Community Grants

OCEAN Community Grants for local-level, in-country organisations.

Image credit: Serafina Jacobson-Walsh

Supporting local-level, in-country organisations to deliver lasting change to the marine environment and coastal communities.

Key Information

Grant Size: up to £250,000
Maximum Project Length: Up to 31 March 2029

Applications are open to small and medium sized, local, regional and national organisations.

There will be two stages to the application process, with the first stage being an opportunity for applicants to share the concept and ideas behind their projects. The second stage will go into more depth about how the projects will work, and applicants will be supported through our helpdesk, webinars and workshops to make sure their application accurately demonstrates what the project hopes to achieve.

OCEAN supports a wide range of projects that work to protect the marine environment and reduce poverty. Proposals from in-country organisations that work directly with coastal communities are particularly encouraged.

All applications are welcomed – from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), private sector organisations, businesses, and business associations.

Government agencies and inter-governmental organisations aren’t eligible to receive funding from OCEAN, but are highly encouraged to partner with local non-profit organisations to support their projects.

Image credit: Serafina Jacobson-Walsh

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How and When to Apply for Grants

There will be no open call for applications in 2026.

grant selection process

How Ocean Selects Grantees

Grants will be allocated through an open and transparent process against clear criteria. Applications will be scored and recommended for selection by a committee of marine and development experts.

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Introducing OCEAN Uplift

After two successful open funding rounds, the OCEAN Grant Programme is adopting  a more focused approach for  its next round. Our latest funding round – ‘OCEAN Uplift’ – will be a closed round, giving us the opportunity to invest in the progress made by our existing Grantees and help them to strengthen their foundations.