The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) supports the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries. The scholarships fund cultural and academic exchanges and are awarded across many subjects, including climate resilience and life sciences. Eligibility extends to citizens of (or with refugee status in) a Commonwealth country other than the country hosting the award. Scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses (stipend) for the duration of the award, return economy flight, one-off arrival allowance, and research support grant (on request). The application deadline is 03 June 2026. Find the available scholarships
wildlife
Conservation Action Research Network — Aspire Grant Program 2026
The Aspire Grant Program provides competitive research grants of up to US$5 thousand for African graduate students and early-career professionals working in the areas of biodiversity, conservation, wildlife, and ecosystem health in the Congo Basin. Applicants should be 35 years of age or younger and reside in one of the following countries: Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, or Uganda. The application deadline (English, French, Spanish) is 10 June 2026. About the Aspire Grant Program
International Elephant Foundation — Elephant Conservation and Research 2026
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
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
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
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
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