Call for Proposals: Commonwealth Blue Charter Incubator Round II (up to £50,000)
Overview
Proposals are invited for the Commonwealth Blue Charter Incubator Round II, which offers support for ambitious, government-led projects designed to develop and test solutions, build capacity, and generate evidence for future action and investment. This initiative addresses major ocean challenges and builds a stronger pipeline for sustainable blue economies. Originally launched at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in June 2022, the Incubator supports nationally owned ocean action while fostering partnerships among governments, NGOs, academic and research institutions, community organizations, and the private sector.
Projects must contribute to implementing the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration by addressing one or more priority areas. These areas include reducing marine pollution from land- and sea-based sources, restoring and protecting coastal and marine ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrasses, and advancing inclusive, climate-resilient, and investable sustainable blue economy approaches. Additional priority areas involve strengthening fisheries governance, management, value chains, and livelihoods, as well as supporting adaptation, mitigation, resilience, blue carbon, and ocean-climate action within the ocean-climate nexus.
Who can apply
The lead applicant must be a legally established national or sub-national government entity, including ministries, departments, agencies, or other public bodies holding formal government status. While leadership must be governmental, non-governmental, technical, and implementation partnerships are strongly encouraged. Applicants must reside in or represent any of the 56 eligible Commonwealth Member countries, with each country restricted to a maximum of two project applications per funding round.
What you get
Successful applicants receive grant funding ranging from £20,000 up to £50,000 per project. These grants are provided to support country-led projects that help Commonwealth countries tackle pressing ocean challenges while concurrently advancing their national priorities.
Key dates
The application deadline is December 11, 2026.