPAs). Projects must have a direct connection to near-term management change — reducing shark and ray mortality.
Funding Amount
Typical range up to USD 25,000 per grant. Maximum overhead 10% of total SCF funding requested. Duration: up to 18 months. (up to 25.000 €)
Deadline
Unknown (periodic)
How to Apply
Annual Request for Proposals (RFP) process. 2026 RFP is currently open. Submit via SCF grant portal. Process involves a Concept Note followed by a full Proposal for shortlisted applicants. Applications reviewed by staff and expert advisors. Interested parties can join the SCF email list for RFP notifications at https://sharkconservationfund.org/contact/. Specific deadline in 2026 RFP document: https://assets.takeshape.io/64938fe1-48d9-4e2c-9fb3-a529cd0534ba/dev/5cf2d7be-1821-4d91-aed5-360e22e8a9b5/final_2026%20SCF%20Small%20Grant%20Fund%20RFP.pdf
Target Region
Global (excluding OFAC-sanctioned countries)
Contact
info@sharksandrays.org
Official Page
https://sharkconservationfund.org/small-grants/
Last Checked
2026-03-15 13:12

Application Checklist

Eligibility
Project Scope
Required Documents
Constraints

Summary

The Shark Conservation Fund (SCF) Small Grant program is an annual, project-based funding program that supports NGOs and academic institutions working on shark and ray conservation globally. SCF is a philanthropic collaboration specifically established to address the global crisis facing sharks and rays — with over 43% of shark species currently threatened with extinction and 100 million killed annually. Thematically, the program funds projects aligned with SCF's three primary objectives: (1) fisheries management reform resulting in mortality reductions for shark and ray species primarily threatened by trade; (2) preventing extinctions by conserving and restoring threatened shark species for which trade is not the main threat; and (3) identifying and protecting important shark areas through new or modified marine protected and conserved areas. All projects must demonstrate a direct connection to near-term, concrete management change. Eligible activities include advocacy campaigns to establish fisheries/environmental protections, distribution studies to fill data gaps for protected area establishment, capacity building training for MPA enforcement, and population assessments tied directly to management measures such as catch limits. Tagging studies, presence/absence surveys, mark-recapture work, or eDNA investigations are only eligible if clearly tied to a specific ongoing management or regulatory action. Geographically, the program is global in scope, excluding countries subject to OFAC Active Sanctions Programs. SCF has funded projects in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America, with a focus on regions where sharks and rays face acute threats. Eligible applicants are NGOs, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. Individuals may apply if fiscally sponsored by an eligible organization. Government agencies are not eligible unless sponsored. Only one application per organization per year is permitted. Current SCF grantees are ineligible; former grantees may apply. Grant amounts typically reach up to approximately USD 25,000 with a maximum 18-month project duration. Maximum overhead is capped at 10% of the total SCF funding requested. The 2026 RFP is currently open.

Historical Context

SCF is a collaboration of philanthropists launched to address the global shark and ray crisis. The 2025 grant cycle attracted a record number of submissions and supported 9 projects in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. In 2025, SCF reported 20% of shark and ray species protected in certain countries, 198 species with full legal protections, and 207,185 km2 of shark/ray MPAs established through its work. The 2026 RFP is currently open as of March 2026.

Sources

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