Oceanic Society Expedition Impact Program

Oceanic Society Expedition Impact Program is sponsored by The Oceanic Society. This program funds community-based ocean conservation projects. Grants address marine plastic pollution, sustainable fisheries, climate change resilience, sustainable tourism, and behavior change.

Ocean Conservation Grants - Expedition Impact Program - Oceanic Society Community Conservation Grants Empowering Local Champions of Conservation We believe that lasting conservation begins with the people who live alongside the wildlife and ecosystems we strive to protect.

Grants provided by our Expedition Impact Program are designed to empower local leaders, scientists, and communities to carry out the work that matters most—preserving habitats, protecting species, and building sustainable livelihoods. Driving Real Impact on the Ground We support projects that might otherwise struggle for funding, giving local partners the resources they need to continue their critical research and conservation programs.

Whether protecting endangered species, restoring fragile habitats, or training the next generation of ocean conservationists, these projects ensure that communities are not only stewards of their own environment but also champions for global biodiversity. Areas of Conservation Support The Expedition Impact Program funds community-based ocean conservation projects in the places we explore .

Grants of $1,000–$10,000 help partners address marine plastic pollution, sustainable fisheries, climate change resilience, sustainable tourism, and behavior change—strengthening both communities and ecosystems. Community Development & C onservation Solutions Projects that build local expertise and infrastructure for long-term conservation, including training, monitoring equipment, leadership development, and exchange programs.

Critical Data Collection & Research Efforts that gather essential information for conservation decisions, such as species surveys, reef health and fisheries assessments, and impact studies. Direct Conservation Action Immediate interventions addressing threats to ecosystems and wildlife, including habitat restoration and emergency responses.

Behavior Change Initiatives Initiatives that create measurable shifts in human behaviors affecting ocean health, such as plastic reduction campaigns or sustainable fishing adoption programs. Conservation Storytelling Projects using film, photography, podcasts, or digital media to connect travelers and communities to conservation work, including training locals to share their own stories.

From Single-Use to Stewardship in Alor In Alor, fishing sustains families—but until recently, the ocean paid the price. Ice for daily fishing was sold in single-use plastic bags, many of which ended up drifting into the sea or washing onto reefs. Savu South received an Expedition Impact Program (EIP) grant to expand their reusable ice program, which provides local Alorian fishermen with free ice cubes made in durable silicone molds.

This effort replaces the previously used plastic bags that were making their way into protected waters. Since launch, the program has kept over 10,000 single-use plastic bags out of the ocean. Building Lasting Relationships Our approach is simple yet profound: we don't just fund projects; we forge lasting relationships.

Travelers who join our expeditions often meet grantees and local partners face-to-face, gaining a better understanding of local conservation challenges and witnessing firsthand their passion, commitment, and ingenuity in action.

By experiencing these efforts firsthand, our expeditions become a powerful catalyst for ocean conservation, showing how thoughtful travel can support and amplify the work of local communities protecting our oceans. Expedition Impact Program Grant Recipients Every grant is a story of hope, resilience, and collaboration—proving that together, we can protect our shared blue planet. Read about the work of past recipients.

Oceanic Society Announces Expedition Impact Program Grant Recipients for 2026 By Hunter Rimmer | April 3, 2026 Connecting Travelers and Conservation in Indonesia By Lindsay Mosher | December 10, 2025 Harnessing Tourism for Thresher Shark Conservation in Alor, Indonesia By Rosie Jeffrey | June 30, 2023 Expeditions Impact Fund Grantee Michael Mwang’ombe Making Waves in Kenya By Wayne Sentman | September 18, 2020 Frequently Asked Questions What initiatives does the Expedition Impact Program fund?

Expand We support projects that address ocean health and conservation, including marine plastic pollution, sustainable fisheries, climate change impacts, sustainable tourism, and behavior change.

Projects must create measurable conservation outcomes within 12 months, involve local communities, and fit within our priority focus areas: community development, data collection & research, direct conservation action, behavior change programs, and conservation storytelling. We support projects that create sustainable livelihoods based on non-consumptive use of marine wildlife.

Priority is given to projects with opportunities for passenger engagement at Expedition locations. What does Oceanic Society not fund?

Expand We don't support projects unrelated to ocean health and conservation, general environmental education without specific conservation targets, infrastructure projects without direct conservation benefits, academic research primarily benefiting institutions, political advocacy, or projects encouraging consumptive use of wildlife. How much funding is awarded per grant recipient?

Expand Conservation grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, with funding decisions based on project scope and available resources. We typically award 3 grants per cycle with additional grants as budget allows. Who can apply to recieve conservation funding?

Expand Organizations and individuals working on ocean conservation in locations where Oceanic Society runs expeditions . Applicants should have a connection to our expedition program and be legally authorized to operate in their project location. How do I apply for an Expedition Impact Program (EIP) Grant?

Expand As of now, applicants are by invitation only to give priority and the utmost support to partners with whom we have established relationships in the places we visit. Complete our online application form with project details, timeline, budget, and expected outcomes. Applications are reviewed by our expeditions team based on conservation impact, feasibility & community benefit, and alignment with Oceanic Society's mission.

We accept applications twice a year: Spring deadline is February 1st (awards announced March 15th) and Fall deadline is August 1st (awards announced September 15th). Time-sensitive conservation opportunities from active expedition partners may be considered on a rolling basis. For more information, email: expeditions@oceanicsociety.

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