We’re here to turn your passion into purpose. PADI AWARE Foundation acknowledges and thanks the amazing individuals, like you, dedicated to saving our oceans daily. Our aim is to transform your blue dreams into tangible realities, offering our support along the way.
PADI AWARE Grantees are making significant impact in local environments, driving momentum towards our mission for ocean conservation. Thanks to the recipients of the PADI AWARE Mission Hub Community Grant Program, significant strides have been made. Could you be our next grantee?
What is the PADI AWARE Mission Hub Community Grant Program?
This grant program is a cornerstone initiative to accelerate participation, education, and advocacy for ocean protection.
So far, the PADI AWARE Foundation has funded $5.5 million USD to aid local communities in 31 countries, covering projects from coral reef restoration to marine debris clean-up initiatives.
How Do We Fund and Support PADI AWARE’s Ocean Conservation Work?
Through generous donations from our community.
The aim of which is to help fund local and global initiatives for ocean conservation. Today, we celebrate the critical work of current AWARE Grantees across each of the goals in PADI and PADI AWARE Foundation’s Blueprint for Ocean Action.
Who is Eligible?
- PADI Dive Centers
- Small Non-Profits (With an annual budget less than USD $1 million.)
NOTE: It is important to remember, we don’t fund just a single person or dive professional. This is because legally, we cannot send funds to an individual’s bank account.
How Much Does the PADI AWARE Grant Program Fund?
The maximum amount to be funded is USD $10,000.
What Are the PADI AWARE Project Guidelines?
Grants will be awarded to ocean protection initiatives and projects that directly advance the PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action and PADI AWARE’s mission to drive local action for global conservation. Project proposals should focus on the following areas:
- Multiplying Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
- Protecting Endangered and Vulnerable Marine Species
- Accelerating Coral Reef Recovery and Restoration
- Ridding the Oceans of Marine Debris
- Reducing and Offsetting the Dive Industry’s Carbon Footprint
For inspiration on aligning with Project Guidelines, please Meet Our Grantees.
When Can You Apply?
The PADI AWARE Foundation Mission Hub Community Grant Program is currently being reviewed. Please check back for application dates of upcoming funding cycles.
How Can You Apply?
Step 1: Get Prepared
- Use the Community Grant Application Template and Project Budget Worksheet to prepare before the next grant application window opens.
- Align your Application with the PADI AWARE Project Guidelines (see above).
- Use the Project Budget Worksheet to plan your funding, clearly detailing where funds will be allocated and how they’ll support your conservation project’s success.
Note: Save the Project Budget Worksheet as a Microsoft Excel file which can then be uploaded during the application process.
Step 2: Eligibility Quiz
- When grant application windows are open, all potential applicants must complete an initial Eligibility Quiz.
- This quiz ensures that your organization meets the basic prerequisites for applying.
- If your organization qualifies in the quiz, you’ll receive an email with a unique link to apply. Applications via links from previous cycles won’t be eligible.
- If you do not qualify, you’re welcome to retake the quiz when you can meet the proper criteria.
Note: The Eligibility Quiz is only accessible during an active grant application window. (See “When Can You Apply?” Above)
Step 3: Application Submission
- Complete the application form in its entirety.
- Submit the application along with your Project Budget online using the unique link sent to you, after you passed the eligibility quiz.
- Once the application has been submitted, you will receive confirmation via email.
Note: Applications will not be accepted via email.
Who Reviews Your Grant Applications?
Applications are independently reviewed by the Community Grant review panel, and members of the PADI AWARE Board of Directors.
How is Your Application Assessed?
Each proposal will be assessed on the following evaluation criteria:
- Alignment with established PADI AWARE Project Guidelines
- Ability to meet project goals and objectives
- Clearly defined needs and timeline, with measurable outcomes
- Organizational capacity and experience
- Your local partners, the project’s feasibility, and budget
For more information on Application Assessment, see our Funding Criteria.
When Will You Be Notified?
The timing and notification process for funding can vary depending upon the number of applications received.
Check out our Funding Criteria page for any updates, or delays, we need to make to the notification date.
If you haven’t received an email notification of your application outcome, please check your Spam Mail folder once the notification date has passed, as it is a system generated email.
Where Can I Get More Information?
For more info, dive into our Mission Hub Community Grant FAQs. You can also drop us an email at [email protected]
We are able to provide general guidance on whether your proposed project would fall under the PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action and answer any further questions you have regarding the grant application process.
A Better Future
PADI AWARE is proud to support the Mission Hubs Community Grant Program! Thanks for checking out our grant program – your interest means a lot. Your actions count! Turning your love for the ocean into a real conservation project with clear goals is how we shape the future.
Your efforts directly advance the PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action, in direct support of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Every action you take, no matter how small, leads to big waves of change.
Check out some of our existing PADI AWARE Grantees. Click on their photos to learn more about the work they are doing to support conservation in their local communities.
