Ocean Philanthropy Funding Has Doubled Since 2010 but Growth Has Flattened
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Annual contributions to ocean-focused philanthropy have risen from about $430 million in 2010 to roughly $1 billion by 2022. Foundation funding specifically reached around $1.2 billion in recent years, though this growth has flattened over the past two years.
Facts First
- Annual ocean philanthropy contributions rose to about $1 billion from roughly $430 million in 2010.
- Foundation funding for the ocean reached around $1.2 billion, according to a recent report.
- Growth in foundation funding has flattened over the past two years.
- Growth has come from larger commitments by established donors and the entry of new donors.
What Happened
Annual contributions to ocean philanthropy rose from roughly $430 million in 2010 to about $1 billion by 2022, according to a report published by CEA Consulting last November. Foundation funding specifically for the ocean reached around $1.2 billion in recent years, having grown from roughly $633 million in 2015. However, this foundation funding has flattened over the past two years. The growth has resulted from larger commitments by established donors and the entry of new donors.
Why this Matters to You
The ocean plays a role in climate regulation, food production, and trade, which affects global food prices, weather patterns, and supply chains. Increased philanthropic funding for ocean health could lead to more research and conservation efforts, which may help stabilize these systems over time. However, the recent flattening of funding growth suggests this support may not be accelerating as quickly as it once was.
What's Next
The report indicates that new donors who began grantmaking after 2015 are contributing to the funding pool alongside established legacy funders. This diversification of support could help sustain ocean initiatives even if growth from individual sources slows. The future trajectory of funding will likely depend on whether these new entrants continue to expand their commitments.