About

The Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) Small Grants program supports early-career professionals conducting short-term marine conservation, research, and education projects worldwide. Focusing on sharks, rays, and related marine chondrichthyan species, the program funds initiatives that offer applied conservation value, foster public awareness, and integrate research with community education. Grants typically average US$5,000, with a maximum award of US$10,000, to cover up to 18 months of project duration and one financial year of activity. Funding supports essential operational costs, including short-term staffing and limited stipends for early-career scientists (up to 10% of the total budget if justified), and equipment purchases that remain with the host institution. However, funds cannot be used for publication costs, conference attendance, satellite tags, institutional overheads, administrative fees, or international travel exceeding 10% of the budget.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to early-career professionals globally who are within five years of their most recent degree or relevant professional qualification by January of the project year. Projects must focus specifically on sharks, rays, or related species, and priority is given to initiatives led by local project leaders within the target region. Eligible applicants may submit only one application per cycle through a two-stage online process (Stage II by invitation only), and individuals are restricted to a career maximum of two Small Grants, with a mandatory one-year gap required after receiving a grant before applying again. Applications are evaluated by the SOSF Scientific Committee, external advisors, and the Board of Directors, with selection heavily based on scientific merit, conservation relevance, originality, and potential impact.

Post Date: May 25, 2026