The International Elephant Foundation makes grants for the conservation and research of elephants. Eligibility extends to organizations and individuals internationally — including students, scientists, and institutions. The Foundation supports in situ or ex-situ conservation of African or Asian elephants or their habitats. Most awards are about US$15 thousand for one year. The application deadline for short pre-proposals is 07 August 2026. Click here
conservation
Zoologische Gesellschaft für Arten- und Populationsschutz — Conservation of Globally Threatened or Data Deficient Species
The primary goal of the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP) is the conservation of unknown, but highly endangered species and their natural habitats. ZGAP funds conservation projects for globally threatened or data-deficient species, subspecies, and populations. Support is often given to young scientists from the developing world who are eager to implement conservation projects in their home countries. The maximum funding amount per project is €5 thousand. Please note that projects in the wealthier industrial countries (Western Europe, North America, Australia, and Japan) are only supported in exceptional cases. There is no application deadline. Find the guidelines for application here
World Land Trust — Land Purchase for Conservation
The Trust provides funding for the initial acquisition of land that has conservation importance. It also funds additional activities related to protection, biodiversity monitoring, education, outreach, habitat restoration, and species reintroduction. The Trust works with legally registered and experienced conservation NGOs based in developing countries. Qualified conservation organizations that seek to become partners prepare a project proposal that follows the Trust’s criteria. There is no calendar deadline. About Buy an Acre
Rufford Foundation — Grants for Nature Conservation
The Rufford Foundation makes grants for nature conservation undertaken by small and medium-sized organizations for projects in the developing world. The Foundation prefers projects that are pragmatic, and that have a significant human element. There are no restrictions by nationality or country of residence. Grant applications are made in sequential stages: first grant, second grant, booster grants, and completion grant. Grants start at £6 thousand and increase to £15 thousand for projects that complete each stage. Applications can be submitted at any time. Instructions for Applicants
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Moldova
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in the Republic of Moldova. Eligible recipients include local non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and municipal or national government agencies. Projects must align with thematic priorities such as democratic governance, peace and security, or inclusive economic growth, with a cross-cutting focus on gender equality. While the maximum allocation is CAN$100 thousand, typical contributions range between CAN$30 thousand and CAN$60 thousand. The deadline for applications is 17 April 2026. CFLI Moldova
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Mongolia
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Mongolia. The priorities under this call include women’s economic rights, decent jobs and entrepreneurship, and investing in the poorest and most vulnerable (which may include agriculture or aquaculture projects), as well as environment, climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, and water management. The average contribution is C$15 thousand to C$30 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to not-for-profit local, national, or community-based organizations. The deadline for submission is 17 April 2026. CFLI Mongolia
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Large Grants for the Cerrado
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites civil society organizations to submit letters of inquiry (LOIs) for large grants to support biodiversity conservation in the Cerrado hotspot in Brazil. This call targets projects that align with the investment priorities detailed in the regional ecosystem profile. Grants are available for amounts exceeding US$50 thousand. The deadline for letters of inquiry is 19 April 2026. Link
Earth Journalism Network — Great Ape Conservation Media Workshop
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) invites applications from journalists in Indonesia and Malaysia for a specialized workshop on reporting the conservation of gibbons and orangutans. This program seeks to strengthen the capacity of media professionals to cover the threats facing these primates, including habitat loss, illegal trade, and the impact of human-wildlife conflict. Eligible applicants include staff and freelance journalists from print, online, radio, and television outlets who have a demonstrated interest in environmental and biodiversity issues. Selected participants will receive full coverage for travel, accommodation, and meals during the workshop, and those who complete the training will be eligible to apply for follow-up story grants. The deadline for applications is 24 April 2026. Great Ape Conservation Media Workshop
Belmont Forum — Ocean Collaborative Research
The Belmont Forum invites proposals for the Ocean 2 Collaborative Research Action (OCEAN 2 CRA), a program supporting transdisciplinary research focused on biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability for nature and human well-being. Consortia must include participants from at least three different countries receiving support from participating funding agencies, which include organizations from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Italy, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, and Uruguay, among others. Projects should span 36 months and address one of three themes: biodiversity conservation, ocean-biodiversity-climate integration, or ocean governance and ethics. While total funding varies by the specific national annexes of the participating agencies, grants typically support international research collaboration and societal engagement. The deadline for registrations is 30 April 2026. OCEAN 2 CRA
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Morocco and Mauritania
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale, high-impact projects designed by local partners in Morocco and Mauritania. Funding is primarily available to local, national, or community-based non-governmental organizations and municipal or national government institutions. Projects must align with thematic priorities such as inclusive governance, gender equality, environmental action, or peace and security. Contributions typically range from CAN$20 thousand to CAN$50 thousand per project. The deadline for applications is 01 May 2026. CFLI Morocco