What We Look For

The Waitt Foundation is currently considering grant requests for projects related to Ocean Conservation.  We have no geographical restrictions. We look for and encourage collaboration among our grantees.

Who We Look For

We look for grantees who want to make a lasting difference and share our principles. We look for grantees willing to leverage their relationships to effect positive change.  We also look for the following characteristics:

• Focus on results
• Thoughtful strategy
• Sound operations
• Strong execution
• Financial stability
• Dynamic leadership
• Collaborative environment
• Strategic alliances
• Continuous evaluation/improvement
• Mass communication savvy

All applicants will be treated without regard to age, sex, color, religion, race, national origin, citizenship, veteran or future military status, sexual orientation, gender identification, marital status, physical or mental disability, legal source of income or any other by law.

Your Non-Profit Tax Status

U.S. Applicants
Organizations must have a U.S. tax identification number and be able to provide a current copy of their IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter. A charitable organization may apply through a fiscal sponsor if not currently registered as a 501(c)(3), however, documentation of the fiscal sponsor’s non-profit status is required. Only organizations with federal non-profit agency tax status can receive financial support from the Waitt Foundation. During the application process, you will be asked to provide proof of your non-profit 501(c)(3) status - applications without this information will not be considered.

International Applicants
Organizations outside the United States may apply for a grant.  If your organization would like to apply for a grant and it does not have a U.S. non-profit status or U.S. fiscal sponsor, an affidavit or proof that the organization is the equivalent of a public charity under U.S. tax law is required.  During the application process, you will be asked to provide proof and documentation of charitable status (examples: articles of incorporation, charter, certificate of incorporation).  Applications without proof of charitable status will not be considered.  During the review process, you may be asked to provide additional information such as bylaws of the organization and/or financial statements.

Our Grant Minimum

There is a $100,000 USD minimum for all grant requests. Multi-year proposals will be considered. For the ROC Grants Program, the typical funding amount is $1,000 - $10,000 and not to exceed a request of $20,000.

Our Grant Maximum

We have no maximum limit on the dollar amount requested.  We do, however, ask that the grant amounted requested reflect the scope of the project.

Ineligible Categories

Generally, the Waitt Foundation does NOT fund the following categories:

• For-profit organizations
• Individuals
• Capital campaigns
• Endowments
• Debt reduction
• The arts
• Religious organizations
• Healthcare organizations/hospitals
• Violence prevention campaigns (supported by WIVP Program)
• Lobbying of any kind