Call for Primate Conservation, Inc. Field Research Grants

Deadline: 20-Sep-2026

Primate Conservation, Inc. (PCI) provides small grants for field research and conservation projects focused on rare and endangered primate species in their natural habitats. Grants generally support original research that can contribute directly to practical conservation planning and may provide up to $5,000 for eligible projects. Primate Conservation, Inc. Grants Overview The Primate Conservation, Inc. Grants program supports researchers and conservationists working to protect wild primate populations and their habitats. PCI prioritizes research that addresses poorly understood and highly threatened primate species. Projects should generate information that can be used to develop, strengthen, or implement conservation strategies. The program particularly values projects conducted in the natural habitats of primates and encourages the involvement of local people in countries where the species occur. Why the PCI Grant Matters Many rare and endangered primate species face threats from habitat destruction, hunting, climate change, disease, and other human pressures. Conservation decisions require reliable field-based information about species populations, ecology, behaviour, distribution, and threats. PCI funding helps researchers conduct targeted studies that can fill important knowledge gaps and contribute to practical conservation action. The program is particularly relevant for projects that: - Focus on poorly known primate species. - Address urgent conservation needs. - Generate original field-based data. - Support the development of species conservation plans. - Take place in natural primate habitats. - Involve local citizens or researchers. - Produce findings that can be applied directly to conservation efforts. Funding Amount PCI grants are generally small research awards.

- Maximum grant: $5,000

- Average grant: Approximately $2,500

- Funding type: Seed funding or matching grants

- Primary purpose: Field research and conservation of rare and endangered primates

Because the grants are relatively modest, applicants should present a focused project with a realistic budget and clearly defined conservation outcomes. Who Is Eligible? The program is intended for individuals conducting field studies involving rare and endangered primates and their conservation.

Eligible applicants may include:

- Graduate students. - Qualified conservationists. - Primatologists. - Researchers conducting field-based primate conservation studies. Projects should have a strong connection to the conservation of wild primate populations. Priority may be given to projects involving the least known and most endangered primate species, particularly when research is conducted in the species’ natural habitat. What Types of Projects Are Supported? PCI emphasizes original research that can directly support conservation planning and implementation. Potentially relevant research may include studies that improve understanding of: - Population status and distribution. - Habitat use and ecological requirements. - Threats facing endangered primates. - Behaviour and species ecology. - Conservation priorities. - Human impacts on primate populations. - Other knowledge gaps relevant to developing conservation plans. Projects should clearly explain how the research findings could be translated into practical conservation action. Local Community Participation Involvement of local citizens from countries where the target primate species occur is considered an advantage. Applicants can strengthen their proposals by explaining how local people, researchers, conservation practitioners, or community organizations will participate in the research. Local participation can help ensure that research is contextually appropriate and that conservation recommendations are more likely to be useful and sustainable. What the Grant Does Not Fund PCI grants are intended specifically for eligible field research and conservation activities. The program does not support several types of expenses or activities.

The following are not eligible:

- Conferences. - Travel to scientific meetings. - Legal actions. - Tuition. - Institutional salaries. - Overhead costs. Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed budget is directly connected to eligible research and conservation activities. How the PCI Grant Works Applicants should develop a focused field research project that demonstrates both scientific value and conservation relevance. A strong application should clearly establish: - The conservation problem – Explain which primate species or population is being studied and why it requires conservation attention. - The research gap – Identify what is currently unknown or insufficiently understood. - The research objectives – State specific and achievable objectives. - The methodology – Explain how field research will be conducted. - The conservation application – Show how the results could contribute to conservation planning or implementation. - Local involvement – Describe the role of local citizens, researchers, or conservation partners where applicable. - The budget – Request only the funding necessary to conduct the proposed work. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants should focus on demonstrating a direct connection between research and conservation. Define a Specific Conservation Need Avoid presenting an overly broad study. Explain precisely what conservation challenge the project will address. Focus on a Threatened or Poorly Known Species Projects involving particularly endangered or poorly studied primates are aligned with PCI’s stated priorities. Demonstrate Practical Impact Explain how the research findings could influence: - Conservation planning. - Habitat management. - Species protection. - Monitoring strategies. - Community-based conservation. - Future conservation interventions. Keep the Budget Realistic With a maximum grant of $5,000 and an average award of approximately $2,500, proposals should be app