To apply for funding, please visit our application page. There, you will find guidelines and eligibility criteria. Ensure that your project aligns with our mission of marine conservation.

Application timelines vary each year, but the intake period typically opens in March and closes in mid-April. Please check our website for current dates, and we encourage early submissions.

Applications are open to non-profit organizations, researchers, and businesses focused on marine conservation. Projects must demonstrate a clear benefit to marine mammals and their habitats. We encourage collaborative efforts that involve local communities. We invite applications from the following:

• Registered Canadian charities

• Non-profit organizations

• Research and/or academic institutions

• Indigenous governments and/or organizations

• Coalitions and networks of organizations/businesses.

Funds are allocated based on project impact, feasibility, and alignment with our conservation goals. A review committee evaluates each application thoroughly. Successful projects will receive funding based on their specific needs. NIMMSA supports a wide range of initiatives including but not limited to:

• Projects that provide innovative solutions to existing marine conservation issues in the Vancouver Island North region.
• Projects that are focused on protection or restoration of marine living resources of the Vancouver Island North region.
• Projects that provide and promote marine environmental stewardship and/or sustainability practices in the Vancouver Island North region.
• Projects that enhance or contribute to healthy marine ecotourism practices in the Vancouver Island North region.
• Projects that provide Vancouver Island North based marine education to residents and/or visitors of the Vancouver Island North region.
• Research projects that add to general understanding of the distribution, population trends, ecology and threats to marine species off northern Vancouver Island.
• Projects that enhance capacity of organizations conducting marine conservation efforts in the Vancouver island North region.
• Projects that have wide-reaching impacts for conservation or understanding of marine eco-systems off northern Vancouver Island (eg. publications, videos, etc).
• Projects undertaken elsewhere that have implications for the conservation of marine and coastal living resources in the Vancouver Island North region.

Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Proposed project is well planned and the application is well written
• Proposed project has practical, reasonable and tangible objectives.
• Proposed project fits the aims, scope, values and standards of NIMMSA.
• Proposed project will provide measurable benefits to marine and coastal life and eco-systems off northern Vancouver Island.
• Proposed project’s administration fees do not exceed 10% of budget. A higher administration fee may be considered with reasonable justification.
• Whether or not proposed project is contingent on other unsecured funds.
• Whether or not applicant is a member of NIMMSA
• Applicant has shown that project proposed has financial and in-kind support from other organizations.
• Applicant has necessary permits and permissions for the project.

Membership is not required to apply for funding. However, becoming a member offers additional benefits and opportunities to engage with our conservation efforts. We encourage everyone to consider joining our community.

Applications will begin review as received. Successful applicants will be notified as applications are reviewed by early May. 50% of grant amount requested will be issued to successful applicants after notification of grant award and signed agreement. Remaining 50% of grant amount will be issued upon completion of project or interm report.

Successful applicants have the opportunity to submit an interim report at the half way point of project period to receive the remaining 50% of grant amount. Regardless of whether an interim report was provided or not, a final report must be issued within 1 month upon completion of the project. Any public representation of project or its results must display the NIMMSA logo and provide written acknowledgement of the grantor. Please contact us for acceptable logo assets.

Absolutely! Donations to the Conservation Fund are vital for our ongoing efforts. You can make a contribution directly through our website. Every dollar helps protect marine life.