How We Work

BCF invests in developing new knowledge when it is highly likely to be used by stakeholders, practitioners, and decision-makers to inform sustainable ocean and coastal management. Our approach is two-pronged: the customized development of grantmaking strategies alongside implementation of outreach and engagement plans.

By using co-design and co-production methods, project discussions begin as a collaboration between affected communities, stakeholders, and researchers. As projects are funded and portfolio areas grow, we build communities of practice around the work, supporting engagement to help project participants inform management and policy and to keep the public updated on research progress and results.

Our aim is to ensure various types of knowledge–from Western science to Indigenous Ways of Knowing to lived experiences–are valued in the process, building durable relationships that lead to real solutions.

BCF is organized around topical portfolios that will announce listening sessions, outreach events, and open calls for proposals.