Deadline Date: April 30, 2026
The Sea-Changers Innovation Fund is currently accepting applications to support innovative marine conservation approaches and solutions across the United Kingdom.
The Innovation Fund focuses on addressing the root causes of marine conservation threats and challenges in the UK, preventing or reducing negative impacts on UK coastal and marine environments and/or species, and adding to the body of knowledge about marine conservation threats and challenges in the UK and ways to overcome them. It welcomes innovative approaches in the areas of research, direct action, species protection, and education or community engagement.
Sea-Changers invites applications that present creative and effective responses to marine conservation challenges. The fund is open to projects that explore new research methods, implement practical conservation actions, protect vulnerable species, or engage and educate communities about marine issues. The emphasis is on innovation and meaningful impact within the UK’s coastal and marine environments.
Grant awards vary depending on the quality and range of applications received. The trustees may award one or two larger grants of around £10,000 or distribute several smaller grants to spread risk across multiple projects. Applications requesting higher amounts, particularly those close to £10,000, are expected to be exceptionally compelling.
Applicants have the option to submit different budget scenarios to demonstrate what could be achieved at varying funding levels. For example, a project involving innovative research may include costs such as boat hire, underwater hardware like cameras, lights, sensors, and hydrophones, and the purchase of off-the-shelf data processing software. Higher funding levels may allow for more days of boat hire, additional monitoring locations, or expanded equipment use, while lower funding levels may limit the scale of operations or exclude certain equipment. Any additional value or improved outcomes associated with larger funding requests must be clearly explained within the application.
Sea-Changers welcomes applications from a wide range of UK-based organisations. Eligible applicants include companies, including Community Interest Companies, charities and trusts, universities or students carrying out marine conservation-related activities, schools, and constituted community groups.
For more information, visit Sea-Changers.
