30x30 Southeast Asia Ocean Fund Grant

About this grant

The 30x30 Southeast Asia Ocean Fund is a funders collaborative dedicated to supporting efforts to protect 30% of Southeast Asia's seas by 2030. It supports inclusive, equitable and effective conservation of ocean ecosystems, leading to positive outcomes for people and nature. The Fund is an Impact Fund focused on three objectives: creating new marine Protected and Conserved Areas (MPAs and OECMs such as Locally Managed Marine Areas and Indigenous and Traditional Territories), expanding coverage of existing marine Protected and Conserved Areas, and strengthening the effective management of existing ones. The page notes that Southeast Asian countries have not yet formalised national OECM frameworks, and the Fund supports these conserved areas with potential for future OECM recognition. The Fund prioritises projects led by, engaging with, or meaningfully considering local communities, particularly coastal frontline communities who are most vulnerable to climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental injustice. It emphasises in-region leadership and capacity, including support for strong domestic civil society organisations such as community groups and local or national NGOs. Where international NGOs lead through in-country offices, local partners are encouraged to apply or be included as lead applicants. Supported activities have no predetermined allocation and include in situ conservation measures, monitoring, management and enforcement, policy and planning, capacity building, outreach and education, sustainable and innovative financing, conservation-aligned livelihoods, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and technology and innovation. Eligible costs may include associated personnel, staffing and operational costs. Each award may be up to USD 250,000, distributed over multiple years.

Eligibility

Eligible organisations are NGOs (including international NGOs with in-country offices, which are encouraged to invite local partners to apply directly), research institutions, and civil society organisations. Individuals, social enterprises, private enterprises, government bodies and religious organisations are not eligible. Applicants must work on marine conservation within Southeast Asia, consistent with the Fund's focus on the region's seas. Applications may be submitted in English (preferred) or local languages.

How it's scored

The page does not disclose scoring criteria, weightings or panel composition. Shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a Full Proposal, and expressions of interest are reviewed in three annual cohorts with decisions in March, July and November.

Key requirements

• ✓Focus on marine protected and conserved areas (MPCAs) in Southeast Asia
• ✓Priority for community-led and in-region initiatives
• ✓Commitment to inclusive, equitable and effective conservation outcomes
• ✓Alignment with 30% ocean protection by 2030 goal

Funder contact

The notice names a programme contact you can speak to before applying.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does 30×30 Southeast Asia Ocean Fund offer?

30x30 Southeast Asia Ocean Fund offers up to $250K.

Who can apply for 30x30 Southeast Asia Ocean Fund?

Eligibility covers organisations in SE-ASIA; nonprofit, charity, community-group, indigenous-community, social-enterprise, local-authority, consortium. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Biodiversity funding backs habitat restoration, species protection, protected areas and nature-positive business. It comes from environment agencies, multilateral nature funds and conservation philanthropy, often through competitive calls with defined regions. Applicants are usually asked for baseline surveys, local partners and indicators that show ecological change.