Donor Insights for Oceans and Freshwater

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The rising threats facing oceans and river systems have sparked a wave of new nonprofit activity, giving donors many ways to get involved. Oceans and river systems are core pillars of our planet's ecosystems, yet both are facing mounting challenges, from polluted river watersheds and drought to overfishing and ocean warming. A growing number of nonprofits are racing to address these urgent threats and there are many opportunities for donors to get involved in making a positive difference.

Why it matters

Funding for these issues is on the rise, but more is needed in this historically siloed sector, especially as federal policies and budgets move away from taking care of the environment. This guide offers advice about how funders can contribute, highlighting leading philanthropic strategies and offering guidance for donors new to this space to get started with giving.

The details

Nonprofits are engaged in many efforts to address the challenges facing oceans and freshwater. Think nature conservation around river ecosystems, plastic pollution, coral preservation and more. All this work is important and could benefit from greater donor support. Donors can support important work at many points in this broad and diverse sector, such as local efforts like the Flint River Watershed Coalition or global approaches like The Nature Conservancy and Ocean Conservancy. Priorities for donors include solutions to pollution, protecting habitats, and backing research.

• The United Nations contends that if current trends continue, oceans and seas may host more plastics than fish by 2050.