OUR APPROACH

MAKING WAVES

We built ORCA to supercharge the action needed for a healthy ocean, a stable climate and a thriving planet for everyone.

We focus on seven “big bet” ocean-climate opportunities, and we back them with strategic and flexible support, achieving greater impact and reaching more communities.

Our model is lean and trust-based, designed to remove friction, avoid duplication and drive resources quickly to where they can make the biggest difference. It’s a simple approach: minimum complexity, maximum impact.

Photo of a wave crashing on a tropical beach with a mountain in the background and some people in the water.

  • We move quickly and effectively, disbursing funds rapidly, coordinating action efficiently and supporting partners to act at speed and scale.

  • Our portfolio of partners includes global nonprofits, frontline organisations, research institutions and regranting intermediaries who work at the scale of the problem, driving emissions reductions, building resilience and dismantling the root causes of inequality that disadvantage billions.

  • A funder-led Steering group sets direction, and an agile secretariat oversees reporting, communications and delivery

  • A yellow boat floating in the blue ocean, viewed from above.

    We prioritize areas where philanthropy can make the biggest difference. We ask THREE simple questions

  • A boat on a muddy, reddish-brown shoreline, viewed from above

    SCALE: Could this initiative shift the needle on emissions reductions or resilience?

  • An aerial view of a boat anchored in clear, turquoise water with visible patches of coral beneath the surface.

    FEASIBILITY: Is this an area where philanthropy can genuinely accelerate progress?

  • Five boats are anchored in a line on calm dark water.

    NEGLECTEDNESS: Is this an opportunity that’s underfunded relative to its importance?

OUR VALUES

  • We believe bold action demands bold collaboration. ORCA brings funders, grantees and communities together to find allies, break silos and build a movement for ocean-climate action that is greater than the sum of its parts.

  • We focus on big bets that shift systems. Our flexible, multi-year funding supports work that is scalable, feasible, and neglected, driving meaningful & lasting impact for, people, nature, and climate

  • We are open about how funding flows, what we support, and what we achieve. Transparency builds trust, drives accountability, and makes the field stronger.

  • We center equity in everything we do. We prioritize funding that flows to partners and organisations in the Majority World, ensuring that those most affected by climate breakdown shape the solutions and drive the change.

  • We are lean, flexible, and unafraid to challenge the norms of philanthropy. From our funding model to our communications and openness, we look for smarter, faster, and fairer ways to get resources where they are needed most.

  • We use compelling stories and robust evidence to show what’s possible. We inspire through human voices and build confidence through clear data.

  • We embrace urgency with optimism. Our work is grounded in the belief that solutions exist today, and that together we can secure a thriving ocean and a stable climate for everyone.

  • VISION

    A healthy ocean powering a stable climate and a flourishing planet for all.

  • MISSION

    ORCA unites funders, regranters and frontline partners to unlock ocean-climate solutions at scale and safeguard people, nature and climate for generations to come.

ABOUT US

Dive in

Want to know more about us?