Applications open for Species Conservation Fund

Deadline: 15-Oct-2026

The Species Conservation Fund provides grants of up to $25,000 for global conservation initiatives focused on protecting individual threatened or poorly known animal, plant, and fungi species. The Fund supports both in situ conservation, which protects species in their natural habitats, and selected ex situ conservation activities, while also allowing eligible project-related salaries, stipends, per diems, and living costs when they are essential to conservation work. The Species Conservation Fund was established to provide targeted financial support for projects dedicated to the conservation of individual species. The Fund aims to strengthen species-focused conservation and highlight the importance of protecting individual species within the broader environmental movement. Projects may focus on species conservation in natural habitats or, where appropriate, activities involving ex situ populations, genetic analysis, workshops, and related conservation work. The maximum grant available through the Species Conservation Fund is: The Fund does not provide support for core organisational overheads. However, certain project-related personnel and living expenses may be included when they are necessary for in situ conservation activities. The Fund supports initiatives focused on conserving threatened or poorly known species. Eligible conservation activities may include: In situ conservation focuses on protecting and conserving species in their natural habitats. The Species Conservation Fund recognises the importance of this approach and allows project-related costs that may be essential for carrying out conservation work in the field. Depending on the project, eligible costs can include: These costs must be directly connected to the proposed conservation project rather than general organisational operations. Ex situ conservation involves conserving species outside their natural habitats. The Fund recognises ex situ conservation in certain cases and may support appropriate activities involving ex situ populations. Proposals may also include related genetic analysis or other activities where they contribute directly to the conservation objectives of the species. The Fund is open to conservation applications involving any threatened or poorly known animal, plant, or fungi species. Priority is generally given to projects that focus on a single species. However, proposals involving groups of species may also be considered when this approach is appropriate because of specific: Applicants should clearly explain why a single-species or multi-species approach is appropriate for the proposed conservation work. The Fund has a broad global eligibility scope. Anyone directly involved in species conservation can apply, regardless of: Applicants must submit their application in English and present all financial information in US Dollars. Yes. The Fund welcomes continuation support for projects that have previously received funding, provided that the applicants have fulfilled all required reporting requirements from the previous grant. Continuation applicants should demonstrate how the proposed work builds on the previous conservation activities and why additional support is needed. The Species Conservation Fund does not cover core organisational overheads. Applicants should therefore distinguish between general organisational expenses and costs that are directly necessary for implementing the proposed conservation project. However, project-related salaries, stipends, per diems, and living costs may be included when they are essential components of in situ conservation work. Applicants should clearly demonstrate the conservation importance of the species and explain how the proposed activities will contribute to its protection.

Before applying, applicants should:

The Species Conservation Fund provides financial support for global conservation projects focused on individual threatened or poorly known animal, plant, and fungi species. The maximum grant is $25,000. Applications requesting more than $25,000 will not be considered. Anyone directly involved in species conservation can apply, regardless of their geographic region or species focus. The Fund is open to projects involving threatened or poorly known animal, plant, or fungi species. Yes. Projects focusing on a single species receive priority, although proposals covering groups of species may be considered where appropriate for particular geographic or taxonomic contexts. Yes. Conservation projects focused on threatened or poorly known plant species can apply. Yes. The Fund includes conservation initiatives focused on threatened or poorly known fungi species. Yes. The Fund recognises the importance of in situ conservation and can support project-related costs that are essential to conservation work in natural habitats. Yes, in certain cases. Eligible proposals may involve ex situ populations and related conservation activities. Project-related salaries may be included when they are an essential part of in situ conservation work. Core organisational overheads are not covered. Living costs may be included when they are essential and directly connected to in situ conservation activities. Yes. Continuation support is available for previously funded projects that have met all required reporting requirements. Applications must be submitted in English. All financial data must be presented in US Dollars (USD). The Species Conservation Fund provides targeted support of up to $25,000 for global projects protecting threatened and poorly known animal, plant, and fungi species. By supporting practical in situ and selected ex situ conservation activities while allowing essential project-related personnel and living costs, the Fund helps conservation practitioners address species-specific threats and strengthen long-term species protection. For more information, visit Species Conservation Fund.