Save Our Seas Foundation Grants: Funding Marine Conservation and Storytelling
The Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) offers global funding opportunities for individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting sharks, rays, and marine ecosystems. These grants support a range of projects, from scientific research and conservation initiatives to educational programs and compelling storytelling through photography and film. The foundation aims to foster measurable conservation impact and strengthen ocean protection efforts worldwide. For those passionate about marine science, conservation communication, or environmental advocacy, SOSF provides substantial financial backing, mentorship, and a platform for global recognition.
About the Save Our Seas Foundation
The Save Our Seas Foundation is an international non-profit organization based in Switzerland. Its mission is to fund and support projects focused on protecting oceans and threatened marine wildlife. The foundation’s primary areas of interest include sharks, rays, skates, marine megafauna, ocean ecosystems, and marine biodiversity. SOSF believes that effective marine conservation relies on a combination of scientific research, public engagement, education, storytelling, community involvement, and policy awareness. They actively support projects that merge conservation science with tangible real-world impact and public awareness campaigns.
Main Program Areas Supported by SOSF
SOSF organizes its funding into three main program categories, ensuring a broad approach to marine conservation:
1. Research
This category supports projects that aim to advance scientific understanding of marine species, their ecosystems, the threats they face, and potential conservation solutions. Funding here helps researchers gather critical data and develop new insights into ocean health.
2. Conservation
Initiatives focused on the direct protection of marine habitats, threatened species, and the sustainability of fisheries are funded under this program. It also includes support for community-driven conservation efforts that empower local populations to protect their marine resources.
3. Education
Programs designed to raise public awareness about marine conservation issues and promote environmental stewardship are a key focus. These projects aim to educate diverse audiences about the importance of healthy oceans and inspire action.
SOSF Grant and Fellowship Opportunities
The Save Our Seas Foundation offers several distinct funding streams, each designed to support different aspects of marine conservation and communication:
Save Our Seas Foundation Conservation Fellowship
The SOSF Conservation Fellowship is designed to support individuals actively engaged in shark and ray conservation, particularly those from developing regions where long-term financial stability can be a challenge. This fellowship aims to nurture conservation leaders and help them sustain their vital work within their communities and regions. Selected fellows receive USD 8,000 per year for two years, providing long-term support for their leadership in conservation and financial assistance for living costs. Three fellowships are awarded every two years, distributed across Africa, Asia, and Central/South America. Applicants must be previous SOSF grantees, living and working in a developing country, have received an SOSF grant within the last five years, and be actively involved in shark or ray conservation. The application requires a 1-2 page pitch document, a Curriculum Vitae (CV), and two recommendation letters, detailing conservation experience, leadership capacity, current or future projects, the need for support, and expected conservation impact.
SOSF Ocean Storytelling Photography Grant
This grant supports emerging photographers who use visual storytelling to communicate critical marine conservation issues. It is open to photographers focusing on impactful ocean stories related to sharks, marine wildlife, fisheries, coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and ocean conservation challenges. SOSF particularly encourages applications from women, underrepresented communities, and individuals from Africa, Asia, South and Central America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Key eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old, having no more than five years of professional photography experience, and submitting applications in English through the SOSF online portal. Applicants must submit a portfolio of 20 images and a photo story of 10 images, all of which must be original, accurately represent nature, and avoid manipulation. Selected grantees receive US$350 per day during assignments, fully covered expenses, international exposure, and publication and exhibition opportunities.
SOSF Ocean Storytelling Film Grant
The Ocean Storytelling Film Grant supports emerging filmmakers in producing cinematic and conservation-focused ocean stories. SOSF seeks visually compelling and engaging short films about marine wildlife, fisheries, coastal communities, conservation science, and ocean protection. Successful applicants receive a USD 50,000 production budget and a USD 2,000 cash prize, along with mentorship and publishing support. The final film must be under 20 minutes, focus on marine conservation storytelling, and be visually strong and engaging. Eligibility requires applicants to be emerging filmmakers with fewer than five years of professional film experience, be at least 18 years old, and submit applications in English. The application process involves two stages: the first requires an introduction video or profile, sizzle reel or work samples, and a three-minute story pitch video. Selected applicants then submit a detailed project pitch. Film grantees benefit from major funding, global exposure, conservation storytelling opportunities, publishing assistance, and screening opportunities.
General Funding Guidelines and Expectations
The Save Our Seas Foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong conservation value, clear pathways for real-world impact, and components for public engagement. They also look for projects that have the potential to raise government awareness and involve community participation. Grant holders are expected to actively participate in public outreach, environmental education, media engagement, and awareness campaigns.
There are certain financial restrictions; SOSF does not fund large institutional overheads, conference attendance, or excessive travel costs. International travel expenses cannot exceed 10% of the requested funding for small grants. Grant holders are required to provide regular blogs, final reports, financial summaries, high-quality photographs, media documentation, and evidence of public awareness activities.
The Importance of SOSF Opportunities
The opportunities provided by the Save Our Seas Foundation are significant because they uniquely combine conservation science with storytelling, public engagement, leadership development, and ocean advocacy. By supporting not only research but also the communication of findings and the fostering of public understanding, SOSF helps bridge the gap between scientific discovery and global awareness. These grants offer a vital pathway for individuals dedicated to protecting marine life and ecosystems, providing them with essential funding, global visibility, and mentorship to contribute meaningfully to environmental change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF)?
The Save Our Seas Foundation is an international non-profit organization based in Switzerland that funds projects focused on protecting oceans and threatened marine wildlife, especially sharks and rays.
What types of projects does SOSF fund?
SOSF funds projects in three main areas: Research to advance scientific understanding, Conservation for direct protection of marine life and habitats, and Education to raise public awareness about marine conservation.
What is the SOSF Conservation Fellowship?
The SOSF Conservation Fellowship provides USD 8,000 per year for two years to individuals from developing regions actively engaged in shark and ray conservation, helping them sustain their work.
What are the requirements for the SOSF Ocean Storytelling grants?
The Ocean Storytelling grants, for photography and film, are for emerging artists with less than five years of professional experience, focusing on impactful marine conservation stories. They offer significant funding and exposure.
