Youth Ocean Action Fund

Removing barriers for the next generation of ocean advocates. 

Project Grant

The Project Grant is designed to support young people in Scotland to kick-start their marine advocacy projects or campaigns. Whether it’s funding for one-off events or start-up costs for ongoing advocacy work, this grant can help turn ideas into action.

Applications open once per year.

Applications for 2026 are OPEN until 9am on Mon 4th May.

£100 to £500 available!

Fund Recipients 2025

  • YSCS Podcast

    "The YOAF allowed the team to bring to life a project that had been on my mind for years.

    We couldn't be happier with the first three episodes of The Kelp Desk - each with their own brilliant guest speaker. We intend to continue interviewing more ocean champions, and for this project to keep growing." - Jamie

    Listen to the podcast

  • Megan Hamill - Arran Wildlife Code

    “I found applying for the Youth Ocean Action Fund a really easy process, and the support I received made sure I was able to plan and achieve the goals I wanted to with my project. The grant helped me expand the impact of the Arran Wildlife Code project I was previously involved with, through the printing of leaflets and support with running community events.

    The events included a guided walk and a scavenger hunt that had over 50 participants. The fund made engaging with different groups possible, helping the Arran Wildlife Code reach new audiences to increase understanding of the issues facing Arran's coastal and marine wildlife.” - Megan

    Read the code

  • Julia Rowlandson - 'Sea of Senses' film

    “The grant helped me take the first concrete steps in developing my film project and build confidence in bringing the idea into the world.

    I created a short film using equipment and editing software I could access through the funding. The piece explored my personal connection to the sea, inspired by conversations I had with persons living with visual impairments. It was screened at the Coastal Futures Conference in London in January 2026. It offers a first glimpse of a documentary project I plan to continue developing this year (follow the creative process at @seaofsenses_film).” - Julia

    Follow the film

Other ideas and inspo

  • Example: Local Shorewatch group

    Train yourself up in whale & dolphin monitoring and set up a regular Shorewatch meet up for your local community to collect regular data on local sightings. Shorewatch training is free and available to do online so the fund could help with initial equipment and advertising costs. See details here.  

    Cost: Binoculars x2 £150, ID guides £30, posters and advertising costs £50, Total £230 

  • Example: Community film night

    Organise a film night showcasing different films about the ocean and ocean campaigns to your local community. Maybe it’s a local filmmaker, a series of shorts or accompanied by a Q&A, films can be a fantastic way to inspire your community to take action.

    Cost: Venue hire £100, advertising/printing costs £50, film rights £100, curator/organiser time £100, Total £350 

  • Example: Student campaign to use sustainable seafood

    Getting together with fellow like-minded students to organise a campaign to get your university, school or college to commit to using only sustainable seafoods in catering outlets, linking up with existing organisations and campaigns (i.e. Open Seas, Off the table etc) for support. This might be an ongoing project that you want to launch using this fund.  

    Cost: Venue hire (usually free at unis), website design £100, advertising/printing costs £100, student survey outreach time £150 Total £350 

  • Example: Ocean exhibition

    Organise an exhibition of your own artwork, other artists or work with Our Seas to bring the Coastal Testimonies photography exhibition to your local community.  Host an exhibition opening with the artist/other speakers to maximise local engagement.

    Cost: Venue for 2 day exhibition £200, curation/logistics £50, refreshments £50, speaker travel/expenses £150, Total £450 

Timeline & Deadlines 2026

All relevant dates and deadlines for the Project Grants are shown here on the timeline.

Please note: applications for this grant are only open once per year so get your bids in while you can!

Project planning workshops

These three mini workshops are designed to support you to develop your ideas to apply for the Project Grant and build your skills in project planning and management. You can watch them at your own pace and in whatever order is useful for you and your project.

Session 1: How to plan a project

Session 2: Group project 101

Session 3: How to write a project budget

Download budget template

If you have any further questions or would like to discuss your specific project with the YSCS team, please get in touch via contact@youthforseas.org and we’ll be happy to organise an informal call to discuss your idea.

Key Information

How to come up with your idea

We will always make sure there is plenty of time between when we announce the grant is open and the deadline to make sure you have plenty of time to develop your ideas.

For inspiration, we recommend looking at the examples above and watching our online Q&A webinar here.

The YSCS team is also available to support you to develop your ideas or offer guidance on writing your budget whilst applications are open. If you still have questions after reading this webpage, watching the Q&A session and exploring the FAQs below, please get in touch to chat with the team at contact@youthforseas.org. 

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via an online form. You’ll be asked to provide:

  • A detailed breakdown of what you’re applying to spend the money on

  • A fully costed budget for your project or campaign

  • A clear timeline of activities, including expected start and end dates

There are also options in the form to apply via video application or other method if you prefer. Any questions regarding the application process or any access needs can be directed towards contact@youthforseas.org and we’ll make sure you’re supported to apply. 

Apply here

Applications for 2026 are now OPEN until 9am on Monday 4th May.

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • As long as your idea relates to a marine issue and includes an element of advocacy (see the key themes for some ideas), we’d love to hear about it.

    If you have questions or want to talk through your idea more, please attend one of our online Q&A sessions or get in touch at contact@youthforseas.org. 

  • The Individual grant is specifically for a personal training or skills development opportunity. The Project Grant supports events or organised activities and is open to applications for larger amounts of money.

    If you’re not sure which category your idea fits into please get in touch at contact@youthforseas.org. 

  • We understand that budgeting can be challenging, but we're here to help.

    We recommend creating a simple spreadsheet that lists all the possible costs associated with your project or campaign, along with your best estimate of how much each item will be.

    Make sure to include everything you’ll need to successfully deliver your project. This might include materials, travel, venue hire, or promotional costs.

    Take some time to research similar products and services, compare travel options, or contact venues directly to find out hire charges.

    If you’re unsure or need support with your budget, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.  

  • Applications will be assessed against the following criteria: 

    • Is the project or campaign in line with the key themes of the fund? 

    • Is the project or campaign realistic (both in terms of timeline and money required)? 

    • Is the project or campaign in line with YSCS values? 

    Applications will be assessed anonymously to minimise any unconscious bias and will be assessed by a panel comprising YSCS staff and young trustees.  

  • If you don’t receive a grant this year, don’t be discouraged! Our funding is limited, so while we may have loved your idea, we simply couldn’t support it this time. You’re welcome to reapply with the same project or campaign in a future application round. If it’s still unsuccessful, we encourage you to explore new ideas or consider other funding opportunities that may be a better fit.

  • Funds must be spent, and receipts submitted, by December 2026. The exact deadline will be specified in your grant agreement.

  • Once you’ve been awarded funding, you must spend it on the items and activities outlined in your application.

    We do understand that projects may need to adapt to changing circumstances. If this happens, please get in touch and we’ll do our best to support any reasonable changes. However, the core purpose of your project or campaign must remain the same.

    If you are no longer able to deliver your project, the funding must be returned.

  • We collect equal opportunities information (i.e. questions on race, class, gender, disability etc) for everything we do, so we can understand how accessible, inclusive and diverse our activities are, and make sure we’re engaging with young people from all backgrounds.  

    For the Ocean Action Fund, we will collect this data in your application form, however it will be separated from your application for review. We will follow our data Privacy Policy and all information will be kept confidential. 

  • All applications will be assessed on merit and alignment with the criteria above. If two applications have the same number of points, we may award an additional point to applicants from underrepresented backgrounds / identities (see above).  This is called ‘positive action’. 

    This is because these groups are currently underrepresented in the marine sector and YSCS in general, and we want to address these inequalities as best we can.  

  • In short, yes. The fund is open to young people specifically to support youth-led action. If you have an idea to support an existing (non-youth-led) project, that is fine, but the key activity must be driven and organised by young people.  

  • If you are awarded a grant, we’ll arrange a kick-off meeting with you and a member of the YSCS team to discuss your idea and the support you might need.

    Some projects might require regular check-ins, while others might only need a conversation after the project is complete – it will totally depend on your needs.

  • You’ll need to provide evidence of all your expenses, equal to the sum of money you applied for/received. This will be set out in our Grant Agreement but will most likely be receipts and invoices – so remember to keep all your documents! 

  • We would love to hear how you used the money and what impact it had on you, your community or the ocean. We will invite all recipients to contribute a blog or social media post, presentation or something else to share their experience and help promote the fund for next year.