The Waterloo Foundation is inviting applications for Marine Programme under the Environment Fund to support initiatives working to halt the decline of fish stocks that communities in developing countries rely on, and those working to bring about sustainable fisheries in Wales.

The Foundation will consider both practical local projects, and strategic initiatives. The protection of mangroves to benefit local fisheries is also a component of the Marine Program.

Types of Project

• Local Project: Applications for local projects should demonstrate that they will positively impact upon the marine fisheries they are working to protect, and could include:
  • Development of marine protected areas or sustainable fisheries management
  • Addressing local causes of over-exploitation of fish stocks and other seafood
  • Creation of sustainable livelihoods for coastal and seafood dependent people
• Strategic Project: The Foundation will consider applications for strategic projects that are working on addressing marine issues at a wider or international scale. These could include:
  • Working on international or regional marine policy
  • Campaigning for improved practices in commerce
  • Exploring different fishing practices and techniques
  • Improving information exchange to eradicate illegal unreported and unregulated fishing

Funding Information

• The majority of the grants in this program will be for a total of £50,000 - £100,000.

Eligibility Criteria

• The Foundation priorities providing funding support to UK-based charities, many of whom work in close partnership with smaller local NGOs based in the countries in which they operate.
• If applicants are an organisation based outside of the UK they must send them contact details for a named person who is willing to provide them with a reference for work. This must be someone who:
  • Works for an international NGO with offices in the UK
  • Works for an organisation that the Foundation has previously given a grant to
  • Works for an organisation with offices in the UK, which has been a current or former donor to organisation
  • Works for an academic institution, think tank or as an independent consultant who is based in the UK, and which has evaluated organisation.
• The Foundation is not able to offer funding for:
  • Projects with animal conservation as the sole focus
  • Projects focusing on environmental education
  • Projects based in freshwater fisheries (e.g. Lake Victoria)
  • Research projects
  • Projects based in countries that are not secure and politically stable. They are therefore unlikely to support projects in conflict-affected areas
  • In addition, the Foundation is only consider proposals from US-based organisations under exceptional circumstances, due to the higher availability of environmental funding in the US compared to the UK.

For more information, visit The Waterloo Foundation.