Rapid Ocean Conservation (ROC) Grants 2025 Apply for Up to $20,000 in Marine Conservation Funding

Priority to Blue Prosperity Coalition partners: Azores, Bermuda, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Maldives, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu
Program Overview!
Are you passionate about ocean conservation and eager to make a tangible impact? The Rapid Ocean Conservation (ROC) Grants Program by the Waitt Foundation offers a unique opportunity to support innovative projects addressing emerging marine conservation issues, especially in island nations. With a swift application process and grants up to $20,000, your groundbreaking idea could soon become a reality.
The ROC Grants Program is designed to provide timely, small-scale funding for projects that offer solutions to urgent marine conservation challenges. By focusing on island nations, particularly those partnered with the Blue Prosperity Coalition, the program aims to support sustainable fishing practices and the establishment or management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This initiative complements the Waitt Foundation’s larger grants program by being responsive to immediate conservation opportunities, supporting higher-risk ideas at a low financial cost, and engaging with small, local NGOs on a global scale.
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Benefits:
- Proposals are reviewed monthly, ensuring that projects addressing pressing conservation issues can commence without delay. Once approved, funds are distributed within two weeks, allowing for immediate action.
- Grants are intended to be the primary source of funding for the proposed project, ensuring that initiatives have the necessary resources to achieve their objectives without relying on multiple funding sources.
- While priority is given to projects in specific island nations, the program encourages applications from diverse regions, fostering a wide-reaching impact on ocean conservation efforts.
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Application Process
- Thoroughly examine the ROC Grant criteria to ensure your project aligns with the program’s objectives and requirements.
- Assemble the necessary documents, including:
- Budget: A detailed breakdown of how the grant funds will be utilized.
- Project Timeline: A clear schedule outlining project milestones and completion within the six-month period.
- Proof of Non-Profit Status: Documentation verifying the non-profit status of the affiliated organization.
- Access the online application portal through the Waitt Foundation’s website. Ensure all components are complete and accurately reflect your project’s goals and methodologies.
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling monthly basis. While most proposals are evaluated promptly, some may require additional time for assessment. Successful applicants will receive funding within two weeks of the decision.
For any questions or further clarification regarding the application process, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the ROC Grants team at rocgrants@waittfoundation.org.