What Worldrise does

Worldrise (Fondazione Worldrise ETS) is an Italian non-profit marine conservation organization founded in 2013 by Mariasole Bianco and Virginia Tardella, headquartered in Golfo Aranci, Sardinia. Operating through three pillars — Biodiversità, Artivismo, and Empowerment — the organization runs a portfolio of approximately twenty programs including SEATY local marine conservation areas, 30x30 Italia alliance, No Plastic More Fun plastic-free venue network, Ocean Ambassador corporate training, SEAtizen Science citizen research, ghost-net recovery, Worldrise Walls street art, Festivalmar itinerant festival, Campus AMP training, and the SeaMag online magazine. The technology layer combines citizen-science data collection, educational toolkits, free downloadable resources, and digital communication channels to mobilize 400+ volunteers, 240+ plastic-free venues, 3,300+ manifesto signatories, and corporate partners including AXA, Adidas, BioNike, and comfort zone.

The business model is donation-centric and characteristic of an Italian ETS (Ente del Terzo Settore). Revenue streams comprise individual donations (one-time and regular, with Italian tax deductions of 30% detrazione or 10% deduzione), 5x1000 IRPEF tax designations, corporate partnership packages spanning team-building, volunteering, sponsorship and educational toolkits (multi-year contracts), scholarship funding for Campus AMP, legacy/bequest gifts, memorial donations, and solidarity merchandise. Official accreditations from UNESCO-IOC, UNEP, ECOSOC, CBD, and the European Commission provide institutional credibility and access to international coalitions that drive program reach beyond what a 15-20 person core team could otherwise achieve.

The organization serves a segmented constituency: individual citizens engaging via donations and volunteering, schools and universities through Blue Schools and educational programs, corporate buyers meeting ESG commitments through multi-year partnerships, hospitality venues in the plastic-free network, and municipal and institutional bodies participating in the 30x30 Italia Alliance. Geographic operations are anchored in Sardinia and Sicily with project reach into other Italian regions and selected European venue partners in London and Tarifa.

Name

Worldrise

Legal name

Fondazione Worldrise ETS

Website

https://worldrise.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Worldrise is an Italian non-profit ETS that protects marine ecosystems through conservation projects, citizen science, and educational programming, funded by donations, 5x1000 tax designations, and corporate partnerships targeting ESG-aligned companies, schools, and citizens.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Administration of Conservation Programs (92412), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marine Conservation & Citizen-Science Experiences (reef monitoring, turtle walks) (THAAAIAH), Reef, Island & Coastal Ecotours (mangroves, lagoons, sea caves) (THAAAIAE), Coastal & Marine Resources Administration (Oceans, Fisheries, Shorelines) (BPAIAMAI)

Keywords

• Marine conservation programs
• Citizen science research
• Ocean education programs
• Plastic-free venue networks
• Corporate sustainability partnerships

Headquarters

HQ city

Golfo Aranci

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Regular and one-time donations from individuals, with tax benefits under Italian law (detrazione 30% or deduzione 10%). Includes regular monthly donors receiving exclusive content, event access, and personalized certificates.
2. 5x1000 Tax Designation: Italian tax mechanism allowing taxpayers to designate 0.5% of IRPEF to registered non-profits. Worldrise promotes its C.F. 08403950960 for this purpose.
3. Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships: Partnerships with companies for projects, team building, volunteering, and donations. Includes Ocean Ambassador programs, event sponsorships, and project-specific funding from companies like AXA, Adidas, BioNike, comfort zone.
4. Legacy/Bequest Gifts: Testamentary gifts allowing donors to leave capital, real estate, or other assets to Worldrise. All bequests to registered non-profits are tax-exempt.
5. Scholarship Donations: Funding for scholarships supporting young marine scientists attending Campus on Marine Protected Areas programs.
6. Merchandise and Solidarity Gifts: Sale of Ars Maris artistic works, reusable shopper bags, and personalized eCards supporting marine conservation projects.
7. Memorial Donations: Donations made in memory of loved ones, with symbolic actions within conservation projects and personalized attestations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Worldrise is a non-profit marine conservation organization operating through three pillars: Biodiversity (marine protected areas, ghost net recovery, marine reforestation), Artivism (street art, festivals, music industry engagement), and Empowerment (citizen science, education, leadership training). It runs concrete conservation programs in Italian seas including SEATY local marine conservation areas, the No Plastic More Fun network of 240+ plastic-free venues, and the 30x30 Italia alliance, while delivering corporate team-building, school education programs, and citizen science activities to drive systemic change for ocean protection.

Product overview

Worldrise is a non-profit marine conservation organization operating through three main areas of action: Biodiversità (marine biodiversity protection), Artivismo (art as communication tool), and Empowerment (mobilizing future custodians of the Mediterranean). The organization offers a portfolio of distinct programs and projects including SEATY (local marine conservation areas), 30×30 Italia (30% marine protection by 2030), Worldrise Walls (street art murals), Festivalmar (itinerant festival), Ars Maris (art exhibitions), No Plastic More Fun (plastic-free venue network), SEAtizen Science (citizen science), Ocean Ambassador (corporate training), SeaMag (online magazine), and educational programs including Campus AMP and Leadership Training. These offerings work together to achieve Worldrise's mission of effective protection of at least 30% of Italian seas by 2030 through conservation, awareness, and systemic change.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SEATY – Local Marine Conservation and Education Areas Marine conservation initiative that safeguards specific Italian sea areas of high naturalistic value through exploration, protection, and community engagement. Active in Sardinia (Golfo Aranci) and Sicily (Capo Milazzo).
• 30x30 Italia Alliance Alliance initiative facilitating protection of at least 30% of Italian seas by 2030, promoting policy change and stakeholder coordination across associations, companies, philanthropy, and citizens.
• No Plastic More Fun First European network of plastic-free venues (bars, restaurants, pubs, clubs) with 240+ participating venues across Italy, UK, and Spain. Saves 100,000+ kg of plastic annually by transitioning to sustainable materials.
• SEAtizen Science Citizen science initiative where citizens and scientists collaborate in marine research activities, generating new evidence-based knowledge through data collection and biodiversity monitoring.
• Ocean Ambassador Corporate program where employees are trained by Worldrise marine biologists to become ambassadors for ocean awareness, capable of implementing independent outreach initiatives within their companies.
• Festivalmar Annual itinerant festival celebrating the sea through immersive experiences, workshops, art, music, and education, bringing people closer to the ocean to promote positive roles in marine conservation.
• Worldrise Walls Street art initiative bringing the sea into cities through smog-absorbing murals across 10+ Italian cities, creating 800+ m2 equivalent forest of pollution-absorbing surface area.
• Ars Maris
• Campus sulle Aree Marine Protette (Campus AMP)
• SeaMag Magazine
• Educational Programs (Proposte Educative)
• Leadership Training
• Recupero Reti Fantasma (Ghost Nets Recovery)
• AMPlification
• Riforestazione Marina (Marine Reforestation)
• SEAstainable
• Nel Profondo Manifesto Campaign

Quantifiable outcome

• 100,000 kg+ plastic saved annually through No Plastic More Fun network
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor, core and flagship.

• AdidasmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 8 June 2024World Ocean Day 2024 partnership decorating 100 manhole covers in Milan with 'The Sea Starts Here' message, reminding urban dwellers that every action impacts the Blue Planet.
• BioNikemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024UN MARE DI STELLE partnership supporting SEAtizen Science project debut, promoting active community participation in scientific data collection for marine health monitoring.
• North SailsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2019Support for Blue Night event in Milan inaugurating No Plastic More Fun project, creating awareness about single-use plastic alternatives.
• European Commission Representation in ItalycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for implementing European Blue Schools network in Italy (2022) and organizing scientific outreach tour 'A Sea of Centers: Together for the Future of the Sea' with EUROPE DIRECT centers focusing on 30x30 goal (2024).
• UNESCO-IOCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelected as main partner for launch in Italy of UN Decade dedicated to Marine Sciences for Sustainable Development, mobilizing scientific community, governments, private sector, and citizens around common research and innovation agenda.
• Med Sea Alliance (MSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of international network working to protect the Mediterranean Sea, adhering to MSA goals and participating in international marine conservation projects with focus on Mare Nostrum.
• AXAflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFour-year Ocean Ambassador program training nearly 90 AXA employees; AXA Cuori in Azione partnership recovering 1km fishing lines and 30+ hooks from deep sea; Week for Good 2026 with 500+ corporate volunteers in Milan and Rome creating murals and urban games.
• comfort zonemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMare D'Amare project recovering 300+ kg of abandoned fishing nets from Capo Mortola Marine Protection Area in Liguria to revitalize marine biodiversity.
• Luce BeautyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership to raise awareness about plastic in the sea; 'The Clean' product line with natural ingredients and recycled packaging supporting beach cleanup actions.
• Ocean Family FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-supporter of No Plastic More Fun project and Blue Night event, contributing to plastic-free venue network expansion.
• Reef Alert NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration in AXA Cuori in Azione project for deep sea cleanup, recovering fishing lines and hooks.
• Portofino AMPminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration in AXA Cuori in Azione project for deep sea cleanup activities.
• Abyss CleanupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration in AXA Cuori in Azione project for deep sea cleanup activities.
• MOVHERS - Girl Move AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelected among mentors for digital female leadership program where young changemakers from around the world propose projects addressing SDG 14.
• ART FOR THE WORLDminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerScientific consultation partner for 'Interactions' collective film about nature's beauty and biodiversity.
• Il Salone della CSR e dell'innovazione socialeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-organizer of 'Nel Profondo: sostenibilita e creativita per il mare' idea competition with 90 original works submitted and winners awarded during 13th edition.
• AlstomminorOthersCorporate partner supporting marine conservation activities.
• Fondazione di SardegnaminorOthersFoundation partner supporting marine conservation in Sardinia region.
• The Nando and Elsa Peretti FoundationminorOthersFoundation supporting Worldrise marine conservation initiatives.
• FastwebminorOthersCorporate partner in marine conservation efforts.
• AristonminorOthersCorporate partner in marine conservation efforts.
• ZeroCO2minorOthersSustainability partner in marine conservation efforts.
• Federazione Agricola Alimentare Ambientale Industriale ItalianaminorOthersAgricultural/food industry federation partner.
• Fondazione CariplominorOthersFoundation partner supporting Italian environmental initiatives.
• Earth Echo InternationalminorOthersInternational environmental organization partner.
• GucciminorOthersLuxury brand partner in marine conservation efforts.
• PatagoniaminorOthersOutdoor brand partner in marine conservation efforts.
• DecathlonminorOthersSports retailer partner in marine conservation efforts.
• Comune di Golfo AranciminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal government partner hosting SEATY project and Worldrise headquarters in Sardinia.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Oceana: Largest international ocean-focused advocacy organization, running policy campaigns and field expeditions across multiple continents. Comparable on mission (effective ocean protection) and corporate/donor fundraising competition, but with materially larger scale and global reach.
• WWF Italia: Italian branch of the global conservation network with active marine and Mediterranean programs. Comparable on competing for Italian corporate partnerships, donor mindshare, and marine policy advocacy — but with substantially larger scale and brand recognition.
• Sea Shepherd Conservation Society: International marine conservation organization running direct-action campaigns, ghost net recovery, and marine habitat protection in the Mediterranean. Comparable on marine biodiversity and ghost net recovery missions and on competing for the same international donor base.
• Legambiente: Italy's largest environmental NGO, with active marine and coastal programs (Goletta Verde, beach cleanup campaigns). Comparable because it competes for the same Italian donor base, 5x1000 contributions, corporate ESG partnerships, and policy influence on marine and coastal issues — but operates across all environmental domains, not exclusively marine.
• Greenpeace Italy: Italian office of Greenpeace, with active campaigns against plastic pollution, overfishing, and marine biodiversity loss. Comparable on marine advocacy and corporate accountability campaigns in the Italian and Mediterranean context, though operating with a broader environmental mandate.

Direct peers

• Surfrider Foundation: Global grassroots ocean conservation organization with strong European beach cleanup, citizen science, and plastic-reduction programs. Comparable because it combines volunteer mobilization, citizen science data collection, and corporate partnerships around coastal protection — directly overlapping Worldrise's SEAtizen Science and No Plastic More Fun models.
• Marevivo: Italian marine conservation non-profit founded in 1985, focused on Mediterranean Sea protection, marine biodiversity, and educational programs. Direct peer because it operates in the same geography with the same mission (Italian seas), runs citizen engagement and school programs, and competes for the same corporate and institutional donors.
• Plastic Free Onlus: Italian non-profit specifically focused on reducing plastic pollution, with active beach cleanup volunteer networks and corporate partnerships. Direct peer in the plastic-free venue and citizen mobilization space; overlaps with Worldrise's No Plastic More Fun network and competes for similar donors and brand partners.

Emerging players

• Reef Check Foundation: International citizen science organization focused on reef and marine ecosystem monitoring through volunteer diver networks. Comparable to Worldrise's SEAtizen Science model — both build community-powered biodiversity data collection — but Reef Check is more specialized and globally distributed.
• Healthy Seas / Ghost Fishing Foundation: European initiative dedicated to recovering ghost fishing gear from the sea and recycling it into new products. Directly comparable to Worldrise's 'Recupero Reti Fantasma' (Ghost Nets Recovery) project, including partnership structures with corporates (e.g., comfort zone's Mare D'Amare) and the same Mediterranean geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@WorldriseOceanPositivePeople
• Facebookfacebook.com/worldrise
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/worldrise
• Instagraminstagram.com/worldrise_official

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Worldrise