Funding FAQ

To watch our Small Grants information webinar held in June 2024 please click HERE. This provided an overview of the grant application process, gave insight to what the scientific committee is looking for with the questions, and discussed common pitfalls and how to avoid them. This was followed by a Q&A session. Much of the information will also be relevant for Keystone applications.

Do you fund only projects on elasmobranchs?

We occasionally fund projects beyond sharks, skates and rays, and we welcome proposals on other marine topics. However, these projects must demonstrate strong relevance and quality, as they will be evaluated alongside proposals that directly address our core focus on elasmobranchs.

For the Small Grants, what do you mean by early career scientist?

Applicants are considered early-career if no more than five years have passed since they were awarded their most recent degree at the time of application.

For the Small Grants, given my experience in the subject area, am I still required to provide a letter from a supervisor/advisor outlining their experience and confirming their participation as supervisor/advisor?

If you feel that you have sufficient experience (meaning you can demonstrate significant experience in the subject area and/or region) and thus you don’t plan to have a supervisor, please provide the name and contact details of 3 senior referees who will support your application and whom we can, if necessary, approach to ask for their opinion of your project.

Can one organisation apply for more than one project?

Yes, one organisation can apply for more than one project (but not all projects can be approved – usually not more than 2). However, please bear in mind that we provide financial support to the project leader, not the institution, and that the funds are therefore tied to the project leader. If the project leader leaves the institution and is unable to continue the project, there is a high risk that the project will be cancelled and the funds returned.

Can an individual partner with an organisation to submit one or multiple projects?

Yes, an individual can partner with an organisation. However, an individual should not submit more than one application. There will be no penalty for applying for more than one project, but it will not be possible to obtain more than one grant per individual.

Please clarify what is needed for the supervisor/advisor letter?

The supervisor/advisor letter is a document that the advisor writes to show that they are aware of the project and show their support for it and for you. (It happens that we receive several applications from the same institution and the same advisor /supervisor, in this case, we would only select 1 project from that team.)

If I provide two names, my advisor and my co-advisor of my PhD dissertation, I need a letter from both of them or just from one of them?

Only one letter is required.

How do I know if I must provide an applicant’s employer cover letter, signed by the authorising officer of that organisation?

If the applicant is from an institution where they are an employee, their cover letter also needs to be signed off by their employer, so we know it’s authorised (or perhaps a second letter of support).

For the Ocean Storytelling Grants, what do you mean by emerging photographers/writers?

Applicants are regarded as emerging photographers if they have no more than five years of professional experience in any photography or writing-related discipline (but must already be committed to the profession).

Does the SOSF fund salaries?

The costs of short-term employees or the short-term extra costs of an individual’s participation in a project may be eligible, if justified. Specialist services (e.g. film editing, laboratory testing, library facilities) may also be eligible. Early career researchers (as defined above) are permitted to include a modest stipend, as long as the need is fully justified in the application.

Would it be possible to receive additional or more thorough information regarding the fact that the Foundation is not able to pay overheads, administration and handling fees?

Indeed, SOSF will not support projects where an important portion is overhead or admin fees. We want to support the project leader and their work.

What if my institution’s admin fees will partly be used for my project?

SOSF will not agree to support overheads or admin fees for institutions. If these fees are to support the project, then they should be listed on separate lines and explain what they will be used for, so we know we are not supporting the institution’s general administration fees.

Does boat time or renting count as travel?

No, the boat time for fieldwork is not considered a travel expense. The 10% limit on travel expenses is for international travel.

Is it necessary for the organisation/institution to have a website? Because our organisation does not have a website, but manages social networks.

It is not mandatory for your organisation to have a website. Please provide links to your social media accounts or any other online platforms that showcase your work and provide additional information about your organisation or institution.

When will I know if my Stage 1 application has been successful?

Approximately 1.5 months after the closure of the application window. If selected, you will then be invited to complete your Stage 2 application on the opening day of the Stage 2 window.

When will I know if my Stage 2 application has been approved?

All grant applications will be reviewed by their respective panels during the last quarter of the year, and recommendations will be forwarded to the next SOSF board meeting. The final decision on successful applications should be available by the end of the year for Ocean Storytelling Photography Grants and the first quarter of the following year for Keystone and Small Grants.

SOSF staff will assess applications as submitted and will not request additional information during the review process. Please ensure that your application is complete and comprehensive at the time of submission. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

When do I receive the funds if my application is approved?

Funds will be transferred to the applicant or their institution in March/April of the grant year. For example, if you apply in 2024 for a grant starting in 2025, the funds will be disbursed in March/April 2025.

I was contacted by another researcher about using the data from my SOSF project for a collaboration. Is this possible?

 Yes, SOSF encourages collaboration and data sharing. Before proceeding with the collaboration, please ensure that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is in place outlining the terms of the collaboration, including how SOSF will be acknowledged as a funder. Any publications, reports or other outputs using data from an SOSF-funded project must clearly acknowledge SOSF’s support.