Thank you for your interest in fiscal sponsorship with The Ocean Foundation! We are excited by the work of every potential new project that comes our way and welcome the opportunity to collaborate. Before applying, please review the details below in full surrounding fiscal sponsorship to gain insight into TOF’s role as the sponsor and your organization’s potentially new role as the sponsored.
For New Ocean Projects
As a fiscal sponsor, The Ocean Foundation can help reduce the complexity of operating a successful project or organization by providing the critical infrastructure, proficiency, and expertise of an NGO so you can focus on program development, fundraising, implementation, and outreach. We create a space for innovation and unique approaches to marine conservation where people with big ideas — social entrepreneurs, grassroots advocates, and cutting-edge researchers — can take risks, experiment with new methods, and think outside of the box.
SPONSORSHIP MODELS
Two Models. One Shared Mission.
Choose the level of support that fits where your project is today. Both models include full financial management and grants administration – the difference is the depth of organizational support.
MODEL A/B – FISCAL SPONSORSHIP FUND
Direct Comprehensive Sponsorship
Full organizational infrastructure for projects that need employment, benefits, payroll, insurance, and legal liability coverage under TOF’s umbrella.
LEGAL & GENERAL
- 501(c)(3) status, governing board, 50-state registration
- Office access: conference rooms, equipment, tenant services*
- Annual report, blog, social, and dedicated website page
PROJECT RELATIONS
- Dedicated program staff and credentialed professional staff
- Proactive communications, peer collaboration, capacity building*
HUMAN RESOURCES — A/B ONLY
- New hire processing, employee changes, separations
- Health, retirement (401k), and COBRA benefits administration
- Full payroll processing, reporting, W-2 and 1099, HR policies
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
- Full AR/AP, vendor management, wire transfers, and banking reconciliation
- GL reports, income statements, and grant-level financial records
- IRS-990, lobbying, OFAC, Patriot Act, and annual audits
GRANTS MANAGEMENT
- Foundation and government grant application review and compliance
- Audit support, OMB compliance, reimbursable grant reporting
- Dedicated donation page, pledge fulfillment, acknowledgements
RISK MANAGEMENT — A/B ONLY
- Liability, D&O, and fidelity insurance
- Contract review, signatory authority, asset management
- Regulatory tracking, lobbying compliance, state registrations
15%
Sponsorship rate
all funding types
$25K
min. annual
fundraising
Review the TOF Fiscal Sponsorship Fund Overview
* Available at additional cost or upon request
Model C – FRIENDS OF FUND
Pre-Approved Grant Relationship
Financial infrastructure and grant support for projects that operate independently and don’t need employment or HR services from TOF.
LEGAL & GENERAL
- 501(c)(3) status, governing board, 50-state registration – Office access not included
- Annual report, blog, social, and dedicated website page
PROJECT RELATIONS
- Dedicated program staff and credentialed professional staff
- Proactive communications, peer collaboration, capacity building*
HUMAN RESOURCES NOT INCLUDED
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
- Full AR/AP, vendor management, wire transfers, and banking reconciliation
- GL reports, income statements, and grant-level financial records
- IRS-990, lobbying, OFAC, Patriot Act, and annual audits
GRANTS MANAGEMENT
- Foundation and government grant application review and compliance
- Audit support, OMB compliance, reimbursable grant reporting
- Dedicated donation page, pledge fulfillment, acknowledgements
RISK MANAGEMENT NOT INCLUDED
12% / 15%
standard sponsorship
/ government rate
10K
min. annual
fundraising
Review the TOF Fiscal Sponsorship Fund Overview
* Available at additional cost or upon request
APPLICATION PROCESS
How To Join Our Program
Our intake process is designed to set every project up for a strong, productive partnership. Here’s what to expect from start to finish.
Submit Application
Complete the online form with your project and contract details
Round 1 Review
Team reviews mission alignment, financial health, risk, and strategic fit
Round 2 Application
Submit budget and team resumes for a deeper organizational assessment
Project Interview
Meet with our team to discuss your project and sponsorship fit
Decision & Onboarding
Receive your decision and begin onboarding if approved
How long does the review process take?
The full review process typically takes 6-10 weeks from initial application submission to a final decision, depending on application volume and the completeness of your submission.
What does TOF look for in an application?
We evaluate mission alignment with ocean health and climate resilience, financial sustainability, risk exposure, strategic fit with our portfolio, and organizational readiness to operate under fiscal sponsorship.
Which model should I apply for?
If your project needs to hire employees or contractors and wants full organizational infrastructure, Model A/B is the right fit. If you operate independently and primarily need grant and financial management support, Model C is the right choice.
What happens if intake is closed?
You can join our waitlist at any time. When intake reopens, waitlisted applicants are notified first and given priority access to the application form
Current Projects
Projects Making a Difference
A sample of the ocean conservation projects currently operating under TOF’s Fiscal Sponsorship Program.
Our Recent Stories
Race to Zero
Our Mission:“Race to Zero” is a feature documentary film that delves into the world of marine carbon dioxide removal, following ocean scientists and engineers as they conduct experiments at sea …
Our Recent Stories
RISE UP
Our Mission RISE UP is a global network of over 750 organisations from more than 67 countries, working to ensure that ocean decision-making processes and policies are shaped by the …
Our Recent Stories
Básico Carbon
Básico Carbon is a sole-member scientific consultancy with a mission to validate the potential of ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) as a carbon removal solution through research and development support. Laura …
Our Recent Stories
Cresta Coastal Network
Cresta Coastal Network (CCN) works directly with coastal communities and local nonprofits and governments to design projects that positively impact community wellbeing. Our efforts improve coastal habitat health in a …
Join the Waitlist
Ready To Get Started?
Intake opens periodically. If applications are currently closed, join the waitlist, and you’ll be notified when the next intake window opens.
We are not accepting applications
Our intake process runs periodically in defined windows to ensure every applicant receives a thorough review and personalized attention. Join the waitlist below, and you’ll be among the first to know when the next window opens.
- Waitlisted applicants are notified before the public announcement
- No commitment required at this stage
- Use the time to review the model types, associated fees and requirements, and prepare your materials
- Questions? Email our team at [email protected]
Questions Before You Apply?
Our team is happy to answer questions about the models, process, or whether fiscal sponsorship is right for your project.
The Ocean Foundation is part of the National Network of Fiscal Sponsors (NNFS).
