​The Waitt Foundation takes a hands-on, partnership-driven approach to support projects and campaigns focused on ending overfishing, establishing Marine Protected Areas, advancing Marine Spatial Planning, and increasing public awareness about the rapid decline in ocean health. We emphasize building lasting public-private partnerships and advancing conservation finance, with a primary aim of helping governments achieve Blue Prosperity - sustainable ocean management that works in harmony with economic growth and innovation, fisheries management, and ocean protection so that people, nature and the economy can thrive. We provide direct grants to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and collaborate with a global network of strategic partners to maximize the impact of grant funds and relationships. Throughout this process, we work closely with government partners and grantees to learn, build, and manage programs, and offer strategic guidance and technical support.

Our approach to ocean conservation is not limited by geography; instead, we seek out projects with clear timelines, catalytic potential, and the ability to leverage policy opportunities and major global events. Although the Waitt Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals, we are eager to collaborate with potential partners to advance our existing initiatives.

The Waitt Foundation invites eligible organizations, such as NGOs and academic institutions, to explore our small grants opportunity through the Rapid Ocean Conservation (ROC) Grant Program.