The Columbus Zoo makes conservation grants for research, local community involvement, capacity building, environmental education, and behavior change leading to improved conservation of wildlife and habitat. Grant requests may range from US$1 thousand to US$25 thousand, but grants are limited to US$5 thousand for first-time applicants. First-time applicants must submit a pre-proposal. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. The next proposal reviews are mid-June, mid-September, and mid-December 2019. Application and Guidelines
community projects
U.S. Mission to Benin — Funding for Community Organizations
The U.S. Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund (SSH) is aimed at assisting Beninese community groups to develop lasting, self-sustaining projects with focus on development concerns, including sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and access to clean water and sanitation. Small grants of up to US$10 thousand are made to local community-based groups or organizations. The deadline to submit proposals is 01 July 2019. Link
U.S. Agency for International Development — Small Town WASH Activity
USAID/Nigeria seeks applications for a Cooperative Agreement from qualified entities to implement the “Small Town WASH Activity” program. The goal of this activity is to facilitate the economic recovery of select crisis-affected communities in North-Eastern Nigeria and to increase their capacities to sustainably provide essential WASH services. Funding for this activity ranges from US$ 1 million to US$8 million. Qualified U.S. and non-U.S. NGOs and for-profit organizations are eligible to apply. Applications of local organizations are encouraged and international organizations are encouraged to seek local partners. The application deadline is 14 May 2019. More
U.S. Agency for International Development — Feed-the-Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity
The Rural Resilience activity aims to enable individuals and communities to engage in strong and sustainable market systems rather than continuing to rely on humanitarian assistance. Proposed projects need to provide livelihoods and employment opportunities, build capacity and stimulate market systems growth with focus on nutrition-sensitive agriculture and natural resource management. Over the course of five year, USAID will provide US$30 million in funding. Eligibility is not restricted however, local organizations are encouraged to apply and international organizations are encouraged to seek local partners. The application deadline is 30 May 2019. Details
Caterpillar Foundation — Grants for Environment and Basic Needs
Internationally, the Caterpillar Foundation has supported projects in tropical forest conservation and afforestation; water and sanitation; food and agriculture; alternative (low-carbon) transportation systems; urban waste recycling; and other themes related to environment and natural resources. The Foundation makes grants to nonprofit organizations such as development NGOs, universities and institutes, foundations, museums, conservation groups, and others. Most grants are in communities in Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe where Caterpillar has an active presence. Applicants answer a series of questions about their eligibility in order to apply. The 2019 grant cycle closes 31 May 2019. More
European Commission — Efficient Use of Water in the Mediterranean Region
The European Commission seeks demonstration projects that promote the efficient use of water in urban and rural areas. The objective of this call is to identify, test and showcase innovative solutions that have the potential to be scaled up and that lead to the efficient use of water in the Southern Mediterranean region. Grants requested under this call must fall between €500 thousand and €1 million. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations established in the European Union. Applications from eligible partner countries (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, and Tunisia) are welcome. The deadline for applications is 04 June 2019. Find the call
National Geographic Society — Reducing Marine Plastic Pollution
The National Geographic Society seeks proposals for its program “Reducing Marine Plastic Pollution” from all around the world. The aim is to explore solutions to reduce marine plastic pollution (including behavior change). Projects may be focused around conservation, education, research, storytelling, or technology. Geographic priorities include known hot spots that contribute most to the ocean plastic pollution problem. Preference will be given to applicants who are residents or citizens of the country of fieldwork as well as to projects with strong local capacity development components. Applicants may request up to US$60 thousand. The deadline for applications is 10 July 2019. Application details
National Geographic Society — Participatory Science
The National Geographic Society seeks proposals from around the world that will engage students and other citizen scientists in activities to address real world problems and lead to actions in science and conservation. Applicants should design and/or implement tools that support citizen science work, particularly data collection or data analysis. Applicants may request up to US$30 thousand. The deadline for applications is 10 July 2019. More
National Geographic Society — Middle School Planetary Stewards
The National Geographic Society seeks middle school students and educators in the United States, Mexico, and Canada to submit proposals for creative projects that address one of the focus areas of Human Journey, Wildlife, or Changing Planet. Projects should move students from engagement to inspiration to action and increase students’ appreciation of the natural world, exhibiting increased cultural empathy and understanding. Applicants may request up to US$15 thousand, although grants are typically between US$5 thousand and US$10 thousand. The deadline for applications is 10 July 2019. Details
Minnesota Zoo — Ulysses S. Seal Conservation Grant Program
The Minnesota Zoo (USA) sponsors the Ulysses S. Seal Conservation Grant Program to award small grants to projects promoting the conservation of wildlife. Funding priority is given to field-based conservation, but worthy zoo-based projects are considered. Since its inception in 2002, the fund has awarded over US$460 thousand to more than 200 projects in 50 countries. Interested applicants need to work with a Minnesota Zoo staff member to champion the project. There is no application deadline. Info