Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The Sea-Changers Main Grant Programme offers UK-based organisations funding of £500–£2,500 for community-driven marine conservation projects. It focuses on practical, measurable interventions that address threats to marine environments, protect species, and involve local communities. Grants are one-off and do not cover administrative costs, political campaigns, or ongoing operations.

Sea-Changers Main Grant Programme for Marine Conservation in the UK

Overview

Sea-Changers supports projects that protect and restore the UK’s marine environments. The Main Grant Programme funds initiatives tackling the root causes of marine threats, reducing negative impacts on coastal and marine ecosystems, and expanding knowledge of conservation challenges. Grassroots action and community engagement are central to the programme’s approach.

Programme Objectives

• Address critical threats to UK marine species and habitats.

• Promote local community action and citizen participation in conservation.

• Increase awareness and understanding of marine conservation challenges.

• Support practical, measurable interventions with direct environmental benefits.

Funding Details

• Grant Amount: £500–£2,500 per project.

• Application Rounds: Two rounds per year.

• Funding Type: One-off project support; not for ongoing operational costs.

• Eligible Costs: Project-specific activities directly contributing to marine conservation. Partial funding is allowed if clearly justified.

Who Is Eligible?

• UK-based charities, non-profits, and organisations.

• Schools and educational institutions implementing marine conservation projects.

• Grassroots organisations actively involving communities in conservation efforts.

Activities Supported

• Projects addressing threats to marine species or habitats.

• Initiatives preventing or reducing environmental harm in UK coastal areas.

• Activities generating new knowledge about marine conservation challenges.

• Community engagement and awareness campaigns to promote marine protection.

Activities Not Supported

• Political advocacy or lobbying initiatives.

• Administrative or core operating costs.

• Retrospective funding requests.

• Projects benefiting a single individual.

• Long-term or recurring operational support.

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Identify a Conservation Project

• Define specific marine conservation objectives.

• Ensure outcomes are practical, measurable, and community-focused.

2. Prepare a Funding Request

• Detail the project components to be supported by Sea-Changers.

• Provide a clear budget aligning grant funding with the broader financial plan.

3. Submit Your Application

• Applications are accepted twice per year. Deadlines are published on the Sea-Changers website.

4. Evaluation and Selection

• Projects are evaluated based on environmental impact, community engagement, feasibility, and alignment with conservation goals.

Tips for Applicants

• Prioritize practical, hands-on conservation activities over purely educational efforts.

• Demonstrate measurable environmental outcomes enabled by the grant.

• Engage local communities or volunteers to maximize project impact.

• Avoid including ineligible costs such as salaries or political campaigns.

• Show evidence of feasibility and sustainability, even for small projects.

FAQ

1. What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to £2,500 per project.

2. Can schools apply?
Yes, UK-based schools with marine conservation projects are eligible.

3. Are ongoing or long-term projects funded?
No, only one-off projects are supported.

4. Can partial funding be requested?
Yes, provided you specify which project components the grant will support.

5. Are political campaigns or advocacy eligible?
No, these are not supported.

6. How often can applications be submitted?
Two funding rounds are held each year.

7. Can individuals apply?
No, projects must benefit the wider community.

Conclusion

The Sea-Changers Main Grant Programme empowers UK organisations to implement actionable, community-focused marine conservation projects. By funding practical interventions, protecting species, restoring habitats, and engaging local communities, the programme enables grassroots organisations to make a measurable impact on the health and sustainability of the UK’s marine environments.

For more information, visit Sea-Changers.