The Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) has opened multiple international funding opportunities for marine conservationists, researchers, educators, photographers, filmmakers, and storytellers dedicated to protecting sharks, rays, skates, and threatened marine ecosystems worldwide.
Through its wide range of grants and fellowships, the Save Our Seas Foundation supports impactful projects focused on marine research, conservation, education, storytelling, and public awareness. The foundation is particularly committed to supporting initiatives that create measurable conservation impact and strengthen ocean protection efforts globally.
For individuals and organizations working in marine science, conservation communication, environmental storytelling, shark and ray protection, and ocean advocacy, these opportunities provide substantial financial support, mentorship, visibility, and global recognition.
About the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF)
The Save Our Seas Foundation is an international not-for-profit organization based in Switzerland that funds and supports projects dedicated to protecting oceans and threatened marine wildlife.
The foundation primarily focuses on:
- Sharks
- Rays
- Skates
- Marine megafauna
- Ocean ecosystems
- Marine biodiversity conservation
SOSF believes that effective marine conservation requires:
- Scientific research
- Public engagement
- Education
- Storytelling
- Community involvement
- Policy awareness
The organization supports projects that combine conservation science with real-world impact and public awareness.
Main Areas Supported by SOSF
Most funded projects fall under three major programme categories:
1. Research
Projects advancing scientific understanding of marine species, ecosystems, threats, and conservation solutions.
2. Conservation
Initiatives protecting marine habitats, threatened species, fisheries sustainability, and community-driven conservation efforts.
3. Education
Programs raising awareness about marine conservation and promoting environmental stewardship.
SOSF Grant Categories
The Save Our Seas Foundation currently offers several funding streams, including:
- Keystone Grants
- Keystone Continuation Grants
- Keystone Special Grants
- Small Grants
- Conservation Fellowships
- Ocean Storytelling Photography Grants
- Ocean Storytelling Film Grants
Each category targets different stages of conservation work and storytelling impact.
Save Our Seas Foundation Conservation Fellowship
Overview
The SOSF Conservation Fellowship was introduced to support individuals actively working in shark and ray conservation, particularly those from developing regions where long-term financial sustainability can be difficult.
The fellowship focuses on supporting conservation leaders and helping them continue their important work within their communities and regions.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- USD 8,000 per year
- Funding for two years
- Long-term support for conservation leadership
- Financial assistance for living costs
Three fellowships are awarded every two years across:
- Africa
- Asia
- Central/South America
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be previous SOSF grantees
- Be living and working in a developing country
- Have received an SOSF grant within the last five years
- Be actively involved in shark or ray conservation
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- A 1–2 page pitch document
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two recommendation letters
The pitch should explain:
- Conservation experience
- Leadership capacity
- Current or future projects
- Why support is needed
- Expected conservation impact
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.
SOSF Ocean Storytelling Photography Grant
About the Photography Grant
The Ocean Storytelling Photography Grant supports emerging photographers who use visual storytelling to communicate marine conservation issues.
The grant is open to photographers telling impactful ocean stories related to:
- Sharks and marine wildlife
- Fisheries
- Coastal communities
- Marine ecosystems
- Ocean conservation challenges
SOSF especially encourages applications from:
- Women
- Underrepresented communities
- Africa
- Asia
- South and Central America
- The Caribbean
- The Middle East
Key Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have no more than five years of professional photography experience
- Submit applications in English
- Apply through the SOSF online portal
Photography Submission Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- A portfolio of 20 images
- A photo story of 10 images
Images must:
- Be original
- Accurately represent nature
- Avoid manipulation or deception
- Include metadata and captions
Photography Grant Benefits
Selected grantees will receive:
- US$350 per day during assignments
- Fully covered expenses
- International exposure
- Publication opportunities
- Exhibition opportunities
- Professional conservation storytelling assignments
Grantees may also present their work at:
- Photography festivals
- Conservation conferences
- SOSF media platforms
SOSF Ocean Storytelling Film Grant
About the Film Grant
The Ocean Storytelling Film Grant supports emerging filmmakers producing cinematic and conservation-focused ocean stories.
SOSF seeks visually compelling and engaging short films about:
- Marine wildlife
- Fisheries
- Coastal communities
- Conservation science
- Ocean protection
Film Grant Funding
Successful applicants will receive:
- USD 50,000 production budget
- USD 2,000 cash prize
- Mentorship and publishing support
The final film:
- Must be under 20 minutes
- Should focus on marine conservation storytelling
- Must be visually strong and engaging
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be emerging filmmakers
- Have fewer than five years of professional film experience
- Be at least 18 years old
- Submit applications in English
Film Application Process
Stage 1 Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Introduction video or one-page profile
- Sizzle reel or previous work samples
- Three-minute story pitch video
Stage 2
Selected applicants will submit a detailed project pitch.
Benefits for Film Grantees
Film grantees receive:
- Major funding support
- Global exposure
- Conservation storytelling opportunities
- Publishing assistance
- Screening opportunities
- International recognition
General Funding Guidelines
SOSF prioritizes projects with:
- Strong conservation value
- Real-world impact pathways
- Public engagement components
- Government awareness potential
- Community involvement
The foundation expects all grant holders to actively participate in:
- Public outreach
- Environmental education
- Media engagement
- Awareness campaigns
Financial Restrictions
SOSF does not fund:
- Large institutional overheads
- Conference attendance
- Excessive travel costs
- Satellite tags for small grants
International travel cannot exceed 10% of requested funding.
Reporting Requirements
Grant holders must provide:
- Regular blogs
- Final reports
- Financial summaries
- High-quality photographs
- Media documentation
- Public awareness activities
Why These Opportunities Matter
The Save Our Seas Foundation opportunities stand out because they combine:
- Conservation science
- Storytelling
- Public engagement
- Leadership development
- Ocean advocacy
They support not only research but also communication and public understanding, helping bridge the gap between science and global awareness.
Final Thoughts
The Save Our Seas Foundation continues to play a critical role in supporting the next generation of marine conservation leaders, storytellers, researchers, photographers, and filmmakers.
Whether through conservation fellowships, storytelling grants, or marine research funding, SOSF provides unique opportunities for individuals dedicated to protecting sharks, rays, marine ecosystems, and ocean communities.
For early-career conservationists and emerging storytellers worldwide, these grants offer not only funding but also global visibility, mentorship, and the chance to contribute to meaningful environmental change.
For more information about this grant visit here
Discover more grant opportunities on OFY on here
