International Foundation For Aids To Navigation

Charity Number: 210066

Annual Expenditure: £7.3M

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Quick Stats

Annual Income: ??7,304,400
Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed (board-based review process)
Grant Range: Varies significantly by project (from annual commitments of ~$1M to smaller project grants)
Geographic Focus: Global, with particular focus on Middle East Gulf, Pacific region, and strategic maritime corridors

Contact Details

Address: 8-9 Lovat Lane, London EC3R 8DW, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7220 9520

Email: info@ifan-maritime.org

Website: www.ifanmaritime.org.uk (updated domain)

Pre-application support: Project proposal template available on website. Organizations considering funding proposals should review IFAN's objectives and use the project proposal form available at ifan-maritime.org.

Overview

The International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN) is a UK registered charity (number 210066) and company limited by guarantee, established with the overarching objective of promoting safety at sea and protecting the marine environment. With an annual income of over ??7.3 million, IFAN operates primarily through its Middle East Navigation Aids Service (MENAS) division, which provides navigation aid services throughout the Arabian Gulf financed by Navigation Dues. Catherine Mulvihill was appointed CEO in October 2023, bringing 40 years of maritime sector experience across container shipping, ports and terminals, and marine insurance. IFAN achieves its mission by funding global Aids to Navigation projects and supporting education initiatives through partnerships with major maritime organizations including IALA, UNESCO, and The Nautical Institute. The foundation's support centers on three strategic pillars: Safety and Environment, MENAS activity, and Capability Enhancement.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

IFAN does not operate fixed grant programs with predetermined amounts. Instead, the foundation considers funding proposals on a case-by-case basis aligned with its charitable objectives. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through submission of IFAN's project proposal template.

Major Multi-Year Commitments:

Large infrastructure and capacity-building programs: $1M+ annually (e.g., Malacca and Singapore Straits ANF support)
Multi-year training and education programs: Variable funding (e.g., five-year IALA World-Wide Academy funding commitment)

Project-Based Grants:

Regional navigation aid improvement projects (e.g., Pacific Safety of Navigation Project)
Research initiatives into maritime navigational or vessel operational threats
Educational programs and capacity-building initiatives
Conservation and sustainable navigation campaigns

Application Method: Rolling basis via project proposal template available on website

Priority Areas

IFAN actively funds projects in the following areas:

Safety at Sea:

Installation, maintenance, and modernization of Aids to Navigation (AtoN) infrastructure
Navigation safety systems and safety information dissemination
Research into maritime navigational threats and vessel operational safety
Development of AtoN regulations and policy frameworks

Marine Environment Protection:

Ocean literacy and environmental awareness programs for mariners
Sustainable boating and responsible navigation campaigns
Environmental protection initiatives in maritime corridors
Solar and renewable energy installations for maritime infrastructure

Education and Capability Enhancement:

Professional training for AtoN managers and maritime professionals
IALA-certified training programs (Levels 1-3)
Ocean literacy training for navigation professionals
Promotion of modern navigation techniques and maritime skills
Support for navigator technical skills development

Strategic Maritime Infrastructure:

Critical maritime corridor safety (e.g., Malacca and Singapore Straits)
Support for vulnerable coastal states
Regional and global navigation aid governance frameworks

What They Don't Fund

While IFAN does not publish explicit exclusion criteria, the following would fall outside their charitable objectives:

Projects unrelated to maritime safety or marine environment protection
Commercial ventures without clear charitable benefit
Activities outside the maritime and ocean safety domains
Projects that do not align with global navigation safety standards or best practices

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Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Catherine Mulvihill, CEO and Company Secretary (appointed October 2023)

Catherine brings 40 years of maritime sector experience across container shipping and operations, ports and terminals, and marine insurance in both mutual management and the London commercial markets. On her appointment, she emphasized continuity while building on IFAN's strong foundation.

Key Quote: “At IFAN, our mission is to ensure safe navigation while also preserving the marine environment. Working with partners helps raise awareness of how updated navigational charts, knowledge of collision regulations, and proper route planning can not only protect mariners but also ensure the long-term health of marine ecosystems.”

Ms. Pradelli, Development Manager (appointed September 2022)

Holds a master's degree in Law from the University of Torino (Italy) and is a certified maritime lawyer and project manager.

Board of Directors

Chairman (appointed December 2022)

Joined the IFAN Board in March 2022 after retiring from BP in 2020 as Senior Vice President and Global Head of Shipping.

Board Members:

Peter Stanley: Independent Trustee Director (former CEO)
Mr. Ross (appointed March 2022): Head of Safety and Resilience APM Terminals, Maersk A/S
Mr. Summerhill (appointed November 2020): Vice President of Chartering for BP Shipping Limited
Captain Hill (appointed March 2023): Nautical Operations Lead, Shell Trading & Shipping Company
Captain Al Sager (appointed November 2010): Deputy Chief Operating Officer Fleet Operations, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company

The Board brings extensive maritime industry expertise from major shipping companies and reflects IFAN's global reach and industry connections.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Review IFAN's charitable objectives on their website to ensure alignment with your proposed project.

Step 2: Download and complete IFAN's Project Proposal Template (available at ifan-maritime.org).

Required Information:

Project name/title
Overall goal and specific objectives
Location and beneficiaries
Project timeframe
Expected results
Monitoring and evaluation framework
Communication and visibility strategy
Detailed budget (as detailed as possible, including complementary funding sources)

Step 3: Submit completed proposal via the process outlined on the IFAN website.

Application Type: Rolling basis - IFAN accepts proposals throughout the year for consideration.

Decision Timeline

IFAN does not publish specific decision timelines. Based on organizational structure:

Applications are reviewed by staff and assessed against charitable objectives
Board meetings occur periodically to consider funding decisions
Timeline likely varies based on project scale, complexity, and board meeting schedules
Significant multi-year commitments may require more extensive review and due diligence

Typical Process: Expect several weeks to months between submission and decision, depending on project scope and board meeting cycles.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. IFAN is highly selective and strategic in its funding, focusing on projects that:

Align closely with maritime safety and environmental protection objectives
Have significant impact potential
Involve credible partner organizations with maritime expertise
Address gaps in navigation safety or marine environmental protection

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly stated. As a rolling application process, organizations may resubmit proposals if initial applications are unsuccessful, particularly if they can demonstrate stronger alignment with IFAN's objectives or enhanced project design.

Application Success Factors

Strategic Alignment

Critical Success Factor: Projects must directly promote safety at sea or marine environment protection. IFAN CEO Catherine Mulvihill emphasized at the IALA General Assembly: “The first IALA General Assembly as an intergovernmental organization is a historic step for global maritime safety. IFAN is proud to support this transition and remains committed to strengthening aids to navigation worldwide, particularly for the most vulnerable coastal states.”

Partnership and Collaboration

IFAN strongly favors projects involving established maritime organizations and collaborative approaches. Successful funded initiatives include partnerships with:

IALA (International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities)
UNESCO Ocean
Pacific Community (SPC)
Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation
The Nautical Institute
CHIRP Charitable Trust

Project Examples to Model

Large-Scale Infrastructure:

Malacca and Singapore Straits ANF: Multi-year commitment ($1M annually) supporting navigation aid refurbishment and maintenance in critical maritime corridor
Pacific Safety of Navigation Project: Comprehensive regional program including IALA risk assessments, capacity building, technical training, and AtoN infrastructure development

Education and Training:

IALA World-Wide Academy: Five-year funding commitment supporting global professional training programs
UNESCO-IALA Ocean Literacy Training: Collaborative program developing specialized training modules for AtoN managers worldwide
Nautical Institute Outreach Programme: Support for navigator technical skills improvement initiatives

Environment and Innovation:

Navigate with Care Campaign: Partnership with Living Oceans Foundation promoting sustainable boating practices
Solar Energy Installation: Photovoltaic system project for MENAS facilities in Bahrain
Ocean Matcher Platform: AI-powered platform connecting ocean funders with high-impact projects

Language and Terminology

Use professional maritime terminology consistent with international standards:

“Aids to Navigation (AtoN)” not “navigational aids”
“Safety of navigation” and “safety at sea”
“Marine environment protection”
“Capability enhancement”
“Capacity building”
Reference to international frameworks (IALA standards, IMO regulations)

Common Success Factors

Global or Regional Significance: Projects addressing navigation safety in vulnerable coastal states or strategic maritime corridors
Capacity Building Component: Educational or training elements that enhance maritime professional skills
Measurable Impact: Clear expected results with monitoring and evaluation frameworks
Sustainability: Long-term approach to maritime safety or environmental protection
Professional Credibility: Strong organizational track record in maritime sector
Collaborative Approach: Multi-stakeholder initiatives leveraging expertise across organizations

What to Emphasize

Direct connection to safer navigation and/or marine environmental protection
Alignment with international maritime standards (IALA, IMO)
Capacity to deliver results with professional expertise
Engagement with vulnerable communities or regions lacking resources
Innovation in navigation safety or environmental protection
Complementary funding sources and sustainability beyond IFAN grant period

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Highly Specialized Focus: IFAN is exclusively focused on maritime navigation safety and marine environment protection. Do not apply unless your project directly addresses these areas with clear maritime context.

Partnership-Oriented Approach: IFAN consistently works through established maritime organizations (IALA, UNESCO, maritime professional bodies). Applications from or in partnership with recognized maritime sector organizations are strongly advantaged.

Rolling Applications, Strategic Decisions: While applications are accepted on rolling basis, funding decisions are strategic and selective. Projects requiring $1M+ annual commitments receive consideration alongside smaller initiatives???scale is less important than impact and alignment.

Global Perspective, Focus on Vulnerable States: IFAN operates globally but places particular emphasis on supporting vulnerable coastal states and critical maritime corridors. Demonstrate how your project addresses unmet needs or capacity gaps.

No Fixed Grant Amounts: IFAN does not operate traditional grant rounds with predetermined amounts. Be prepared to make a compelling case for the specific budget required, supported by detailed cost breakdowns and complementary funding sources.

Emphasis on Capability Enhancement: Education, training, and capacity-building components strengthen applications. Projects that build long-term maritime professional capability are particularly valued.

Professional Maritime Expertise Required: Given IFAN's board composition (senior leaders from BP Shipping, Maersk, Shell, KOTC) and focus areas, applicants must demonstrate credible maritime sector expertise and professional standards aligned with international best practices.