How to start grad school??

hi all! i recieved my bachelors in 2024 in marine biology and have been jumping from internship to internship since. i want to start grad school and do a thesis based program, but im so confused on how to get started when theres no funding. funded projects are so hard to come by, so ive heard getting your own funding is the best way to go in marine science. ive been researching grant and fellowship programs, but it seems like every one of them requires enrollment in a grad program already. the issue is. when looking at thesis based programs, you cant apply or reach out to get involved with any research without your own funding. is there some funding opportunities for those thinking about starting grad school that im missing? are you supposed to apply to grad school, be accepted, then get involved with research? the labs i am looking into all require your own research funding, but how can i get funding if im not even in school yet? thanks in advance