Waitt Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Waitt Foundation predominately funds an institute working in ocean issues. It also makes grants, which also makes grants, mainly in support of Marine Protected Areas and sustainable fisheries.
IP TAKE: While Waitt prefers to work with large, established organizations and national governments, it also provides smaller grants to smaller organizations through its Rapid Ocean Conservation grant program. This funder takes a hands-on, partnership-oriented approach to grantmaking, which means it appreciates collaboration and longer-term support. It’s also comfortable with some grantmaking risk when making grants.
While the foundation is not accessible, preferring to take a proactive approach to grantmaking, Waitt encourages grantseekers to make contact to discuss potential opportunities. It’s responsive and approachable.
When it comes to scientific research and ocean conservation, Waitt is really just getting started, so look for his future philanthropy to build on the results of the initiatives he currently supports. In ocean conservation, look for the support of smaller-scale projects and awareness initiatives that seek to replicate his success in violence prevention.
PROFILE: The Waitt Foundation was established in 1993 by Ted Waitt, co-founder of personal computer company Gateway. Ted Waitt started Gateway in 1985 out of his father's cattle ranch in Iowa with a $10,000 grant secured by his grandmother. A pioneer in the direct marketing of personal computers, Waitt eventually built Gateway into a multi-billion-dollar company. The company rose to prominence in the 1990s, shipping out its signature, cow-patterned computer boxes, and eventually relocating to California. Initially, the foundation focused on domestic violence; however, the foundation now dedicates its efforts largely on marine conservation and research, with a focus on Ocean Protection, Practitioner Resources and Rapid Ocean Conservation Grants.
Grants for Marine Conservation and Science Research
The Waitt Foundation supports projects and campaigns focused on bringing an "end to overfishing, the creation and expansion of Marine Protected Areas, and raising public awareness about the rapid decline in ocean health." The foundation particularly focuses on "enduring public private partnerships and conservation finance." Furthermore, the foundation seeks to "support governments in achieving their own sustainable fisheries and ocean conservation goals."
It works closely with a global network of strategic partners to leverage grant funds and key relationships wherever possible. In doing so, the foundation works closely with its grantees in order to better learn and to build and manage programs, as well as technical assistance.
The Waitt Foundation facilitates its marine conservation grantmaking through several avenues. It operates the Waitt Institute, which works with governments from coastal nations to establish marine protected areas (MPAs) and sustainably manage the ocean and restore its fish habitats and populations. Past grantees include established organizations like Conservation International, Pew, and Oceana. The foundation supports work across the United States and the world; however, it prioritizes California's own work to establish a network of MPAs in the Pacific.
The foundation also performs grantmaking. Its Rapid Ocean Conservation (ROC) Grants provide small grants to emerging conservation issues; however, in contrast from most funders, the grant features a quick turnaround time for solutions. This helps to facilitate conservation opportunities, to support higher-risk ideas at a low financial cost, and to engage with small, local NGOs on a global scale. Until recently, the National Geographic Society-Waitt Grants program funded early career researchers and offered funding without a lengthy peer review process. The foundation aims for a 10-week turnaround upon receiving an application, and accepts them on a rolling basis.
Important Grant Details
Grants ranges depend on specific programs; however, most range from $10,000 to $30,000. The foundation prioritizes large organizations, but offers many opportunities for small organizations to secure funding.
The Waitt Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, but grantseekers are welcome to contact the foundation by email to discuss funding opportunities.
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