http://www.padifoundation.org/index.html
The PADI FOUNDATION encourages and supports research and education related to aquatic environments. The Foundation will fund and assist worthwhile projects that either:
Enrich mankind’s understanding of aquatic environments and encourage sensitivity to and protection of ecosystems.
Increase understanding of sport diving physics and physiology that will benefit the general diving public and add to the scientific understanding of man’s relationship and ability to survive in the underwater environment.
Improve understanding of, and response to, hazards to humans and ecosystems related to climate change in coastal and ocean environments.
The PADI Foundation is an IRC Section 501 (c)(3) non-profit, tax exempt organization. It is a separate and distinct organization, corporately unrelated to PADI, Inc. and its affiliates, but funded through International PADI, Inc .
Since 1992, the Foundation has awarded almost $5.93 million to almost 1,389 projects. In 2025, there were over 400 grant applications of which 40 received grants aggregating $167,516. Each year, the Foundation will consider proposals with budgets up to $12,000 although the average for proposals will be on the order $5,000 to $10,000 (diving physiology proposals related to diver safety with budgets larger than $12,000 will be considered). The Foundation will generally not fund overhead and other indirect expenses, salaries, dive training, and standard diving equipment.
All applications must be submitted beginning November 1, 2025 and no later than January 15, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by May 1, 2026 and funds will be disbursed shortly thereafter.
We are now using Common Grant Application, a web-based management program, to receive and administer your grant proposals. Carefully review the PADI Foundation 2026 Electronic Grant Submissions below.
The following instructions were specifically prepared to walk you through the online application process:
PADI Foundation 2026 Electronic Grant Submissions:
Read these instructions before starting to fill out the forms on line
The following is a list of new instructions on how to submit an application:
1. If you are new, please register on the Common Grant Application website or if you already have an account go to the login.
2. You will be given the option to go to Continue to Dashboard or Continue to Application.
3. If you have any questions about using the Common Grant Application site, please contact the Common Grant Application directly. The contact information can be found by going to www.commongrantapplication.com and the Contact tab. They may also be reached by phone at: +1 (310) 490-1277.