Are you a young, creative looking to make a difference in your community? What if you had the opportunity to lead a project that addresses critical issues like ocean conservation, climate change, and waterway protection? The True Blue Fellowship is here to help you turn those aspirations into reality.

The True Blue Fellowship, previously known as the Fellowship Grant Program, accepts applications for 2025. It aims to connect and empower Youth worldwide to leverage creative arts for environmental action. This initiative, led by the Future Blue Youth Council (FBYC)—a group of Bow Seat alumni—focuses on fostering a healthy, sustainable, and equitable future. Young leaders can enact change in their local communities while addressing global environmental challenges by participating.

Through the True Blue Fellowship, emerging youth creative leaders can receive mentorship, capacity building, and up to $2,500 in funding for projects that use creative arts to address issues related to the ocean, waterways, and climate change. This program encourages collaboration, community engagement, and tangible environmental impact, making it an excellent platform for young individuals eager to make a difference.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: September 1st at 11:59 PM EDT
• Result Announcement Dates: Before public announcement via email
• Funding Type: Partially Funded
• Organizer: Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs
• Eligible Countries: All
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Youth ages 13-24
• Focus Area: Ocean conservation, waterways protection, climate change, creative arts
• Number of Opportunity: 10 youth-led projects
• Duration: Varies per project
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: International Program

Benefits and Financial Aids

Below are the benefits of the True Blue Fellowship program:

• Funding: Up to USD 2,500 per project
• Mentorship: Guidance from the Future Blue Youth Council and Bow Seat staff
• Capacity Building: Access to community resources, capacity-building programs, and workshops
• Networking: Connection with a community of other Fellows
• Skill Development: Resources for grant writing, project management, and fundraising skills

Eligibility Criteria

All fellows must meet the below requirements:

• Applicants should be Youth aged 13-24 worldwide
• Projects must be new or emerging (less than two years old)
• Individuals or groups (unlimited size) can apply, with one group leader as the primary contact
• Projects must utilize creative arts as the primary method for enacting change
• Projects must address issues related to safeguarding the ocean, waterways, and climate change
• Applications must be in English
• Only one application per Youth is permitted

Required Documents

• Proof of age, identity, or eligibility (if required)
• Project proposal, including budget and timeline
• Any relevant supporting documents for the project idea

Selection Process and Criteria

The following is the selection process and criteria:

• Decisions of the selection committee are final.
• Evaluation criteria: project alignment with Fellowship goals, issue knowledge, thoughtful approach, realistic goals (including budget and timeline), and measurable impacts.
• Selected Fellows and their supporters will receive result notifications via email before public announcement.
• Fellows must verify eligibility by completing and returning an Affidavit of Eligibility/Liability Release and, where lawful, a Publicity Release within five business days.
• Fellows under 18 must have a parent/legal guardian complete and sign the required forms.
• Fellows must work closely with Future Blue Youth Council (FBYC) mentors, Bow Seat staff, and partners, including monthly calls and informal check-ins via WhatsApp and email.
• Fellows must submit quarterly reports, including mid-year and end-of-year updates detailing project progress and expenses.
• Fellows will assist FBYC mentors in developing a blog post about their project.
• Fellows must participate in a virtual weekend orientation on January 4th, 2025, cohort meetings every other month, and capacity-building workshops.
• Bow Seat and FBYC reserve the right to use Fellows’ work for marketing and promotional purposes.
• Bow Seat and FBYC commit to administering the Fellowship fairly and ethically.

How to Apply?

• Review the Fellowship’s rules, eligibility requirements, and objectives.
• Gather all required documents and develop a detailed project proposal.
• Complete the application form and submit it by the deadline, September 1st at 11:59 PM EDT.
• If selected, respond promptly to all communications and fulfill any verification requirements.

Apply Now

To learn more and apply, visit the True Blue Fellowship website.

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