Marine Ventures Foundation seeks to improve and protect critical marine, coastal and river habitats in North America, South America and the Caribbean. Founded in 2000, MVF uses ecosystem-based approaches to ensure habitat biodiversity and long-standing cultural heritage through cutting edge conservation science, strong partnerships and market incentives. The Foundation funds projects where outcomes meet three minimum criteria: a critical habitat to protect or restore, multidisciplinary team approaches and strong community involvement. A fourth criteria is that a funded project leverage the Foundation’s conservation portfolio. Successful outcomes of funded projects include ecosystem biological improvement, improved community/ecosystem governance and education/outreach programs.