The Waterloo Foundation Marine Programme (UK)

Deadline: 01-Sep-24

The Waterloo Foundation (TWF) has announced applications for the Marine Programme to halt the decline of fish stocks that communities in developing countries rely on, and those working to bring about sustainable fisheries in Wales.

They will consider both practical local projects, and strategic initiatives. The protection of mangroves and seagrasses to benefit local fisheries is also a component of the Marine Programme.

Oceans cover more than two-thirds of the earth’s surface, and the fish that live in their waters are crucial to the world’s economy, health and environment. Figures suggest that three billion people, predominantly in low-income countries, depend on fish as their primary source of protein, and over 500 million people depend on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods.

Fish stocks are in decline. According to the FAO, the proportion of marine fish stocks estimated to be within biologically sustainable levels decreased from 90% in 1990 to 65.8% in 2017. Almost 30% of the world’s fish stocks are now overfished, and much of this fishing is illegal or unregulated. This overexploitation of the world’s oceans threatens not only ocean ecosystems but also endangers the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people dependant on fish.

Funding Information

• They will consider providing one off and multi-annual grants (usually for up to five years).  The majority of the grants in this programme will be for a total of £50,000 – £100,000 spread over multiple years.

Project Types

• Local projects
  • Applications for local projects should demonstrate that they will positively impact upon the marine fisheries they are working to protect, and could include:
    • Development of marine protected areas or sustainable fisheries management
    • Addressing local causes of over-exploitation of fish stocks and other seafood
    • Creation of sustainable livelihoods for coastal and seafood dependent people
    • Securing fishing rights or management rights for fishery-dependent communities
  • Applicants should be able to provide the following:
    • Evidence of previous successful local programmes e.g., a demonstrable increase in fish stocks; implementation of a management plan; improved livelihoods and/or income levels of fishery-dependent communities.
    • For your proposed project, the specific measurable outcomes that you expect the programme to achieve, and the methods you will use to monitor these outcomes;
    • The strategy put in place to ensure the sustainability of the programme’s objectives for the long term.
• Strategic Projects
  • They will consider applications for strategic projects that are working on addressing marine issues at a wider or international scale. These could include:
    • Working on international or regional marine policy
    • Campaigning for improved practices in commerce
    • Exploring different fishing practices and techniques
    • Improving information exchange to eradicate illegal unreported and unregulated fishing
  • Applicants should be able to provide the following:
    • Evidence of previous successful strategic programmes e.g. an attributable change in policy or improved supply chain;
    • For your proposed project, the specific measurable outcomes that you expect the programme to achieve, and the methods you will use to monitor these outcomes;
    • The strategy put in place to ensure the sustainability of the programme’s objectives for the long term.

What they will not fund?

• They are not able to offer funding for:
  • Projects with conservation of non-fish species as the sole focus (e.g. dolphins, turtles or sea birds)
  • Projects focusing on environmental education
  • Projects based in freshwater fisheries (e.g. Lake Victoria)
  • Research projects
  • Projects based in countries that are not secure and politically stable. They are therefore unlikely to support projects in conflict-affected areas
  • In addition, they only consider proposals from US-based organisations under exceptional circumstances, due to the higher availability of environmental funding in the US compared to the UK.

Who can apply?

• They prioritise providing funding support to UK-based charities, many of whom work in close partnership with smaller local NGOs based in the countries in which they operate.
• If you are an organisation based outside of the UK you must send them contact details for a named person who is willing to provide them with a reference for your work. This must be someone who:
  • Works for an international NGO with offices in the UK
  • Works for an organisation that the Foundation has previously given a grant to
  • Works for an organisation with offices in the UK, which has been a current or former donor to your organisation
  • Works for an academic institution, think tank or as an independent consultant who is based in the UK, and which has evaluated your organisation.

For more information, visit TWF.