Researcher FAQs

We support projects from:

• Academic researchers (including postgraduate students)

• Universities and research institutions

• Registered charities and incorporated societies

• Iwi-led environmental initiatives

• Community conservation organisations

• Collaborative science partnerships

• Focus on marine or coastal ecosystems

• Use scientifically rigorous or evidence-based approaches

• Deliver measurable conservation outcomes

• Contribute to long-term datasets, monitoring, or applied conservation

• Demonstrate clearly defined objectives and methodology

Funding decisions are competitive and will be based on:

• Scientific merit and methodological strength

• Conservation relevance and measurable outcomes

• Feasibility and value for money

• Organisational capability

• Alignment with Moana Mark priorities

• Available funds at the time of assessment

Each project proposal is reviewed by our team for clarity, scientific integrity, and feasibility.

We ask you to share results in accessible, engaging ways. This could include:

• Photos and updates

• Pre-prints or publications

• Presentations (online or in-person)

• Datasets, protocols, or final reports

Partners need to see the impact of their support. It helps build trust and keeps our funding model transparent and community-driven.

We encourage bi-annual reporting or updates when key milestones are reached.

You can email your proposal to krista@moanamark.com

Funded Projects - receive financial contributions through Moana Mark. These funds are raised from our partners and donors and are used to directly support research activities.

Endorsed Projects - do not receive funding but are recognised as credible, high-quality projects aligned with our mission. We support them through visibility, awareness, and connection to our network.

All projects go through a review process that includes:

• Eligibility checks 

• Documentation review 

• Scientific assessment 

From there, projects are assigned one of three statuses:

• Funded – financially supported 

• Endorsed – supported through visibility only 

• Waiting for Funding – approved but pending financial support 

Yes, Endorsed Projects may transition to Funded status if funding becomes available and the project aligns with donor or partner priorities.

Not all impactful research requires immediate funding — but it still deserves recognition.

By endorsing projects, we:

• Highlight credible and meaningful work 

• Support researchers through visibility 

• Help connect projects with future funding opportunities 

This allows us to support the wider marine research community, not just the projects we can currently fund.

Projects must first be reviewed and approved. Once approved, they may:

• Be matched with partners 

• Be included in funding campaigns 

Move from Endorsed or Waiting for Funding to Funded

Yes, all projects will be clearly labelled as:

• Funded 

• Endorsed 

• Waiting for Funding 

This ensures full transparency for both partners and donors.

A small portion (10% for donations over $1,000) is allocated to core operational costs such as maintaining our platform, communications, and reporting. This ensures we can sustainably support both projects and partners.

This is always communicated transparently.