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
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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
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
European Space Agency — African Research Fellowships 2026
The European Space Agency (ESA) invites applications for its African Research Fellowships to support the next generation of African Earth observation scientists. The program offers four one-year fellowships at the ESA-ESRIN center in Frascati, Italy, starting in October 2026. Applicants must be African nationals holding a PhD or a master’s degree with significant research experience in satellite remote sensing or a related field. Fellows will receive a monthly subsistence allowance, travel expenses, and a relocation package, though the specific financial totals are not disclosed in the call.The deadline for applications is 29 April 2026. African Research Fellowships
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
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Guinean Forests of West Africa Large Grants
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites letters of inquiry for large grants to support biodiversity conservation in the Guinean Forests of West Africa hotspot. This call is open to civil society organizations operating in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Liberia, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Projects must align with specific investment priorities related to species conservation and the management of priority sites. Grant amounts range from US$50 thousand to US$250 thousand. Applicants are encouraged to review the regional ecosystem profile and consult with the Regional Implementation Team before submitting their proposals.The deadline for letters of inquiry is 11 May 2026. Know more
Save Our Seas Foundation — Keystone Grants 2026
The Save Our Seas Foundation funds and supports marine and ocean research, conservation, and education projects worldwide. Projects have to focus on charismatic threatened wildlife and their habitats, with a particular concern for marine chondrichthyan species (sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes, and chimaeras). The usual project duration is limited to three years with a grant average of US$25 thousand per year. The next application period (Stage I) is 13 May 2026. Keystone Grants
L’Oréal-UNESCO — Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa
The Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO invite applications for the For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Programme to support young women researchers across the region. This program is open to female PhD students and post-doctoral researchers who are citizens of one of the 49 Sub-Saharan African countries and are conducting research there. Eligible fields include formal and life sciences, environmental and physical sciences, and engineering and technological sciences. The program will award 30 grants of €10 thousand to doctoral students and eight grants of €15 thousand to post-doctoral researchers, alongside leadership and communication training. The deadline for applications is 15 May 2026. Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa
Morris Animal Foundation — Veterinary Student Scholar Program
The Morris Animal Foundation supports research on animal health and welfare, including wildlife/exotics. The Foundation provides veterinary students with the opportunity to become involved in mentored research that advances the health and/or welfare of companion animals and wildlife exotics. The Veterinary Student Scholars program awards stipends up to US$5 thousand to veterinary students. The program is open to currently enrolled veterinary students from all around the world. Applications are due 20 May 2026. Veterinary Student Scholar Program