Ocean and Blue Economy grants — page 5
322 listings tracked right now · page 5 of 7
Funding for ocean health, sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and the blue economy. Backed by the World Bank PROBLUE, EU EMFAF and Horizon, the Benioff and Packard foundations, and national marine programmes. Listed below are the open ocean and blue economy grant calls in that landscape, taken from each funder's own notice and re-checked on every refresh.
Water and ocean funding sits mostly with development finance and national infrastructure budgets rather than with innovation programmes. The recurring sources are the World Bank and the regional development banks, the Green Climate Fund, EU LIFE and Horizon, and national water and environment agencies. Awards tend to be tied to a specific catchment, coastline or utility, so geographic eligibility is usually the first thing to check rather than the last.
This page lists open ocean and blue economy grants currently tracked by Raise Lens — 322 of them right now, sorted with the soonest deadline first. Every listing has been classified against the sustainability taxonomy rather than matched on keywords, so what appears here is ocean and blue economy work rather than anything whose description happens to mention it.
The funders publishing ocean and blue economy grants here include Chubb Charitable Foundation, Bloom Foundation, HX Foundation, among 2 others. Who is funding matters as much as what: eligibility, reporting burden and the realistic timeline to a decision vary far more between funders than between individual calls.
Geographic coverage on this page spans GLOBAL, LATAM, AFRICA, SE-ASIA, GLOBAL-SOUTH. Eligibility is usually tied to where the work happens or where the applying organisation is registered, and the two are not always the same — worth checking before investing time in an application.
Blue Boundaries: A Partnership for the Planet
••••• Foundation
This grant funds transformational conservation and ecosystem restoration work at the intersection of land and water ecosystems, in partnership with the National Geographic Society. It targets organizations working on biodiversity protection and water resource management in vital ecological zones.
Fellowship Ocean-based Climate Solutions
••••• Foundation
A fellowship position at the University of Berne's Faculty of Climate and Environmental Physics to conduct research on ocean-based carbon dioxide removal strategies, particularly alkalinity enhancement, using Earth System models and ocean observations. The fellowship is designed for researchers to advance understanding of nature-based climate solutions in the ocean sector.
Million Mile Clean
••••• Foundation
This grant funds community-led plastic waste removal initiatives from coastlines and waterways, with a partnership model that includes the funder guests participating in guided beach cleanups on Scottish Isles expeditions. It supports organizations working on marine plastic pollution and coastal conservation.
130th Year Mission – Anniversary Grant Cycle
••••• Foundation
A 2026 grant cycle from the funder targeting five strategic partners working on ocean conservation, wildlife protection, plastic waste reduction, and community development, funded through charity auctions and the Green Stay programme. Grants aim to raise €130,000 per ship for initiatives aligned with environmental and social impact goals.
Healthier Baltic Sea
••••• organisation
NEFCO provides financing for projects that reduce pollution and restore ecological health in the Baltic Sea region. The grant targets organizations working on marine environmental restoration and pollution mitigation in Baltic waters.
Special Call: Coastal Resilience in the English-Speaking Caribbean
••••• Foundation
This is an open call for proposals from community-led organizations in the English-speaking Caribbean working on coastal resilience and climate adaptation. Grants of up to $400,000 are available to support locally-driven projects that build resilience to coastal and climate impacts.
Caribbean Ocean and Aquaculture Sustainability Facility (COAST)
••••• organisation
COAST is a parametric microinsurance product designed to protect fisherfolk, boat captains, fish vendors, and crew in Caribbean nations against climate and disaster-related losses in the fisheries sector. The facility provides sovereign insurance coverage currently available to Saint Lucia and Grenada, developed through partnerships with the US State Department, World Bank, and regional fisheries bodies.
Venture Studio: A venture studio model that supports the creation and growth of sustainable ocean-impact entrepreneurship ventures
••••• organisation
The funder operates a venture studio model that supports the creation and growth of sustainable ocean-impact entrepreneurship ventures. The programme is designed for entrepreneurs and startups developing blue-economy solutions with environmental and social impact.
Coastal Community Development
••••• organisation
The funder funds development and support initiatives for coastal communities across Africa that advance ocean-based economic and social impact. The programme targets blue-economy projects that benefit coastal populations through sustainable ocean resource management and community resilience.
Acceleration Program
••••• organisation
An accelerator programme supporting African ocean-impact startups developing solutions to marine pollution, overexploitation, and climate change. Eligible startups receive acceleration support to scale blue-economy innovations across the African continent.
Promotion of Aquaculture
••••• organisation
This grant supports the development of innovative, sustainable aquaculture enterprises in Schleswig-Holstein through subsidies from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027. Eligible activities include productive investments, knowledge services, infrastructure development, organic conversion, R&D, and direct marketing to increase production capacity, improve quality, enhance sustainability, and support new enterprise settlement.
Promotion of Sustainable Development of the Fish Industry Area Lower Saxony North Sea Coast
••••• organisation
This grant supports sustainable development projects in the Lower Saxony North Sea Coast fishing region through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). Eligible applicants include local populations and organizations implementing strategies that strengthen social, environmental, cultural and human resources in the fish industry sector.
European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) (2021–2027)
••••• organisation
The EMFAF (2021–2027) is an EU funding programme supporting maritime, fisheries, and aquaculture sectors across member states including Germany. It funds projects that advance sustainable fishing practices, aquaculture development, and blue-economy initiatives aligned with EU environmental and economic objectives.
Promoting the blue economy and strengthening fisheries governance of the Gulf of Thailand through the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (GoTFish)
••••• organisation
This grant funds implementation of Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) governance in the Gulf of Thailand to improve natural resource management and strengthen fisheries sustainability. It targets government agencies, research institutions, and regional organizations working on marine resource conservation and blue economy development in Southeast Asia.
Aquatic Ecosystems
••••• organisation
FFEM finances pilot projects that preserve and restore aquatic ecosystems in marine and freshwater environments. The grant targets organizations working on ecosystem conservation and restoration in water-related sectors.
Oceans Investments
••••• organisation
The funder invests in companies and initiatives that support healthy ocean systems and blue economy opportunities, advancing global environmental resilience and economic prosperity. The fund targets both environmental impact and commercial viability in ocean-related sectors.
Heritage Centre
••••• Foundation
This grant harnesses the funder's maritime heritage to fund projects that advance a safer and more sustainable ocean economy. It targets organizations working on ocean sustainability, maritime innovation, and blue-economy solutions.
Safer Maritime Systems
••••• Foundation
This grant funds research, innovation, and initiatives that improve safety across maritime systems as part of building a sustainable ocean. It is open to organizations working on maritime safety, shipping decarbonization, and ocean sustainability.
Mangroves, Blue Carbon Markets and 30x30 in Southeast Asia and South Asia (Upcoming)
••••• Fund
This grant funds projects advancing mangrove conservation, blue carbon market development, and marine protected area expansion (30x30 target) across Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and India. It targets nonprofits, research institutions, and conservation organizations working on coastal ecosystem restoration and climate mitigation through nature-based solutions.
Fund I: Pre-seed venture capital fund backing founders globally applying AI to drive systemic change in under-digitized sectors
••••• organisation
Pre-seed venture capital fund backing AI-driven founders globally who are solving systemic problems in under-digitized physical sectors like manufacturing, supply chains, energy, food systems, and maritime. Invests in open-source, SaaS, and AI/ML companies driving change across pharma, grid, and food systems.
MARINE Fund Cymru
••••• Council
MARINE Fund Cymru invests in projects that strengthen the resilience of Wales' marine and coastal ecosystems through conservation and restoration work. The fund supports nonprofits, charities, and community groups working on ocean and coastal biodiversity protection.
For the Ocean
••••• Foundation
This grant supports organizations working on ocean conservation and marine protection initiatives globally. It funds a range of ocean-focused projects and interventions aligned with blue economy and marine ecosystem preservation.
30x30 Southeast Asia Ocean Fund
••••• Fund
This grant funds marine conservation projects that protect and expand marine protected and conserved areas in Southeast Asia, with a target of protecting 30% of the region's seas by 2030. It prioritizes projects led by or meaningfully engaging local communities and domestic civil society organizations.
Enabling Blue Carbon in South East Asia
••••• Foundation
This grant supports coastal and marine carbon solutions, blue carbon market development, and marine ecosystem restoration in South East Asia, with a focus on helping coastal communities adapt to climate change. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, social enterprises, research institutions, and community groups working on blue carbon, marine biodiversity, and climate adaptation in the region.
Fellowship – Ocean-Based Climate Solutions
••••• Foundation
A fellowship position at the University of Berne's Faculty of Climate and Environmental Physics to conduct research on ocean-based carbon dioxide removal strategies, particularly alkalinity enhancement, using Earth System models and novel ocean observations. The fellowship is designed for researchers advancing climate solutions through ocean science.
Plastic Brand Audits
••••• organisation
This grant funds corporate accountability initiatives that audit major brands for plastic pollution and drive advocacy to reduce plastic waste. It targets nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and research groups working on ocean health and corporate responsibility.
Waves of Hope
••••• organisation
This grant funds efforts to secure international agreement for establishing a network of large marine protected areas in Antarctica. It targets organizations working on ocean conservation and marine policy advocacy at a global scale.
Halting the Impact of Microfibres on Human and Planetary Health
••••• organisation
This grant funds research and projects aimed at understanding and reducing microfibre pollution's effects on human health and marine ecosystems. It targets organizations working on ocean health, pollution mitigation, and the intersection of environmental and human health impacts.
Grand Challenge for Our Planet
••••• organisation
A flagship challenge programme from the funder focused on addressing large-scale planetary and ocean health issues. The grant supports projects and initiatives that advance marine conservation and environmental sustainability at scale.
Open Call for Innovative Solutions
••••• organisation
This is an open call from the funder inviting innovative solutions to marine environment challenges, including ocean protection, restoration, and awareness initiatives. The grant is suitable for organizations and projects working on ocean conservation and blue economy solutions.
Environment: Focused on protecting rivers and oceans and the communities that depend on them, pursuing systems-level conservation
••••• Foundation
This grant funds systems-level conservation initiatives protecting rivers, oceans, and freshwater ecosystems, as well as the communities dependent on them. It targets organizations working on environmental protection and sustainable management of aquatic resources.
Conservation Funding Awards
••••• Fund
This grant programme funds conservation projects across biodiversity, wildlife, and marine ecosystems, awarding money to organizations ranging from global NGOs to grassroots groups. Applicants can seek funding for on-the-ground conservation work aligned with the funder's environmental mission.
General Grants Programme
••••• Foundation
The funder's General Grants Programme provides ongoing funding for projects addressing wildlife conservation, marine plastic pollution, and community development across 25 countries. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, charities, and community groups working on endangered species protection, ocean health, and local resilience.
130th Anniversary Grant Cycle
••••• Foundation
The funder's 130th Anniversary Grant Cycle distributes €130,000 per ship through charity auctions and donations to five strategic partners working on ocean research, marine conservation, plastic waste reduction, community support, and education. Eligible organizations focus on ocean conservation, marine research, and environmental impact aligned with the funder's blue-economy priorities.
Blue Finance Pipeline
••••• organisation
A pipeline initiative mobilizing at least $500 million in investment by 2030 to fund coastal resilience and blue economy projects in the Global South. The programme targets climate adaptation and economic development for 250 million vulnerable coastal populations.
MARINE Fund Cymru
••••• organisation
MARINE Fund Cymru invests in projects that build resilience and protect Wales' marine and coastal ecosystems through nature-based and conservation interventions. The fund is open to organizations working on ocean health, biodiversity, and blue-economy outcomes in Welsh waters.
Water, Environment and Blue Economy
••••• organisation
This grant funds sustainable water resource management, environmental protection, and blue economy development across Mediterranean basin countries. It targets organizations working on water sustainability, marine conservation, and ocean-based economic development in the region.
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
••••• organisation
UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission funds ocean science, observations, services, and capacity development to support sustainable management of ocean and coastal resources. The grant targets governments, research institutions, and organizations working on ocean sustainability, climate adaptation, and marine conservation.
Venture Development Programs
••••• organisation
The funder offers a suite of accelerator and venture development programs for entrepreneurs at all stages—from pre-idea through post-MVP—focused on aquaculture and the regenerative blue economy. The program includes the Global Innovation Launchpad for Aquaculture, which specifically targets New Zealand enterprises.
Ocean Economy Fund
••••• organisation
The Blue Revolution Fund supports transformative innovations in sustainable aquaculture and seafood production, including traceability systems, biosecurity measures, and alternative protein solutions. It targets entrepreneurs and organizations advancing the blue economy through technology and operational improvements.
Next-Generation Food and Ocean-Tech Venture Fund
••••• organisation
Hatch Accelerator Fund II invests in seed to early-growth stage companies across aquaculture, alternative seafood, enabling technologies, and ocean health solutions. The fund targets the blue economy value chain, including regenerative aquaculture and ocean-based climate solutions.
Early-Stage Aquaculture and Seafood Innovation Fund
••••• organisation
Early-stage venture fund investing in innovations across the aquaculture and seafood value chain, including farming systems, nutrition, health, genetics, and alternative seafood products. Targets pre-seed to seed stage companies developing next-generation solutions.
Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund
••••• organisation
This grant funds environmental restoration projects focused on coastal and habitat restoration in the Tampa Bay area. It is open to organizations working on estuarine ecosystem recovery and protection.
Caring for our Coasts
••••• organisation
RAE's national program provides grants to support local coastal restoration projects across the United States. The fund targets nonprofit organizations, local authorities, and community groups working to restore estuaries and coastal ecosystems.
Gulf Regional Oyster Network
••••• organisation
This grant funds oyster habitat restoration and coastal protection projects in the Gulf region through partnerships with Gulf-based organizations. It targets nonprofits and community groups working on estuarine restoration and coastal resilience.
Collaborative Ocean Stewardship
••••• organisation
This grant funds collaborative initiatives to protect deep-sea ecosystems and resources through multi-stakeholder partnerships. It targets organizations working on ocean conservation and biodiversity stewardship in marine environments.
Special Reporting Projects
••••• organisation
The funder funds original investigative journalism projects on environmental themes (tropical forests, fisheries, climate) by staff journalists, contributors, and partner media outlets. The grant supports diverse journalists to produce coordinated reporting around shared sustainability topics.
Special Opportunities
••••• organisation
The funder' Special Opportunities sleeve targets non-traditional or structured equity investments complementing their core venture and growth strategy in food & agriculture, energy, and oceans. The fund seeks to deploy capital in innovative companies and projects across these three sectors, likely at growth and scale stages.