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:

1. Introduction video or one-page profile
2. Sizzle reel or previous work samples
3. Three-minute story pitch video

Stage 2

Selected applicants will submit a detailed project pitch.

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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.

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