Ocean Foundation Projects

Enriched UN / Multilateral · Found: 2026-03-10 13:22

Supports marine conservation through fiscal sponsorship, grants, and project management for ocean-focused initiatives worldwide.

Source: https://oceanfdn.org/projects

Funding Details

Funder

The Ocean Foundation

Funding Goal

To improve global ocean health, climate resilience, and the blue economy through grantmaking, fiscal sponsorship, and project management for ocean conservation initiatives worldwide.

Funding Amount

Average grant size approximately $10,000. Total grantmaking in FY2022 was $1,199,832. Fiscal sponsorship fees are 9-10% of incoming revenue.

How to Apply

Letters of Inquiry (LOI) submitted via email to grants@oceanfdn.org on a rolling basis. LOIs are kept on file and reviewed quarterly by committee. If selected, applicants are invited to submit a full proposal. TOF then conducts due diligence, vetting, and grant administration. No unsolicited full proposals, phone calls, or hard-copy submissions accepted. For fiscal sponsorship, organizations contact TOF directly to discuss project needs.

Target Region

Global (over 50% international, with emphasis on Caribbean and tropical regions)

Contact

The Ocean Foundation, 1320 19th St, NW, Suite 401, Washington, DC 20036. Phone: (202) 887-8996. Grants email: grants@oceanfdn.org. Tax ID: 71-0863908.

Last Checked

2026-03-11 19:02

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Organization must not be a religious organization or election campaign
• Demonstrate commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ)

Project Scope

• Project must focus on ocean conservation: marine habitats, species protection, capacity building, or ocean literacy

Required Documents

• Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) via email to grants@oceanfdn.org — no unsolicited full proposals accepted
• For fiscal sponsorship: contact TOF directly to discuss project needs and appropriate sponsorship model

Constraints

• Indirect costs capped at 15% of project budget
• No phone calls or hard-copy submissions for grant inquiries

Summary

The Ocean Foundation (TOF), founded in 2003 and headquartered in Washington, DC, is the only community foundation dedicated exclusively to ocean conservation. It operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises millions annually from individuals, corporations, private foundations, and governments to support marine conservation projects globally. In FY2022, TOF awarded approximately $1.2 million across four categories: conserving marine habitats, protecting species of concern, building marine conservation capacity, and expanding ocean literacy. TOF supports projects through two main mechanisms: grantmaking and fiscal sponsorship. The grantmaking program does not accept unsolicited proposals — organizations must submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) on a rolling basis, which is reviewed quarterly by committee. If selected, applicants are invited to submit a full proposal. The average grant size is approximately $10,000, with multi-year grants prioritized. Over 50% of grants go to international projects, and the foundation emphasizes capacity building and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) principles. The fiscal sponsorship program offers two models: Hosted Projects (10% fee) for individuals or groups without legal entities, providing full administrative support; and Pre-Approved Grant Relationships / Friends of Funds (9% fee) for incorporated organizations or foreign charities seeking U.S. tax-deductible support. Notable initiatives include the Blue Resilience Initiative supporting coastal habitat restoration (seagrasses, mangroves, coral reefs, seaweed, salt marshes) and a Plastics Initiative addressing waterway pollution. The foundation manages 53 active projects spanning ocean literacy, species protection, habitat conservation, and community capacity building, with two-thirds addressing international ocean issues. TOF serves as both a funder and an intermediary, helping donors identify effective marine conservation organizations and projects to support.

Historical Context

Founded in 2003, evolved from the Coral Reef Foundation (est. ~2002). In FY2022 awarded $1,199,832 across 4 categories. Currently manages 53 active projects. Two-thirds of initiatives address international ocean issues. Member of the National Network of Fiscal Sponsors (NNFS).

Why it was added

Ocean-focused foundation that provides fiscal sponsorship and grants for marine conservation projects, potential funding source for NGOs

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