Discover Funding Opportunities

Fisheries Grants

The Fishmongers' Company and its Fisheries Charitable Trust provide one-off grants for smaller programmes aligned with its vision to support a better future for the UK's seafood industry, freshwater and marine fish and their habitats. The grants cover projects in four main programme areas: freshwater fish, fisheries and catchment management; marine fish, fisheries and environmental management; the sustainable and innovative development of aquaculture; and supporting and developing the fish trade. These programmes are aligned with general themes including education and communication initiatives, working with research and academic establishments to support evidence-based approaches, and the development of international links. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are typically considered within 14 working days.

Coastal Capacity Building Fund

The Coastal Capacity Building Fund enables communities to take action in Welsh coastal areas to support nature recovery and sustainability. The fund aims to build capacity for community partners, helping them to deliver sustainable action that supports growth and recovery in local marine and coastal areas. It encourages collaboration between stakeholders, such as communities, businesses, local authorities and other public bodies, and builds networks that foster nature recovery and rejuvenation in coastal areas. All projects must meet at least one of the fisheries objectives of the Fisheries Act 2020. Funding is distributed via the Local Nature Partnerships (LNPs) and projects are run in partnership with the local LNP Co-ordinator. The scheme is funded by Welsh Government for 2025-27, building on its investment in local nature recovery through the Local Nature Partnerships.

Sea-Changers Coastal Fountain Fund 2026

The Coastal Fountain Fund aims to protect coastal habitats from the harmful effects of single-use plastic water bottles by supporting communities to purchase water refill fountains for busy or environmentally significant coastal areas. The fund is sponsored by Bunzl Plc and provides grants towards the cost of purchasing water fountains suitable for filling water bottles, either floor or wall mounted, that are publicly available and typically installed outdoors. Grants of up to £2,500 are available per applicant towards the cost of a fountain. The fund welcomes applications from all types of not-for-profit organisations who have identified a need and are well-placed to build the stakeholder involvement needed to make the project a success. Part of the funding comes from Our Only World, a marine conservation charity, and their contribution will be allocated to organisations applying for an Our Only World fountain. Applicants are encouraged to read the eligibility and evaluation criteria carefully and consult Refill's guidance on installing water fountains. The fund covers only the fountain purchase cost, not installation or ongoing maintenance. Previous fountains installed by applicants have cost between £2,000-£3,000, though costs can range from £1,200 to £4,000. Priority is given to new applicants, though previous recipients may reapply.

Sea-Changers Scottish Learning Fund

The Sea-Changers Scottish Learning Fund enables early-stage and small community-based groups in Scotland involved in marine conservation activities to learn, share knowledge, network and develop skills with other groups. The fund recognizes that in-person learning and networking can accelerate the development of community projects and the spread of good practices. Travel between Scotland's coastal communities, particularly those of the Highlands and Islands, can be prohibitive for small voluntary and community groups, and this fund seeks to address those challenges. The fund is made possible by the William Grant Foundation and The Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund. Grant requests generally should not exceed £750 and can cover costs including travel to events, workshops and meetings, accommodation, subsistence costs (capped at £25 per day), seminar costs, and online learning activities such as developing video case studies or hosting webinars. Applications are welcome from charities, not-for-profit organisations and community groups with a focus on marine conservation, with at least two groups involved in each project - a provider and one or more beneficiaries.