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Save Our Seas Foundation Keystone Grant Program

Deadline: 13-May-2026

The Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) is inviting applications for its Keystone Grants to support research, conservation, and education projects focused on marine wildlife and habitats worldwide, especially marine chondrichthyan species such as sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes, and chimaeras. This biennial grant programme supports projects for up to three years, with average annual funding of around USD 25,000, aimed at delivering strong conservation impact and real-world outcomes.

Overview

The Save Our Seas Foundation Keystone Grants are designed to support impactful projects that contribute to the conservation of marine wildlife and habitats around the world.

The Foundation is particularly interested in projects that can make a measurable difference to:

This is a strong opportunity for researchers, conservation practitioners, and educators working on high-impact marine initiatives with clear conservation relevance.

Focus Areas

The Keystone Grant supports projects in three broad areas:

Priority Themes

The Foundation especially prioritizes projects related to:

  • Marine chondrichthyan species, including:
    • Sharks
    • Rays
    • Skates
    • Sawfishes
    • Chimaeras
  • Activities addressing urgent conservation needs
  • Projects with a clear pathway to real-world impact
  • Initiatives that improve government awareness of marine protection
  • Public awareness and environmental education efforts
  • Communication of conservation findings and outcomes to broader audiences

What Type of Projects Are Preferred?

The Foundation looks for exceptional proposals that demonstrate:

  • Strong conservation relevance
  • A clear link to practical outcomes
  • Potential to influence:
    • Policy
    • Public awareness
    • Species protection
    • Habitat conservation
  • Strong alignment between project design and measurable conservation benefit

Projects may create impact through:

  • Scientific research
  • Conservation action
  • Education and outreach

Funding Information

Funding Cycle

  • The grant is offered on a biennial basis
  • Applications are invited in even-numbered years

Project Duration

  • Projects are typically supported for up to 3 years

Funding Structure

  • Funding is allocated annually
  • Average support is approximately:
    • USD 25,000 per year

Continued Support

  • Continued annual funding may be possible based on:
    • Project progress
    • Performance
    • Results achieved

Communication and Outreach Requirements

A key feature of the Keystone Grant is the strong emphasis on public communication and outreach.

Funded projects are expected to:

  • Actively communicate their findings and activities
  • Make project outcomes accessible to wider audiences
  • Participate in public awareness initiatives
  • Engage in:
    • Talks
    • Press opportunities
    • Other outreach activities

Foundation Support

The Save Our Seas Foundation communications team provides support to help grantees strengthen their outreach and public engagement efforts.

This makes the grant particularly suitable for applicants who are willing to combine conservation work with visible communication efforts.

Geographic Scope

  • Worldwide

The opportunity supports impactful marine conservation projects from any region, provided they strongly align with the Foundation’s priorities.

Who Should Apply?

This grant is especially relevant for:

  • Marine researchers
  • Conservation organisations
  • Environmental educators
  • NGOs working on marine biodiversity
  • Project teams focused on sharks and rays
  • Conservation practitioners addressing urgent marine threats

What Makes a Strong Application?

A strong application should clearly show:

  • A strong focus on marine conservation
  • Clear relevance to chondrichthyan species or associated habitats
  • A compelling and urgent conservation problem
  • A realistic and evidence-based project design
  • A clear pathway to real-world conservation impact
  • Strong communication and outreach planning
  • Potential to influence:
    • Communities
    • Policymakers
    • Conservation practice
    • Public awareness

Application Tips

  1. Center the conservation impact
    Clearly explain how the project will improve:
    • Species protection
    • Habitat conservation
    • Ocean health
    • Awareness or policy
  2. Align with chondrichthyan priorities
    Projects focused on:
    • Sharks
    • Rays
    • Skates
    • Sawfishes
    • Chimaeras
      may be especially competitive.
  3. Show urgency and relevance
    The Foundation values projects that address urgent conservation needs.
  4. Build a strong outreach plan
    Include how you will:
    • Share findings
    • Engage the public
    • Support awareness
    • Participate in talks or media opportunities
  5. Demonstrate long-term feasibility
    Since projects may run for up to three years, show a realistic timeline and clear annual milestones.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common issues:

  • Submitting a project with weak or indirect conservation relevance
  • Failing to show a clear path from research to real-world impact
  • Ignoring the Foundation’s strong emphasis on communication and outreach
  • Proposing broad marine work without clear alignment to priority species or habitats
  • Not demonstrating urgency or measurable conservation value
  • Treating the grant as purely academic without practical conservation outcomes

FAQ

1. What is the Save Our Seas Foundation Keystone Grant?

It is a grant programme supporting research, conservation, and education projects focused on marine wildlife and habitats, especially projects with strong conservation impact.

2. What species does the Foundation prioritize?

The Foundation especially supports work related to marine chondrichthyans, including:

  • Sharks
  • Rays
  • Skates
  • Sawfishes
  • Chimaeras

3. What types of projects are eligible?

Projects in:

  • Research
  • Conservation
  • Education

especially those addressing urgent needs and leading to real-world conservation outcomes.

4. Is the grant open worldwide?

Yes.

  • The programme supports projects worldwide.

5. How often is the grant offered?

  • The funding cycle is biennial
  • Applications are invited in even-numbered years

6. How much funding is available?

The grant provides:

  • Average support of around USD 25,000 per year

7. How long can projects be funded?

Projects are typically supported for:

  • Up to 3 years

8. Are communication activities required?

Yes.

Grantees are expected to engage in:

  • Public awareness
  • Talks
  • Press engagement
  • Other outreach activities

with support from the Foundation’s communications team.

Conclusion

The Save Our Seas Foundation Keystone Grants 2026 offer a valuable opportunity for marine conservation researchers, educators, and practitioners working to protect marine wildlife and habitats, particularly sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes, and chimaeras.

For more information, visit Save Our Seas Foundation.