The Waitt Foundation takes a hands-on, partnership-oriented approach to grantmaking. They fund projects and campaigns aimed at ending overfishing, the creation and expansion of Marine Protected Areas, and raising public awareness about the rapid decline in ocean health.  With a particular focus on enduring public private partnerships and conservation finance, the principal goal is often to support governments in achieving their own sustainable fisheries and ocean conservation goals.  They make direct grants to Nongovernmental Organizations, and work closely with the global network of strategic partners to leverage grant funds and key relationships wherever possible.  In doing so, they work closely with the grantees to learn, to build and manage programs, and to offer strategic advice and technical assistance.

The Waitt Foundation deeply appreciate that in order to see a rebound in global fisheries, conservation programs must include positive economic development outcomes for those communities and nations seeking sustainable fisheries in their waters.  They remit in ocean conservation is not geographically restricted.  Rather, they seek out projects with distinct timelines, catalytic effects, and which take advantage of public policy windows and other major world events.  While the Waitt Foundation does not take unsolicited grant requests, they welcome the opportunity to work with potential grantees to develop ideas.

At this time, they do not accept unsolicited applications for the larger grants initiative.  They do, however, encourage all eligible grantees to consider applying for thee small grants programs, the Rapid Ocean Conservation (ROC) Grant Program and the National Geographic Society/Waitt Grants Program.

Mission
Restoring the oceans to full productivity. 

Vision
Given the rapid decline of marine resources, the mission of the Waitt Foundation is to protect and restore ocean health.  The Foundation funds initiatives globally with a focus on marine protected areas and sustainable fishing policy and practice. They provide grants, technical assistance, strategic advice, and support innovative ocean science.  For maximum impact, they partner with unique coalitions of governments, funders, NGO, academics, and businesses.