Sea-Changers Invites Applications for Innovation Fund

VCSE organisations working to protect and restore the UK’s marine environment are being invited to apply for the Sea-Changers Innovation Fund, which is now open for applications.

Sea-Changers is offering grants of up to £10,000 to support new and innovative approaches to tackling marine conservation challenges across the UK. The fund is designed to help organisations test bold ideas, pilot new solutions, and develop evidence for approaches that could make a real difference to coastal and marine environments.

Who can apply?

The fund is open to a wide range of UK-based organisations, including:

• Charities and voluntary organisations
• Community and grassroots groups
• Community Interest Companies (CICs) and other companies
• Universities and research institutions
• Schools and education providers

Projects can be at an early or exploratory stage, ready for piloting, or already proven elsewhere but new to the UK marine context.

What will the fund support?

Sea-Changers is particularly interested in projects that are innovative, experimental, and address marine conservation challenges in fresh ways. Supported projects may aim to:

• Address root causes of marine conservation threats in the UK
• Prevent or reduce negative impacts on coastal and marine environments or species
• Build knowledge and evidence about marine conservation challenges and solutions

Eligible projects may fall into one or more of the following areas:

Research

Innovative research approaches, including citizen-science projects or new ways to measure and monitor marine environmental issues.

Direct action

Creative and effective solutions such as new approaches to coastal clean-ups or innovative ways to reduce marine pollution.

Species protection

Projects that support, restore, or protect threatened marine species using novel or untested methods.

Education and community engagement

New ways to educate, inspire, and involve people, businesses, or communities in marine conservation activities.

Application deadline

The deadline for applications is 30 April 2026.

For full eligibility criteria and application guidance, visit the Sea-Changers website.