PADI Foundation Grant

The PADI Foundation is a California-based non-profit public benefit corporation committed to advancing research and education related to aquatic environments. Founded in 1992 and funded through International PADI, Inc., it operates independently from PADI, Inc. and its affiliates. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded nearly $6 million in grants to over 1,389 projects, reinforcing its dedication to improving scientific understanding of aquatic systems, sport diving safety, and climate-related threats to ocean ecosystems. The Foundation’s funding priorities are threefold: enhancing human understanding and stewardship of aquatic ecosystems; investigating the physics and physiology of sport diving to improve diver safety and performance; and addressing the impact of climate change on coastal and marine environments. Projects aligned with these themes and backed by sound scientific methodology are welcomed. However, certain expenditures are generally not supported, such as overhead costs, salaries, dive training, standard diving gear, and indirect expenses. Typical funding ranges between $5,000 and $10,000, with an upper consideration limit of $12,000 for most proposals. Notably, higher budgets may be considered for projects in diving physiology if they are strongly justified. In 2025, 40 of over 400 applications were awarded, totaling $167,516, indicating a competitive selection process that favors merit and relevance to the Foundation’s goals. Applications must be submitted electronically via the Common Grant Application portal, which allows for account creation, dashboard access, and full proposal submission. New applicants are required to register, while returning users may log in directly to access the application interface. All applicants must submit their proposals between November 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026. Assistance with the portal is available through the platform’s contact options or by calling +1 (310) 490-1277. Successful applicants will be notified by May 1, 2026, with funds disbursed shortly thereafter. The process does not include a pre-application or concept phase; instead, it relies solely on full proposals submitted through the online platform. Evaluations are conducted by a Board of Directors, which includes scientific and legal professionals, ensuring technical rigor in the review process. The Foundation has a recurring annual grant cycle and applicants are encouraged to prepare in advance for future rounds if they miss the current deadline. Any questions regarding the program can be directed to the Foundation's official email: [email protected].

Prioritize proposals that align with climate adaptation, sport diving safety, or marine ecosystem education; avoid requests for salaries, indirect costs, or basic equipment.