You can apply directly on our “Grants” page on the Euphotic website www.euphoticfoundation.org. The completion timeline depends on how fast we receive all the documents necessary for us to make a thorough assessment of your application. From start to finish, including the site visit and payment, the process can take approximately two months.

At this time, we only offer ERGs to fishermen based along the California coast.

It depends. Eligibility for our grant depends on your tax status. If you pay corporate taxes in California for example, you are eligible to apply. Unfortunately, if you do not pay taxes in California, we are unable to accept your application at this time. We understand the significant challenges facing fishermen across the country and hope to expand our reach to other states in the future. However, our current funding is restricted to California only.

The grant funding is awarded on a case-by-case basis. The application form requires you to explain why you are applying for the grant and to provide an estimated cost for your project. The more detailed your responses are, the better we can determine the appropriate funding amount. However, we cannot guarantee we can grant 100% of your project.

Yes. You can apply for one ERG every 36 months. The reapplication process is similar every time to take into account any changes that happened during the waiting period.

Per IRS regulations, it is mandatory you retain proof of how the ERG has been spent, or we are obligated to ask you to repay the grant. In addition, we will contact you six months after disbursement to verify the grant funds were used for the stated purpose listed in the ERG application.

We frequently receive this feedback. We do understand and hear the concern, however, we operate a non-profit providing grants to for-profit entities (i.e., private fishing businesses). The IRS requires us to justify our ERG program. Thus, our grant-making process must be as rigorous as a commercial loan application. As long as grant funds are used for a stated purpose that fits our mission, the Euphotic Foundation will not ask you to repay the grant, but we have to be certain grants are funding legitimate individuals, businesses, and purposes. We collect personal information for the sole purpose of assessing your grant application. We do not use your information for any other reason and it is maintained on a secure grant application platform – Submittable. If you have additional questions about this, you may contact us directly at grants@euphoticfoundation.org.

The ERG helps support fishermen with business operating costs. The HG is available to ERG recipients that have sudden personal financial needs such as for housing or medical expenses.

No. Only applicants that were approved for an ERG can apply for an HG.