Z Grants
Field Grants for Shark & Ray Projects
MarAlliance created the Z Grants Program in memory of our departed colleague Ziad Samaha, a marine scientist who dedicated his career to sharing his knowledge of, and love for, sharks and rays. Ziad’s life ended far too soon, but his legacy carries on through this fund.
The program was established through the generosity of Ziad’s family, friends, and colleagues to open doors for young shark and ray scientists with limited means.
Projects must be focused on any aspect of shark and ray biology, ecology, education or conservation based in and carried out in partnership with one of MarAlliance’s programs in Mexico, Belize, Honduras, or Panama, so that grantees benefit from MarAlliance’s mentorship and team support, and so that funding translates as directly as possible into impact in the field. Project duration will be of no less than 6 months and no more than 1 year.
Ziad Samaha
Who Can Apply
The Z Grants Program is open to nationals living full time in MarAlliance’s programmatic countries (Belize, Mexico’s Quintana Roo, Honduras and Panama), under 35 years of age by September 2026, who are currently working on the sea as fishers or guides, or who are enrolled in a relevant associate, undergraduate or graduate degree at a local university. Children of bona fide small-scale fishers are especially encouraged to apply.
If you’re eligible and ready to apply, review the full application requirements and process before you begin.
Click here for the application requirements and process (PDF)
MarAlliance Z Grants: 2026
This cycle, MarAlliance is awarding four (4) grants of $2,500 each to help cover the costs of a shark or ray field project aligned with MarAlliance’s programs and target countries. Z Grant funds must represent at least 50% of a project’s total cost.
Full application requirements including the proposal format, budget guidance, supporting documents, and video submission are detailed in the companion Z Grants Application Requirements document.
SEND US AN APPLICATION!
If you meet eligibility criteria and these grants resonate with you, please proceed with filling out an application: