The Sea-Changers Step Up Fund
About the fund
The Sea-Changers Step Up Fund is an invitation-only grant programme designed to boost the impact and reach of projects that have previously received funding from Sea-Changers.
The Fund is aimed at organisations with significant potential to grow, replicate their work, or scale up their activities. Rather than an open application process, we work closely with selected projects to develop bespoke proposals that will enable transformational growth - going far beyond what can be achieved with our standard Main Grants, which are capped at £2,500.
Step Up Fund projects may receive between £15,000 and £25,000.
The Process
The Step Up Fund is by invitation only. However, if you are a previous Sea-Changers grant recipient and believe your project has the potential for significant expansion, you can get in touch to express your interest.
Please send an email to info@sea-changers.org.uk with a brief outline of your project and why you think it would benefit from Step Up funding.
Types of projects we might fund
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We are particularly interested in projects that can:
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- Scale up their reach or impact
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- Replicate their model in new locations or communities
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- Strengthen governance, sustainability, and capacity
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- Deliver transformational outcomes for marine conservation
Step Up Fund Projects 2025
2025 was our first year for the Step Up Fund. After submitting their written proposals the invited projects were asked to pitch to our assessment panel.
The three successful recipients were:
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Seaful
A UK charity dedicated to reconnecting people to the ocean and waterways for mental health benefits and stewardship.
Step Up funding will help Seaful bring together their projects into a cohesive journey from ocean connection to empowered stewardship, strengthen community partnerships, and develop a resilient volunteer network.
Operation Seabird
Originally launched as a police-led initiative, Operation Seabird is now a Community Interest Company (CIC) focused on tackling wildlife disturbance and crime through education and stewardship. Step Up funding will help strengthen their brand identity, governance, and sustainability, enabling them to cultivate a professional event presence, and shared resources for their growing network of custodians across the UK.
Hastings Kelp Project
A pioneering community-led initiative focused on restoring and protecting vital marine ecosystems. With Step Up funding, they will establish a modular marine research lab in Hastings, conduct diving-based ecological surveys, and deliver ambitious community and educational outreach. Their goal is to create a scalable blueprint for kelp forest recovery and oyster reef regeneration that can be replicated nationally.
