Application and selection procedure

The Whaletone Foundation was set up with a simple but powerful idea: to show the world why protecting whales and their environment is so important. We want to use our funding to support amazing scientific research and innovative projects that can make a real difference to marine mammals and the oceans and seas they call home.

If you, or an organisation you work for, have a great idea on how to make a real difference to whale conservation, we invite you to submit project.

Who can submit a project

Projects can be submitted by any institution, organisation or company with a proven track record in the field of marine life, whale conservation and ecology, particularly in the seas and oceans. Artists and culturally-related organisations with an environmental focus are also encouraged to submit their projects.

These include:

  • Research institutes of marine biology and ecology – especially institutions that conduct research on the life, behaviour, reproduction, migration and interactions of cetaceans with other species in marine ecosystems. 
  • Universities and departments of biology, marine ecology and oceanography – including specialised departments that study marine mammals and marine ecosystems. 
  • Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and environmental foundations – any organisation involved in monitoring whale populations, conducting conservation campaigns and engaging local communities in whale conservation efforts. 
  • Marine wildlife rehabilitation centres and centres that assist when whales or other marine mammals are injured or endangered. 
  • Environmental Monitoring Institutes and others that conduct research on marine pollution, climate change and its impact on whales. 
  • Marine biotechnology and environmental research centres – institutes that conduct research on marine mammal genetics, health, disease and the impact of climate change on their populations.
  • Start-ups whose mission is to protect the environment, especially the marine environment and marine animals. Companies working on technological innovations that can help protect whales.
  • Artists including musicians, composers, filmmakers, photographers, actors, singers, writers and culture-related people whose activities and art are related to singing whales, whale conservation or their environment.

Which projects can be submitted

The Whaletone Foundation aims to provide financial support for projects that respond to the challenges of protecting whales and their environment. Submit your project if it falls into one of the following categories:

  1. Scientific research and monitoring of whales populations
    • Research on whales populations, behaviour, migration, health and reproduction.
    • Monitoring the health of whales and the effects of climate change on their ecosystem.
    • Researching the effects of pollution (e.g. plastic, noise) on whale health and migration.
    • Using modern technology to monitor whales in their natural environment.
  2. Protecting the marine environment
    • Projects to protect marine habitats such as critical areas for whales (e.g. migration areas, breeding areas).
    • Protecting against pollution (including plastics, chemicals) and reducing the negative impact of industrial activities (e.g. drilling, shipping) on marine ecosystems.
    • Initiatives to protect coral reefs, seagrass beds and other key whale habitats.
    • The use of advanced technologies to clean up the oceans and seas.
  3. Education and Public Awareness
    • Educational projects to raise awareness of cetacean conservation, their role in the ecosystem and the threats they are exposed to.
    • Outreach programmes targeting local communities, tourists, fishermen, children and youth.
      • Production of educational materials, organisation of workshops, seminars, conferences and events related to whale and marine conservation.
  4. Conservation Policy and International Cooperation
    • Initiatives related to the development and implementation of cetacean conservation policies at national and international levels.
    • Projects to support international cooperation in marine mammal conservation, such as participation in international organisations.
    • Working with governments, NGOs, research and industry institutions to develop whale conservation regulations.
  5. Connecting art and ecology:
    • Concerts, music workshops to spread awareness about singing whales and their conservation;
    • Other cultural activities, exhibitions, shows, productions, publications that have a real impact on raising awareness about threats to whale life or ways to protect them.

If your project is not on the list above, but is aimed at protecting whales and their environment – please write to us. We will respond if your project meets the Foundation’s requirements.

What is needed to submit a project

Project applications must be submitted using the application form available on the Whaletone Foundation’s website at the time of the opening of applications.

The application form must contain the following information.

  • A description of the previous activities and achievements of the individual, organisation, company or participant. 
  • A description of the purpose of the project and its compatibility with the Foundation’s mission.
  • A detailed action plan, timetable and budget for its implementation.
  • Profile of the project team (members, their experience and skills).
  • Measurable objectives and methods for evaluating results.
  • A justification of why the project should be funded by the Foundation.

How to submit a project

The Whaletone Foundation raises funds from individuals and companies. The funds enable the Foundation to support projects to protect whales and their habitat.

1% from the sale of Whaletone pianos is donated to the Foundation’s activities.

The Whaletone Foundation will announce the opening of project registration once sufficient funds have been raised. This will be communicated on the Whaletone Foundation website and in the newsletter. 

During the open registration period, an application form and a detailed schedule of the edition will be available on the website. 

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How we select winning projects

The projects will be evaluated by an official jury according to the following criteria

  • Scientific merit and innovation: Innovative approach to the problem of cetacean conservation, use of new technologies, research methods and innovative solutions.
  • Relevance to the conservation of cetaceans and marine ecosystems: The project must have a clear impact on the conservation of cetaceans or their habitat.
  • Feasibility and budget realism: The project must be realistic in terms of resources, time and budget.
  • Potential for international collaboration: Projects involving different countries or marine regions will be given higher priority.
  • Long-term impact and sustainability of results: The project should aim to have a sustainable, long-term impact on cetacean conservation and the marine environment.
  • Involvement of local communities: Preference will be given to projects that involve local communities or focus on community education.

Announcement of results

Selected projects will be announced on the Whaletone Foundation’s website and notified by email. The Foundation may invite representatives of the winning projects to a meeting to discuss details of the collaboration.

General principles

The Whaletone Foundation reserves the right to reject projects that do not meet the formal or substantive requirements.

The Whaletone Foundation does not reimburse costs associated with the preparation of applications.

Successful projects will be required to submit progress reports at each stage of the project.

Contact 

If you’ve got any questions about the submission projects, just contact us by email to contact@whaletonefoundation.org or telephone on +44 790 045 86 18.

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