The Ocean Foundation
The Ocean Foundation is a Washington, DC–based public charity whose stated mission is to improve global ocean health, climate resilience, and the blue economy. It describes itself as the only community foundation for the ocean and says it connects communities with informational, technical, and financial resources for ocean stewardship.
The Ocean Foundation at a glance
In short: The Ocean Foundation gave $867K across 24 grants in 2025 (avg $36K), top state California. 58% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $866,993
- -47.6% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 24
- -40.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $36,125
- -12.7% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $20,250
- Total assets
- $17,747,319
- -23.5% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 58% first-time grantees (14 of 24, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- California (22% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Ocean Foundation
- Next open deadline
- January 15, 2027 (Boyd Lyon Scholarship)
- Contact
Mailing address: 1320 19Th Street Nw Suite 401, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 887-8996
Website: https://oceanfdn.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from The Ocean Foundation
Who The Ocean Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was The Leland Stanford Junior University ($128K). Together the top 10 received $640K.
Grant Size Distribution
129 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 99 grants of 129 (77%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Ocean Foundation says its community is global and that it has grantees, partners, and projects on all of the world’s continents. Its 2025 grant dollars went to recipients in multiple states, with the largest state shares reported as California (22%), Washington, DC (15%), Florida (10%), Oregon (10%), and Louisiana (6%). A past Pacific Islands grant opportunity was open to researchers residing and conducting ocean acidification research in the Pacific Islands region, with preference for applicants in specified countries and territories.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 24 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Ocean Foundation open to new grantees?
58%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 14 of 24 grantees (58%) were first-time recipients. With only 24 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 4 points. First grants averaged $26K; repeat grants $50K. How we count
Medians: $17K first-time, $38K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $675K (2022) to $1.7M (2024). In 2025 it made 24 grants totaling $867K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Leland Stanford Junior University Redwood City, CA | Marine Life Monitoring | $127,888 |
| Marine Debris Foundation Washington, DC | Remove Marine Debris | $96,520 |
| Race to Zero Films LLC West Palm Beach, FL | General Support | $91,000 |
| Playa Viva LLC Portland, OR | General Support | $76,980 |
| LSU Foundation Baton Rouge, LA | Coastal Remediation | $50,000 |
| Coastal Coordination Program LLC Bodega Bay, CA | General Support | $45,294 |
| Anchor Coalition Inc Arlington, VA | General Support | $44,160 |
| National Marine Sanctuary Fdn Silver Spring, MD | Coastal Remediation | $41,935 |
| International Indigenous Fund Batani Yarmouth, ME | General Support | $35,000 |
| The Pew Charitable Trusts Washington, DC | General Support | $31,141 |
Ready to take the next step with The Ocean Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $17,747,319 | $13,196,134 | $15,812,467 | $866,993 | 24 | $14,460 |
| 2024 | $23,212,933 | $18,847,028 | $18,826,931 | $1,655,532 | 40 | $142,632 |
| 2023 | $21,935,882 | $18,854,739 | $15,869,946 | $1,013,472 | 22 | $43,246 |
| 2022 | $16,715,684 | $11,796,534 | $11,541,472 | $675,413 | 22 | $6,042 |
| 2021 | $16,392,830 | $9,142,772 | $8,502,759 | $781,457 | 21 | $12,623 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The mission stated by the organization is to improve global ocean health, climate resilience, and the blue economy. Its 2024 filing describes programs focused on protecting marine habitats and special places, expanding ocean literacy and public awareness, building the capacity of the marine conservation community, and protecting species of concern.
The organization says it supports projects and organizations addressing threats to coasts and the ocean, and that it uses both objective and subjective evaluation methods to identify potential grantees. Its website describes a preference for multi-year giving when possible and an engaged, collaborative approach that can include advice, research, and other support.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate varied work. The Marine Debris Foundation describes its mission as advancing solutions, technologies, and community initiatives toward plastic-free waters. The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies says it fosters responsible interaction with nature and generates knowledge of Kachemak Bay’s marine and coastal ecosystems. PADI AWARE Foundation describes its work as driving local action for global ocean conservation through citizen science, public policy, and community grants.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, The Ocean Foundation reported 24 grants totaling $866,993. Grants ranged from $7,500 to $127,888, with a median of $20,250.
Among the largest reported grants were $127,888 to The Leland Stanford Junior University for marine life monitoring; $96,520 to Marine Debris Foundation to remove marine debris; $91,000 to Race to Zero Films LLC for general support; $76,980 to Playa Viva LLC for general support; and $50,000 to LSU Foundation for coastal remediation.
The Boyd Lyon Sea Turtle Fund offers an annual scholarship for marine biology students conducting sea turtle research. The listed award is $3,000, and the stated deadline is January 15, 2027. The program description invites applications from master’s and PhD students whose work is consistent with the fund’s mission, including field research on sea turtle behavior and conservation. The website also lists a Pacific Islands ocean acidification research-capacity grant call with a February 23, 2024 deadline; that was a past cycle.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Mark J. Spalding as president; Elliot S. Cafritz as chairman (on leave); Joshua Ginsberg as chairman; Angel E. Braestrup as secretary; and Thomas Brigandi as treasurer. Directors listed are Patrick Flynn, Olha Krushelnytska, Imani Fairweather Morrison, Lumay Wang Murphy, and Denise Naguib.
The Ocean Foundation is led by Mark J Spalding, President on every filing since 2021; 6 of 20 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Mark J Spalding
President
On filings since 2021
60 hrs/week
$286K (2021) → $272K (2025)
Elliot S Cafritz
Chairman
Chairman & Director → Chairman, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joshua R Ginsberg
Chairman
Director → Board Member, 2024
Board Member → Chairman, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Shana Miller
Program Director
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$142K (2021) → $169K (2025)
Tamika Washington
Finance & Ops. Director
Finance & Operations Director → Finance & Ops. Director, 2025
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$129K (2021) → $119K (2025)
Benjamin Scheelk
Program Director
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$130K (2025)
Erica Nunez
Program Director
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$137K (2025)
Denise Naguib
Director
Director → Board Member, 2024
Board Member → Director, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ed Tillinghast III
Director
Director → Board Member, 2024
Board Member → Director, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Imani Fairweather Morrison
Director
Director → Board Member, 2024
Board Member → Director, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Karen Thorne
Director
Director → Board Member, 2024
Board Member → Director, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lisa Volgenau
Director
Director → Board Member, 2024
Board Member → Director, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Olha Krushelnytska
Director
Treasurer & Director → Treasurer, 2024
Treasurer → Director, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Russell F Smith
Director
Director → Secretary, 2024
Secretary → Director, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rolando Morillo
Director
Director → Board Member, 2024
Board Member → Director, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lumay Wang Murphy
Director
Director → Board Member, 2024
Board Member → Director, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Patrick Flynn
Director
Director → Board Member, 2024
Board Member → Director, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mia Shade
Human Resources Officer
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$123K (2025)
Angel E Braestrup
Secretary
Secretary & Director → Board Member, 2024
Board Member → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Thomas Brigandi
Treasurer
Director → Board Member, 2024
Board Member → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (11)
- Former: Kate Morrison (2021–2024) — Strategic Partnerships Director
- Former: Fernando Bretos (2023–2024) — Program Officer
- Former: Andrea Capuro (2024) — Chief of Program
- Former: Bobbi-Jo Dobush (2024) — Legal & Ocean Governance Officer
- Former: Jason Donofrio (2021–2023) — Chief Development Officer
- Former: Maria Alej Navarrete Hernandez (2021–2023) — Govt & Multinationals Liason Officer
- Former: Bill Eichbaum (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Dawn Martin (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Lumay Wang (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: David Gershman (2022) — Program Officer
- Former: Nora Pouillon (2021) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $272K, to Mark J Spalding (President). 6 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Ocean Foundation
How much does The Ocean Foundation give each year?
The Ocean Foundation gave $867K across 24 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.7M across 40 grants.
What is The Ocean Foundation's typical grant size?
The Ocean Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $20,250, and its average grant was $36,125, across 24 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Ocean Foundation that year got $26K on average.
Where does The Ocean Foundation give grants?
The Ocean Foundation's top state is California, with 22% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were District of Columbia (15%) and Florida (10%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (2 grants).
Does The Ocean Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 42% of The Ocean Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (10 of 24) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Marine Life Monitoring" (6 grants), "Remove Marine Debris" (3 grants) and "Marine Conservation" (3 grants).
Who are The Ocean Foundation's largest grantees?
The Ocean Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include The Leland Stanford Junior University ($127,888), Marine Debris Foundation ($96,520) and Race to Zero Films LLC ($91,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 36% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Ocean Foundation?
The Ocean Foundation reported $17.7M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $13.2M.
What does The Ocean Foundation fund?
The mission stated by the organization is to improve global ocean health, climate resilience, and the blue economy. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Ocean Foundation?
The Ocean Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check oceanfdn.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The Ocean Foundation's EIN?
The Ocean Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 71-0863908. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 10, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 9, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 4, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 15, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS April 28, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Ocean Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Ocean Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 15, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-ocean-foundation-morg_2cbdda127ebc4c308cf8cec70d76fea8
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_710863908_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Ocean Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-ocean-foundation-morg_2cbdda127ebc4c308cf8cec70d76fea8},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-15. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Ocean Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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