Six Important Upcoming Wildlife Grants

Wildlife grants play a crucial role in the conservation and protection of our planet’s diverse ecosystems.

These grants provide essential funding for projects aimed at preserving endangered species, restoring habitats, and conducting vital research.

By supporting conservationists, researchers, and local communities, wildlife grants help ensure that future generations can enjoy and benefit from the rich biodiversity that sustains life on Earth.

Check out these 6 upcoming wildlife grants!

1. Animal Protection Program Grants

• Funder: The Summerlee Foundation
• Focus: Animal welfare, veterinary science, wildlife rehabilitation, and wildlife management.
• Grant Amount: Approximately $10,000
• Applicant Type: Nonprofit organizations
• Funding Uses: Education/outreach, research, project/program
• Location: Global
• Deadlines:
• July 8, 2024 (Letter of Inquiry)
• November 17, 2024 (Letter of Inquiry)
• July 8, 2025 (Letter of Inquiry)
• Eligibility:
• Focus on underfunded, exploited animals
• Emphasis on sterilization, vaccination, and humane care for cats and dogs
• Ethical research and advocacy for wildlife, marine mammals, and captive animals
• Accredited animal sanctuaries
• Must be a 501(c)(3) public charity
• No funding for individuals or capital campaigns
• More Information: Visit the funder’s website

2. Ulysses S. Seal Grant

• Funder: Minnesota Zoo
• Focus: Conservation projects in wildlife habitats
• Grant Amount: Unspecified
• Applicant Type: Projects championed by a Minnesota Zoo staff member
• Funding Uses: Field-based Conservation, zoo-based projects
• Location: Global
• Deadline: Rolling
• More Information: Visit the Minnesota Zoo’s website

3. Wildlife Disease Association Small Grants

• Funder: Wildlife Disease Association (WDA)
• Focus: Projects supporting healthy wildlife and ecosystems, biodiversity Conservation, and One Health challenges
• Grant Amount: ≤ $5,000
• Applicant Type: Projects with defined and measurable goals
• Funding Uses: Non-research-based projects
• Deadline: Check the WDA website for specific deadlines
• More Information: Visit the WDA’s website

4. Fund for Wild Nature Grants

• Funder: Fund for Wild Nature
• Focus: North American campaigns to save native species and wild ecosystems
• Grant Amount: Small grants
• Applicant Type: Organizations focusing on biocentric goals and cost-effective strategies
• Funding Uses: Advocacy, litigation, public policy work, and strategic media projects
• Location: North America
• Deadlines:
• May 1st
• October 1st
• Eligibility:
• No funding for basic scientific research, land acquisition, for-profit enterprises, or organizations receiving government Support
• Not funding wildlife sanctuaries, rehabilitation facilities, botanical gardens, zoos, learning centers, or habitat restoration
• More Information: Visit the Fund for Wild Nature’s website

5. The Alongside Wildlife Foundation Seed Grants

• Funder: The Alongside Wildlife Foundation
• Focus: Natural history, science communication, and living alongside wildlife
• Grant Amount: Varies (previously awarded over $74,000 to 51 projects)
• Applicant Type: Organizations with wildlife Conservation projects
• Funding Uses: Seed grants for wildlife projects are often overlooked by major organizations
• Location: Global (examples include projects from Arkansas to Indonesia)
• Deadlines:
• The 2022 application period ended; the next call for proposals to be announced in early 2023
• More Information: Visit the foundation’s website and join their mailing list for updates

6. Mzuri Wildlife Foundation Grants

• Funder: Mzuri Wildlife Foundation
• Focus
• Grant Amount: $5,000 to $15,000
• Applicant Type: Nonprofit organizations
• Funding Uses: Conservation projects, outdoor education initiatives
• Location: Global
• Deadlines:
• Letter of Inquiry (LOI): September 15th
• Formal Grant Application: November 1st
• Grant Notification: Following March
• Application Process:
• Review Programs and Guidelines: Ensure your project aligns with Mzuri’s priorities.
• Submit LOI: Include organization details, mission statement, budget, and project summary. Must be submitted by September 15th.
• Complete Formal Grant Application: If invited, submit by November 1st. Financial data must be in US dollars.
• More Information: Visit the Mzuri Wildlife Foundation’s website and email [email protected] for questions.

Wildlife grants are indispensable tools in the global effort to preserve our natural heritage. They empower dedicated individuals and organizations to make substantial strides in Conservation, driving progress through financial support and fostering innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

As the threats to wildlife and their habitats continue to grow, the importance of these grants cannot be overstated. If you’re eligible to apply for these and make a difference in the lives of animals, take the step today!

This article by Trinity Sparke was first published by One Green Planet on 28 May 2024. Image Credit :SritanaN/Shutterstock.

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