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SOSF Small Grants

Organisation Name:

Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF)

Grant Amount: US$5,000

Application Deadline:

28 June 2025

About Organisation

The Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) is dedicated to the protection of the world’s oceans by funding research, conservation, and education projects globally. Established in 2003, the Foundation has supported over 500 projects across 91 countries, focusing on marine megafauna—especially threatened species like sharks, rays, and skates. SOSF emphasizes an integrated approach to marine conservation through scientific understanding, innovation, and public education. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023, SOSF continues to evolve, aiming to make a lasting difference for ocean health and biodiversity. The Foundation believes in investing in passionate individuals and impactful projects that contribute to sustainable marine ecosystems and raise awareness at community, national, and global levels. SOSF also encourages public outreach by requiring grant recipients to engage in educational and awareness activities such as talks and press communications, supported by their Communications team.

About the Grant

The SOSF Small Grant is designed for short-term, focused research, conservation, or education projects that address the protection of marine megafauna—particularly elasmobranchs like sharks, rays, and skates. These grants are ideal for early-career scientists or conservationists, with an average award of US$5,000 for projects lasting 12 to 18 months. The goal is to support original and innovative start-up initiatives that may serve as stepping stones for larger projects in the future. Grants must be for specific, finite projects with measurable goals. Priority is given to local projects led by individuals from the project region. All funded projects are expected to include public education and outreach efforts. The Foundation supports projects capable of influencing public and governmental awareness and change, aligning with its mission of protecting ocean ecosystems.

Who can Apply?

The SOSF Small Grant is open to early-career scientists, educators, and conservationists who are within five years of receiving their degree. Applicants must propose a project focused on marine chondrichthyan species—sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes, or chimaeras. Projects must integrate at least two components among research, conservation, and education. Only one application per person is permitted. The proposed initiative should be finite and ideally form part of a local effort, conducted by individuals residing in or deeply connected to the region of work. Applicants who have already received two SOSF Small Grants are ineligible to apply again for the Small Grant, but they may pursue a Keystone Grant. Projects that aim to lay the groundwork for longer-term research are also welcome, provided they meet the criteria and demonstrate clear potential for public and environmental impact.

How to Apply?

Applicants must complete a two-stage online application. Stage I requires a short form, and successful applicants will be invited in August to complete the longer Stage II application.

Application Deadline

The Stage I online application is open until June 28th, 2025, 6:00 PM CET.

Last Date To Apply
Submit your Stage I application no later than June 28, 2025, before 6:00 PM CET.

Grant Amount
The average SOSF Small Grant awarded is US$5,000, supporting projects of 12 to 18 months in duration.

Last Date To Apply
28 June 2025

For more information, please visit the grant website here.