The Ocean Project
The Ocean Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that coordinates a global partner network of 2,000+ organizations across 180 countries, running World Ocean Day, youth leadership training, and the 30x30 conservation campaign to advance ocean and climate action.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1998
- Headquarters—
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What The Ocean Project does
The Ocean Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation organization founded in 1998 and headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, with a 13-person team. It operates as a global network coordinator and youth leadership developer for the ocean and climate conservation movement, serving a distributed base of partner organizations and individual youth advocates rather than commercial customers.
The organization's core offerings are programs and platforms rather than technology products. These include World Ocean Day (an annual June 8 celebration coordinated globally since 2002 and now activated across nearly 200 countries), the Global Partner Network (a free, no-obligation network of 2,000+ zoos, aquariums, museums, youth groups, schools, and NGOs in 180 countries), youth leadership training in 150+ countries, the Sea Youth Rise Up initiative, Youth-a-thon, the Innovative Solutions Grants+ Program, the 30x30 campaign, and the Rising Blue Network Newsletter. Underlying coordination relies on standard digital channels (email, webinars, social media, and a partner portal) rather than proprietary technology. The organization also maintains 25+ years of public opinion research on conservation engagement that informs campaign design.
The revenue model is donation-based. Funds are received as tax-deductible contributions processed through fiscal sponsor The Ocean Foundation (since 2006), supplemented by foundation and government grants from entities including NOAA Office of Education, UN Environment Programme, David and Lucille Packard Foundation, and Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, plus corporate World Ocean Day sponsorships. Revenue is not publicly disclosed. Partnership enrollment in the global network is free with no obligations, and the organization's distribution model depends on 2,000+ partner organizations serving as localized activation channels for campaigns and events.
The Ocean Project firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Ocean Project
- Legal name
- The Ocean Project
- Website
- https://theoceanproject.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1998
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Ocean Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that coordinates a global partner network of 2,000+ organizations across 180 countries, running World Ocean Day, youth leadership training, and the 30x30 conservation campaign to advance ocean and climate action.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Ocean Project industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Ocean Conservation Advocacy
- NAICS
- Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management (BPADALAI)
Keywords
The Ocean Project business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Donations and Contributions: The organization accepts tax-deductible donations processed through its fiscal sponsor, The Ocean Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Donations support ocean and climate action programs and youth leadership empowerment.
- Foundation and Government Grants: The Ocean Project receives funding from major foundations and government agencies including NOAA's Office of Education, United Nations Environment Programme, David and Lucille Packard Foundation, and Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
The Ocean Project product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Ocean Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that coordinates a global network of 2,000+ conservation partner organizations across 180 countries. It founded and coordinates World Ocean Day (annual global celebration each June), delivers youth leadership training programs, and runs collaborative conservation campaigns such as the 30x30 initiative. The organization empowers young people in 150+ countries with advocacy skills and provides strategic communication resources to zoos, aquariums, museums, and other conservation groups.
Product overview
The Ocean Project operates as a collaborative nonprofit network offering conservation programs and initiatives rather than a traditional technology product. The core offerings include World Ocean Day (annual global celebration), the Global Partner Network (2,000+ organizations in 180 countries), and various youth empowerment programs including Youth Leadership Training, Sea Youth Rise Up, Youth-a-thon, and the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council. Supporting programs include First Friday Webinars, the Rising Blue Network Newsletter, the Innovative Solutions Grants+ Program, and campaigns such as 30x30 and Science-Based Fisheries Management. These programs work together to advance ocean conservation, youth leadership development, and climate action advocacy globally.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Sea Youth Rise Up: A youth ocean and climate leader initiative that empowers and mobilizes young people to stand up for the ocean, generating discussion and action about how the global community can work towards healing the blue planet.
- Youth-a-thon
- World Ocean Day
Products and services
- World Ocean Day
- Youth Leadership Training Program
- Sea Youth Rise Up
- Youth-a-thon
- World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council
- Rising Blue Network Newsletter
- First Friday Webinars
- Innovative Solutions Grants+ Program (ISG+)
- Global Partner Network
- 30x30 Campaign
- Science-Based Fisheries Management
Quantifiable outcome
- 190+ countries signed global agreement for 30x30 in December 2022
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use The Ocean Project
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The Ocean Project technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The Ocean Project partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and key.
- Big Blue & YoucoreCollaboratively developed the Sea Youth Rise Up initiative in 2015, providing a platform for young minds to spread ideas for the future of the blue planet. This initiative focuses on empowering youth ocean and climate leaders.
- Youth Ocean Conservation SummitcoreCollaboratively developed the Sea Youth Rise Up initiative in 2015 alongside Big Blue & You and The Ocean Project. This initiative empowers youth to become ocean champions through direct connections with policymakers.
- Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP)coreCollaborative partnership working together on the 30x30 campaign toolkit for aquariums and broader conservation initiatives. The Ocean Project works with ACP to develop resources for zoo and aquarium engagement in marine protection.
- Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)coreThe Ocean Project collaborates with AZA on conservation engagement initiatives, including the 30x30 campaign and development of toolkits for zoos and aquariums to advance marine protection goals.
- Wyss Campaign for NaturekeyPartner in 30x30 campaign efforts, with Greg Zimmerman from Wyss Campaign serving as guest speaker in First Friday webinars to advance conservation policy.
- National Ocean Protection CoalitionkeyCollaborative partner developing ocean-specific resources for the 30x30 movement, including toolkits, fact sheets, messaging, and graphics for the ocean conservation community.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights3 records
The Ocean Project competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Conservation International: Global environmental NGO with major marine and 30x30 commitments. A broader incumbent operating similar marine policy and corporate partnership work at much larger scale.
- The Nature Conservancy: Large environmental NGO with active ocean and coastal programs and major foundation/foundation-funding relationships. Overlaps on marine protection campaigns and 30x30 advocacy.
- World Wildlife Fund (Oceans Program): Large global conservation incumbent with a dedicated oceans program and significant foundation and donor backing. Competes for the same ocean-policy and donor mindshare.
- National Geographic Society (Pristine Seas): Funds and conducts large-scale ocean exploration and marine protection campaigns. Overlaps on youth explorers, ocean advocacy, and global communications around marine protection.
Direct peers
- Surfrider Foundation: Activist ocean and coastal conservation organization with a grassroots chapter network and youth engagement programs. Comparable as a community-led nonprofit with distributed mobilization campaigns.
- Ocean Conservancy: A large U.S.-based ocean conservation nonprofit working on policy, plastic pollution, and science-based advocacy. Directly comparable in mission, donor base (foundations and individuals), and campaign-style advocacy model.
- Marine Conservation Institute: Focuses on protecting ocean ecosystems, marine protected areas, and 30x30 implementation. Directly comparable in marine conservation advocacy and policy focus.
- SeaLegacy: Ocean-focused conservation communications and storytelling nonprofit. Comparable in mission, partner/cohort model, and emphasis on youth and public engagement.
Others
- The Ocean Foundation: Fiscal sponsor for The Ocean Project and a broader ocean-grantmaking nonprofit; comparable as an adjacent enabling organization within the U.S. ocean-conservation funding ecosystem.
Emerging players
- Reef Check Foundation: Volunteer-based ocean citizen-science nonprofit focused on reef monitoring. Comparable in youth-led, volunteer-driven marine conservation engagement.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Ocean Project social profiles
Digital presenceThe Ocean Project financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Ocean Project leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
The Ocean Project funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Ocean Project M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Ocean Project
What does The Ocean Project do?
The Ocean Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that coordinates a global network of 2,000+ conservation partner organizations across 180 countries. It founded and coordinates World Ocean Day (annual global celebration each June), delivers youth leadership training programs, and runs collaborative conservation campaigns such as the 30x30 initiative. The organization empowers young people in 150+ countries with advocacy skills and provides strategic communication resources to zoos, aquariums, museums, and other conservation groups.
Is The Ocean Project a public or private company?
The Ocean Project is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Ocean Project founded?
The Ocean Project was founded in 1998. It employs 11 to 50 people.
How does The Ocean Project make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Donations and Contributions are the primary driver. The others are foundation and Government Grants.
Who are The Ocean Project's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund (Oceans Program) and National Geographic Society (Pristine Seas). Direct peers are Surfrider Foundation, Ocean Conservancy, Marine Conservation Institute and SeaLegacy. The Ocean Foundation is listed as an others. Reef Check Foundation is listed as an emerging player.
Does The Ocean Project have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Ocean Project.
What industry is The Ocean Project in?
The Ocean Project's product category is Ocean Conservation Advocacy. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAGAE, Marine & Freshwater Conservation, with a secondary code of BPADALAI, Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management. Its NAICS code is 813312.