Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Ocean Wise

Ocean Wise is a Canadian-based global environmental charity focused on protecting and restoring the ocean. Originating in Vancouver in 1951, it has evolved from local roots into an international leader working on overfishing, ocean pollution, climate change and marine biodiversity. The organization combines science, public education, industry collaboration and community engagement to drive measurable conservation outcomes.

In addition to its research and outreach programs, Ocean Wise provides financial support to youth-led environmental initiatives. Through the Ocean Action Grant and related microgrant offerings within its youth programs, it distributes small grants (up to $5,000 per project as evidenced) to young people across Canada who design and lead projects that benefit the environment and ocean health.

The Ocean Action Grant funds projects that address climate change, plastic and pollution, and overfishing, either directly (for example reducing single-use plastics, restoring habitats, or improving access to sustainable seafood) or indirectly (such as building nature connectedness, improving accessibility and inclusion in environmental spaces, raising awareness, or addressing climate anxiety and eco-grief). These grants primarily target youth roughly aged 15–30, encouraging both individual and collaborative initiatives.

More broadly, Ocean Wise supports communities, educators, and partner organizations through its programs in sustainable seafood, whales research and protection, shoreline cleanups, plastics labs, seaforestation and experiential education. While not all of these are direct grant lines, they often provide resources, training, and partnership-based support that amplify community-led conservation work.

Ocean Wise works with a wide range of stakeholders: youth, schools and educators, businesses, researchers, governments, Indigenous and coastal communities, and the general public. Its youth initiatives create pathways for emerging leaders to gain experience and funding for service projects, while its broader campaigns engage volunteers in shoreline cleanups and citizen science. Corporate and foundation donors, listed on the "Our Supporters" page, help sustain these activities and the organization’s capacity to redistribute funds and resources into communities.

As a registered charity, Ocean Wise shares annual reports and impact information on its website, outlining program outcomes and strategic priorities, including a 2030 conservation strategy. This transparency helps funders, grantees and partners understand how donations and grants are used to advance ocean conservation and youth engagement across Canada and beyond.