LATEST NEWS – Congratulations to the 2025 grant awardees!

The Ferris Olson Family Foundation for Ocean Stewardship (FOFFOS) is a 501 (c)(3) charitable giving foundation supporting ocean stewardship. Awards are made on an annual basis to 501 (c)(3) organizations that complete an application. The FOFFOS board reviews these applications and awards funds based on merit.

FOFFOS is pleased to announce the 2025 award recipients. The vast majority of the applications in this fourth grant award cycle came from applicants that had not applied previously. The work represented five geographically distinct areas and a broad biodiversity ranging from work on marine invertebrates, bony fish, elasmobranchs to reptiles, and mammals.

The awardees are:

Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI) – Florida.

WeRestore Coral Lab & Coral Rangers: Community-Based Coral Propagation and Reef Restoration. This project focuses on work to restore coral reefs through lab-based propagation and youth-led stewardship, increasing reef
resilience, biodiversity, and community engagement.

Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center – Puerto Rico

Habitat use by Greater Caribbean Manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) in a Metropolitan, Multi-use, Eco-touristic, Coastal Lagoonal Reserve in Puerto Rico. This project promotes conservation of the Trichechus manatus species by establishing a baseline of population density and habitat use within a metropolitan, ecotourism-focused, and multi-use coastal lagoon reserve.

The Bay Foundation – California

Effects of Heavy Metal Exposure on Marine Mussels as a Method for Monitoring Coastal Health. Collection of mussels at four sites in Santa Monica Bay will provide information on heavy metal concentration and environmental stress to inform ecosystem restoration and conservation of vulnerable marine habitats.

To see a comprehensive list of awardees

Go to the Full list of grants funded page

FOFFOS was established in 2022 as a 501(c)3 charitable giving foundation. Our vision is to be a valued partner in work to protect and restore healthy and sustainable marine environments. FOFFOS recognizes that healthy marine ecosystems are vital to all life on Earth. Our mission is to support organizations and initiatives that promote ocean and coastal 1) conservation, 2) ecosystem restoration and protection, 3) advocacy, 4) community stewardship and 5) marine animal rescue and rehabilitation. 

Information on how to apply is now available. Check for the 2026 application on the Grant Application page sometime in the spring of 2026.

Questions? Send to: FerrisOlsonFoundation@gmail.com or

PLEASE NOTE THE NEW ADDRESS: FOFFOS, PO Box 3381, Englewood, CO 80155.