Vendée Globe Foundation Call for Projects: 3 Reasons to Apply by October 31

Understanding the ocean better to protect it better: that is the mission of the Vendée Globe Foundation. Created in 2024 as an offshoot of the Vendée Globe, this endowment fund has already supported six scientific and environmental projects. Its new call for projects will select new winners, who will receive support and follow-up throughout the 2027 cycle.

A broad scope (research, innovation, health, restoration and more), support that goes beyond funding, and a selection process backed by experts: here are three good reasons to apply.

1. All ocean projects are welcome

The call is open to nonprofit organizations, from NGOs to research institutions, in France and internationally. Projects must serve the public interest and focus on protecting, understanding or raising awareness of marine ecosystems.

Patrick Lonchampt, Executive Director of the Vendée Globe Foundation, is clear about this open approach: “We support anything related to preserving the ocean.”

Past winners reflect this diversity. Through BioLit, Planète Mer and the French National Museum of Natural History invite people walking along the shore to record seaweed and periwinkles. Blutopia sailed along the French coast from Biarritz to Roscoff to bring seaweed back onto our plates and reveal its little-known properties. In New Zealand, Citizens of the Sea collects and analyzes environmental DNA, the unique genetic traces that marine organisms leave in the water.

2. Funding and genuine visibility

The Fund can allocate up to €25,000 including tax per year to a national project, and up to €50,000 including tax per year to an international project, meaning one carried out outside the French Exclusive Economic Zone. This support can extend over three years and covers no more than 35% of the project’s total cost.

The Fund acts as the final funder: all other funding must already be secured when applying. Its contribution closes the funding gap and ensures the project can go ahead.

The Fund’s approach is deliberate, explains Patrick Lonchampt:

Winners also take part in the Fund’s events. In June 2026, Blutopia hosted the Fund’s stand in the Vendée Arctique village. In February 2027, each new winner will be presented individually to the media at an official announcement alongside the Fund’s members.

3. A selection process that sets the standard

Each application is first assessed by the Scientific Council, chaired by Dr. Franck Zal, founder of Hemarina. Its five volunteer members, from Ifremer, Lisaqua, Plastic Odyssey and Lhyfe, review every application and score it using their own assessment grid. Their scores are pooled into a ranking, which they discuss at a review meeting at the end of the year.

“This two-stage review, scientific and then administrative, guarantees the reliability of the projects and the trust of our donors,” says Patrick Lonchampt.

Based on the Scientific Council’s recommendations, the Board of Directors, chaired by Gilles Sallé, reviews the applications, selects the winners and sets the amounts awarded. It then monitors results and ensures deadlines are met. Being selected means earning the endorsement of recognized ocean experts.

Apply by October 31

Applications are open until midnight on October 31, 2026. Eligibility requirements, the application form and the timeline are available under the “2027 Call for Projects” tab on the Vendée Globe Foundation website. The selection decision will be made in early 2027, with the official announcement of the winners in February–March 2027.

One ocean, one mission: it is now up to researchers and nonprofits to bring it to life.

→ Discover the 2027 call for projects and submit your application