Shark Conservation Fund Small Grant

Shark Conservation Fund Small Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors Inc
Amount: Up to US $25,000
Last Updated: March 11, 2026

Summary

The Shark Conservation Fund (SCF) offers small grants of up to $25,000 to advance shark and ray conservation efforts. Focused on halting overexploitation and preventing extinctions, SCF supports projects that enhance legal protections, promote sustainable fishing practices, and protect vital habitats. Eligible applicants include individuals affiliated with non-profits and academic institutions, with an emphasis on those who have not previously received SCF funding. This initiative aims to foster impactful conservation strategies while contributing to the health of global oceans.

Overview

Who We Are SCF’s board is comprised of leaders in results driven conservation. Their depth of expertise in grantmaking and wide sphere of influence positions SCF to invest in and champion initiatives with the greatest purpose and impact. The board, coupled with a staff that has extensive policy expertise, excels at identifying and funding the most strategic projects that are focused on the global defense of sharks and rays. SCF’s comprehensive approach, extraordinary human capital, and extensive international reach positions it well to influence all major shark fishing, processing, and consuming countries. The Shark Conservation Fund (SCF) is a collaboration of philanthropists dedicated to solving the global shark and ray crisis. Our goal is to halt the overexploitation of the world’s sharks and rays, prevent extinctions and restore imperiled species through strategic and catalytic grantmaking. SCF is a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Inc., a registered 501c3 public charity. Our objectives are to: Ensure effective regulation of global trade in shark and ray products through listing the top species of sharks and rays in global trade on CITES Appendices and implementing those listings; Prevent the extinction of the most imperiled sharks and rays by enhancing legal protections in priority countries and at international forums. Combat unsustainable shark and ray fishing globally through the adoption and implementation of conservation and management measures through international forums and in priority countries. Shark Conservation Fund Small Grant Fisheries management reforms that reduce mortality for species primarily threatened by trade.Prevent extinctions of threatened species that are not traded.Identify & protect important shark areas in new or modified marine protected areas. The Small Grant Fund supports these objectives by providing grants of up to $25,000, with a duration of 18 months. SCF allocates $250,000 annually for Small Grants, funding up to 10 projects each year. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee funding. Eligible Project Types Opportunities to advance shark and ray conservation and management.Small scientific studies, reports, or evaluations that are directly linked to efforts to advance shark and ray conservation policy in the near term.Scoping activities for larger shark and ray conservation and management projects.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Individuals or groups of individuals associated with a non-profit organization, or an academic institution are eligible to receive funding.Undergraduate and graduate students may receive funding for discrete projects that will lead directly to improved shark and ray conservation and will produce results within 18 months.Government entities, except for academic institutions like universities, are ineligible.Existing SCF grantees are not eligible, but former SCF grantees may apply.Nonprofit organizations may submit only one application, while individuals associated with an academic institution may submit multiple applications.