What is the Shark Conservation Fund?
The Shark Conservation Fund (SCF) is a collaboration of leading philanthropists dedicated to solving the global shark and ray crisis and safeguarding the health and sustainability of our oceans. SCF seeks to halt the overexploitation of the world’s sharks and rays, prevent extinctions, reverse declines and restore populations through strategic and catalytic grantmaking.
Who manages SCF?
Overall direction for SCF is provided by an Advisory Board of funders. Day to day operations are overseen by the SCF Executive Director. SCF also receives input and guidance from an Expert Advisory Panel consisting of leading shark and ray experts from around the world.
What is the goal of SCF?
37% of all shark and ray species are threatened with extinction, and scientists estimate that more than 100 million sharks are killed each year. The goal of SCF is to halt the overexploitation of the world’s sharks and rays, prevent extinctions, reverse declines, and restore populations.
What are the strategies that SCF will employ?
SCF believes that major investments in the form of grants to non-profits and academic institutions are needed in policy development, outreach and advocacy, conservation science, communications and media, capacity-building, and long-term monitoring. To see SCF’s investment strategy summary, click here.
Who funds SCF?
SCF’s Advisory 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. SCF’s comprehensive approach, extraordinary human capital, and extensive international reach positions it well to influence all major shark fishing, processing, and consuming countries. SCF’s board invites both seasoned and new grantmakers seeking to increase their ocean conservation impact to consider joining the board.
What proportion of SCF funding is used for overhead and admin?
Less than 13% of the funds available each year are used for overhead and administrative expenses.
What kind of conservation projects does SCF support?
SCF believes that major investments are needed in policy development, outreach and advocacy, conservation science, communications and media, capacity-building, and long-term monitoring. SCF supports projects that have a direct connection to near-term policy change and are designed to implement its Investment Strategy.
What kind of partners and organizations are typically funded?
In general, SCF works with partners with an established track record of financial efficiency and accountability and strong reputation for achievements in the field. Prospective grantees must have a legal presence and have permissions in the country where work is proposed. In general, we prefer to give grants to NGOs working within an established framework such as 501(c)(3) or equivalent status. SCF’s Small Grants program is aimed at lesser known and smaller entities seeking to build capacity while advancing its shark and ray agenda.
What kind of projects are considered priorities for SCF funding?
The priority areas of investment for SCF are:
- Fisheries management reform through the adoption of 60 effective management measures that result in mortality reductions for species primarily threatened by trade.
- Prevent extinctions by conserving and restoring at least 65 species of sharks that are threatened with extinction.
- Identify & protect important shark areas in at least 50 sites in new or modified marine protected and conserved areas.
For more details on funding priorities see SCF’s Investment Strategy summary.
What kind of projects are not eligible for SCF funding?
Support will not be provided for:
· Direct grants to governments;
· Research that is not directly connected management;
· Conference attendance if not part of a larger project; and
· Projects that are not consistent with SCF’s Investment Strategy.
What size of grants does SCF issue?
SCF’s larger grants range from 1 to 3 years in duration and from $50,000 to over $1,000,000 per year. SCF also solicits proposals for its Small Grants Program which do not exceed $25,000 or 18 months in duration.
Does SCF issue repeat funding?
SCF will consider requests for multi-year support.
What is the process for applying for funding from SCF?
Applications for SCF’s larger grants are by invitation only. If you are interested in discussing potential large grant funding, send an email via our Web Form with a short description of the proposed project and how it would help SCF implement its Investment Strategy. Small Grant applications are solicited through an announcement on SCF’s website and social media channels. Applicants must complete an on-line Letter of Intent form and those applications that best meet SCF's Small Grant Fund criteria will be requested to submit an on-line proposal.
Who makes decisions about which projects are supported?
SCF Advisory Board makes decisions on whether proposals will be funded, usually by consensus. SCF Executive Director and its Expert Advisory Panel (for small grant proposals) make recommendations on which projects to fund.
What are the deadlines for applications?
There are no deadlines for large grants, although funding decisions are typically made when the SCF board meets in person twice a year, usually in May and November. Small Grant proposals are usually solicited in March of each year. The exact dates are noticed on SCF’s website along with application procedures.
Does SCF seek financial support from governments or from foundations?
SCF focuses on driving private sector support (foundations, individuals and corporations) into the Fund to catalyze support for global shark and ray conservation.
What is the Fundraising Goal of the Shark Conservation Fund?
SCF, starting with an initial investment of $5 million per year over its first 5 years of existence, seeks to double that investment to allow it to better address the global shark and ray crisis.