Oceans and Freshwater

Oceans and river systems are core pillars of our planet’s ecosystems. Yet both are facing mounting challenges, from polluted river watersheds and drought to overfishing and ocean warming. A growing number of nonprofits are racing to address these urgent threats and there are many opportunities for donors to get involved in making a positive difference. Funding for these issues is on the rise, but more is needed in this historically siloed sector. This guide offers advice about how funders can contribute. It highlights leading philanthropic strategies and offers guidance for donors new to this space to get started with giving.  

Strategies for Impact

Nonprofits are engaged in many efforts to address the challenges facing oceans and freshwater. Think nature conservation around river ecosystems, plastic pollution, coral preservation and more. All this work is important and could benefit from greater donor support. Below, we discuss areas where donors might focus their funding and spotlight organizations that represent the kind of nonprofits that donors might consider supporting.   

• Think and act globally and locally. Water is as complex, expansive and varied as the two-thirds of the planet it covers. Ocean and freshwater issues are global and local, and completely interrelated with climate change. Donors can support important work at many points in this broad and diverse sector. For example, consider local efforts like the Flint River Watershed Coalition, a community-based advocate for clean water and the local river ecosystem, or Save the Bay, which works to “protect and restore San Francisco Bay for people and wildlife.” At the same time, the Nature Conservancy and Ocean Conservancy are among the top nonprofits taking a global approach. 

• Prioritize solutions to pollution. Oceans and seas are choking on plastic. If current trends continue, the United Nations contends, these bodies of water may host more plastics than fish by 2050. Organizations including the Surfrider Foundation, Parley for the Oceans and Plastic Tides are addressing the plastics problem. The climate movement’s work to end fossil fuel use will also contribute to stopping pollution disasters such as oil spills. 

• Protect habitats. Water is essential to life, and conserving ocean and freshwater habitats is critical to biodiversity. Organizations working at the intersection of nature and wildlife include Trout Unlimited, Coral Reef Alliance and the Shark Conservation Fund. 

• Back research. Increasing knowledge through scientific study and data gathering helps to create a better understanding of water crises and potential solutions. Nonprofit organizations doing research along with their other work to protect oceans and freshwater include the Ocean Conservancy, Nature Conservancy, Waterkeeper Alliance, Environmental Defense Fund,  American Rivers, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Sea Shepherd. 

Insights and Advice 

In considering which impact strategies to support, donors should take into account their personal interests and outlook to find the best fit. They should also keep an eye out for emerging opportunities to give with maximum impact to improve oceans and freshwater. Here, we offer a few insights and suggestions:

• Don’t go it alone. Intermediaries can do a huge amount of the leg work of identifying opportunities in the field, and getting involved with one of these groups is a great way for donors to save time and give more effectively. The Water Foundation is a public foundation that helps funders connect to ambitious water initiatives. Biodiversity Funders Group has special member sections in freshwater and marine conservation. Oceans 5 is an international funder collaborative dedicated to stopping overfishing, establishing marine protected areas, and constraining offshore oil and gas development. The funder collaborative Water Table is focused on sustainable water management. Other notable groups include Urban Water Funders and the Environmental Grantmakers Association. 

• Take an environmental and climate justice approach. BIPOC and poor people are disproportionately impacted by climate change and crumbling infrastructure. Funders can resource the leadership and solutions of impacted communities by supporting BIPOC-led organizations that bring an environmental and climate justice approach to addressing water issues.

For Donors Getting Started

Donors who are new to this space should take the time to learn about the landscape.

A good place to start is by reading IP’s State of American Philanthropy brief on Giving for Oceans and Freshwater. You might also look at related briefs on Giving for Conservation, Pollution Mitigation, and Agriculture; Giving for Animals and Wildlife; and Giving for Climate Change and Clean Energy. In addition, peruse recent articles that IP has published about what’s happening in philanthropy for oceans and freshwater. Some of the funding intermediaries mentioned above also offer reports and articles to help donors understand the giving terrain for oceans and freshwater. 

To find local charities working on marine and freshwater issues that are well respected, Charity Navigator is a reputable place to search for worthy organizations around the country.

But the best way to get started giving for oceans and freshwater is to make some initial gifts, get to know the work of the groups you’re supporting, and connect early with a funding intermediary that can help you learn more about this area and increase your giving in a thoughtful way. 

Have suggestions for improving this brief? Please email us at editor@insidephilanthropy.com.