Rapid Ocean Conservation (ROC) Grants
Rapid Ocean Conservation (ROC) Grants support small, local NGOs with research, policy, management, and communications projects to advance sustainable fishing and marine protected areas in island nations.
Funder: Waitt Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (applications reviewed monthly; no submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $20,000 for a 6-month project
Summary: Supports ocean conservation projects advancing sustainable fishing and marine protected areas in island nations.
Key Information: Funding is restricted to projects in Blue Prosperity Coalition partner locations and requires public charity affiliation or sponsorship.
Description
The Waitt Foundation’s Rapid Ocean Conservation (ROC) Grants program provides small grants with a quick turnaround for emerging conservation opportunities and ocean protection in support of island nations. Complementing the foundation’s major grants program, ROC supports higher-risk ideas at a low financial cost and engages small, local NGOs. Its central priorities are sustainable fishing and marine protected areas.
Supported work spans natural and social science research, policy, management, and communications. Projects may prepare policy analysis or help experts inform decision makers during public policy windows and ahead of government actions. Management work can include enforcement and infrastructure support. Communications projects may raise public awareness and engage stakeholders, including advertising by a 501(c)(3) group around a public policy moment.
