Commonwealth Blue Charter Incubator Round II: Up to £50,000 in Grants for Ocean Conservation Projects

The Commonwealth is inviting proposals for the second round of its Blue Charter Incubator, a grant programme supporting Commonwealth countries in developing innovative projects addressing ocean conservation and sustainable blue economies.

The initiative provides catalytic funding to government-led projects that can demonstrate practical solutions to pressing ocean-related challenges.

Nigeria is eligible to participate as a Commonwealth member country.

The programme encourages collaboration between governments, universities, research institutions, non-governmental organisations, community organisations and private-sector partners.

Benefits

Selected projects can receive grants of up to £50,000.

The funding is intended to support projects that:

• Develop and test practical ocean conservation solutions.
• Strengthen national capacity for sustainable ocean management.
• Generate evidence for future environmental policies.
• Encourage collaboration between governments and development partners.
• Support innovative approaches to sustainable blue economic development.

Projects should have a duration of between six and eighteen months.

Priority Areas

The programme supports projects addressing five major areas:

1. Marine Pollution

Developing solutions to prevent and reduce pollution from land-based and sea-based activities.

2. Marine Ecosystem Restoration

Protecting and restoring mangroves, coral reefs, seagrasses and other coastal ecosystems.

3. Sustainable Blue Economy

Developing inclusive and climate-resilient economic activities connected to ocean resources.

4. Sustainable Fisheries

Improving fisheries management, governance, livelihoods and value chains.

5. Ocean and Climate Action

Supporting climate adaptation, mitigation, coastal resilience and blue carbon initiatives.

Eligibility Requirements

This is a government-led funding programme rather than an individual student grant.

Proposals must be nationally owned and demonstrate alignment with the Commonwealth's ocean conservation priorities.

Eligible project arrangements can involve:

• National or subnational government institutions.
• Government and university partnerships.
• Government and NGO collaborations.
• Government and private-sector partnerships.
• Research institutions working with government agencies.

Universities, NGOs and private organisations should therefore seek an eligible government partner before preparing a proposal.

Application Deadline

December 11, 2026

How to Apply

Interested institutions should review the official application guidelines and prepare their proposals using the Commonwealth's grant application documents.

Applications must be submitted through the official online application portal.

Official programme information and application portal: https://thecommonwealth.org/commonwealth-blue-charter-incubator-round-2