Geneva, Switzerland-based, the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) is currently inviting applications to its Keystone Grants programme for projects that protect our oceans by funding and supporting research, conservation and education projects worldwide, focusing primarily on threatened marine wildlife and their habitats.
Only projects concerned with marine chondrichthyan species (sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes and chimaeras) will be considered.
The focus of the Foundation is on charismatic marine megafauna, and more specifically on elasmobranchs (sharks, rays and skates).
Most of the projects supported by the Foundation currently fall into one or more of three major programme areas:
1. Research.
2. Conservation, and
3. Education.
Funding Information
o Grants average $25,000 (USD) per annum.
o The usual project duration is limited to three years.
o The funding cycle is biennial, with the grant application window opening in even years (2020, 2022, 2024 etc.), and the grant covering the period from March 2023 to June 2024, for example. Funds are allocated on an annual basis, with the option to apply for continued funding every year.
Application Process
o The Keystone Grant application process consists of a two-stage online application:
> Stage I involves completing a short online form, equivalent to 4-6 pages.
> Stage II, by invitation only based on the Stage I application, will involve the completion of a longer and more detailed online form, equivalent to 10-12 pages.
o It is the policy of the SOSF to provide, where practicable, a degree of continuing support to the projects it is funding; the leaders of such projects may be invited by the SOSF to complete an application for a continuation grant in the coming year.
o Only one application will be accepted from any one applicant.
o If a project leader has an SOSF Keystone Grant, he/she cannot apply for a new grant.
o All applications will be reviewed by the SOSF scientific committee and require final approval from the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
For further information, guidance and application details, please visit the Save Our Seas Foundation website.
The deadline for applications is Monday 16th May 2022.
