Deadline: 31-Dec-2025

Sea-Changers Small Grants programme offers UK-based organisations up to £500 to support practical, grassroots marine conservation projects. The initiative prioritizes community-driven action, protection of marine environments, and knowledge-building on conservation challenges. With flexible application timelines and quick decision-making, the scheme enables timely interventions that benefit UK coastal and marine ecosystems.

Sea-Changers Small Grants Programme for Marine Conservation in the UK

Overview

Sea-Changers has launched its Small Grants programme to fund initiatives that protect and enhance marine environments across the UK. The programme focuses on addressing the root causes of marine threats, reducing negative impacts on coastal and marine ecosystems, and contributing to the understanding of conservation challenges. It prioritizes grassroots projects that actively engage communities and increase citizen participation in marine conservation.

Programme Objectives

• Address key threats to marine species and habitats in the UK.

• Promote community action and local engagement in conservation.

• Expand knowledge of UK marine conservation challenges.

• Support practical, measurable interventions with tangible environmental impact.

Funding Details

• Grant Amount: Up to £500 per project.

• Application Timeline: Open at any time with quick decisions.

• Funding Type: One-off project support (not ongoing operational costs).

• Partial Funding: Allowed if clearly specified and integrated into overall project budget.

Who Is Eligible?

• UK-based charities and non-profits involved in marine conservation.

• Schools and educational institutions carrying out marine-focused projects.

• Grassroots organisations engaging local communities in marine protection.

Activities Supported

• Projects addressing threats to marine species or ecosystems.

• Initiatives that prevent or reduce environmental harm in UK coastal and marine areas.

• Activities that generate knowledge about marine conservation challenges.

• Community engagement and awareness campaigns for marine protection.

Activities Not Supported

• Political advocacy or lobbying.

• Administrative or core operating costs.

• Retrospective funding requests.

• Projects benefiting a single individual.

• Long-term or ongoing operational support.

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Identify a Conservation Project

   • Define specific marine conservation objectives.

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

2. Prepare a Funding Request

   • Specify exactly which project elements the Sea-Changers funding will cover.

   • Align the requested grant with the overall project budget.

3. Submit Your Application

   • Applications can be submitted at any time; decisions are made quickly.

4. Evaluation and Selection

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

Tips for Applicants

• Focus on hands-on conservation activities with tangible outcomes.

• Demonstrate measurable environmental impact from the grant.

• Engage local communities or volunteers to maximize project visibility.

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

• Provide evidence of feasibility and sustainability, even for small-scale projects.

FAQ

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

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

3. Are ongoing or long-term projects funded?
No, the grant supports one-off activities only.

4. Can I request partial funding for a project?
Yes, if you clearly specify which project components the grant will support.

5. Are political campaigns or advocacy eligible?
No, projects with political aims are not funded.

6. How quickly are decisions made?
Applications are assessed promptly, allowing for timely project implementation.

7. Can individuals apply?
No, the project must benefit the wider community rather than a single person.

Conclusion

The Sea-Changers Small Grants programme empowers UK organisations to deliver practical, community-focused marine conservation projects. By funding grassroots initiatives that protect species, restore habitats, and engage local communities, this programme supports immediate environmental impact and strengthens public participation in marine conservation across the UK.

For more information, visit Sea-Changers.