Call for
Rapid Ocean Conservation (ROC) Grants Program
About Organisation
The Waitt Foundation is a dedicated non-profit organization that champions global marine conservation efforts through strategic funding and partnerships. It collaborates closely with governments, research institutions, and NGOs to protect the world’s oceans using a hands-on, solution-driven approach. The Foundation is a founding partner of the Blue Prosperity Coalition, which works in partnership with island nations to implement marine protection strategies and develop Blue Prosperity Plans aimed at designating 30% of marine areas as protected zones.
Through its work, the Waitt Foundation supports innovative and impactful conservation efforts, providing both large and small grants. It encourages new ideas and adaptive responses to environmental challenges while ensuring transparency through an open-source policy on its research data. By actively partnering with governments, the Foundation helps nations achieve long-term sustainability and ocean prosperity goals. The organization places strong emphasis on scientific research, policy advocacy, and public engagement, ensuring its initiatives are not only ecologically sound but also socioeconomically inclusive and politically feasible.
About the Grant
The Rapid Ocean Conservation (ROC) Grants Program, a flagship initiative by the Waitt Foundation, is designed to provide small, quick-turnaround grants supporting urgent and emerging ocean conservation needs. It aims to strengthen efforts in marine protection and sustainable fishing, with a particular focus on island nations. These grants serve to address conservation opportunities as they arise, enabling immediate responses that can have lasting ecological and community impact.
The ROC Grants prioritize projects in partnership countries under the Blue Prosperity Coalition—namely, the Azores, Bermuda, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Maldives, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. These grants complement the Foundation’s major funding programs by supporting high-risk, innovative solutions at a lower financial threshold, particularly those driven by local NGOs and small organizations.
The funded projects may include scientific and social science research, policy analysis, public awareness campaigns, infrastructure and enforcement support, and stakeholder engagement. Each application is assessed on factors such as urgency, potential conservation impact, feasibility, organizational capacity, and the scale of influence. Grants are reviewed monthly and funds are disbursed within two weeks of approval, ensuring a swift implementation process for time-sensitive initiatives.
Who can Apply?
The ROC Grants are designed for individuals and organizations actively engaged in marine conservation projects that focus on island nations, particularly those within the Blue Prosperity Coalition: Azores, Bermuda, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Maldives, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu.
To be eligible, applicants must be affiliated with a non-governmental organization (NGO) or an academic institution for the duration of the proposed six-month project. The initiative must align with the Waitt Foundation’s core mission of supporting sustainable fishing practices or Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Proposals that do not fall within these focus areas or seek funding for event sponsorships are not eligible.
Applicants must also demonstrate a sufficient level of expertise and experience relevant to the proposed project. This ensures that the work is not only impactful but also feasible in its implementation. Projects should rely primarily on ROC funding, as these grants are intended to be the main financial source rather than a supplement to a larger initiative.
In essence, the ideal applicant is a skilled conservation practitioner or researcher with a clear, time-sensitive plan that can deliver measurable results within six months, particularly in island communities most vulnerable to ocean degradation.
How to Apply?
Interested applicants can submit their proposals directly through the Waitt Foundation’s application process. The review process operates on a monthly rolling basis, allowing for ongoing submission. Ensure your proposal includes a clear explanation of the project’s urgency, goals, methods, and alignment with conservation priorities. Approved projects will receive funds within two weeks of the decision to support timely execution of activities.
Application Deadline
There is no fixed deadline. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis every month, enabling rapid response to urgent conservation needs in island nations.
Last Date To Apply
Applications are reviewed monthly; there is no specific last date. Applicants can submit their proposals anytime, with quick feedback and disbursement typically within two weeks of approval.
Grant Amount
Applicants may request up to $20,000 in funding. These grants are designed to support short-term, high-impact marine conservation projects over a six-month period, especially in island nations.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
