Schmidt Ocean Institute
Schmidt Ocean Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that advances oceanographic research by providing operational, technological, and informational support to scientific expeditions and by operating the research vessel R/V Falkor (too). The site describes opportunities to apply for ship time and programs, publishes news and expedition reports, and lists contact and organizational information.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Organizations running oceanographic research expeditions, ship-time proposals, ocean STEM workforce or outreach programs, or public-facing ocean science media and events aligned with operational or technological support for marine science.
Good Fit
- • Proposals requesting operational ship time, expedition partnerships, or technical support for ocean science.
- • University research groups or research institutions with specific oceanographic projects.
- • Programs that broaden access to ocean STEM or workforce development in marine fields.
- • Public-facing content, exhibits, or events that communicate ocean research and discovery.
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year reached recipients in nine states; while California received the largest share (~32%), substantial funding went to multiple other states, indicating a national footprint.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 14 distinct recipients and a high rate of new recipients (10 new grantees), and across three years the foundation funded a dozen-plus distinct organizations each year, which points to a broadly distributed recipient set despite dollar concentration among top awards.
New Applicants
The foundation publishes application information and accepts expressions of interest by email, and the most recent year shows many new grantees; however filings and application metadata indicate a preselection/selection process, so unsolicited applicants may face selective screening rather than an open competitive grant round.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
