Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. in Sunsari district, eastern Nepal. ©Narayan Rai.
Looking for funding to support your conservation work? We’ve rounded up a selection of opportunities that may be of interest to students and early-career researchers. From shark conservation to youth-led environmental initiatives, these grants could help expand your impact.
1. Shark Conservation Fund (SCF) – 2025 Small Grant Fund
- Who can apply? Individuals or groups affiliated with non-profit organisations or academic institutions, including undergraduate and postgraduate students, focused on shark and ray conservation.
- Funding amount: Up to $25,000 per project.
- Deadline: Concept Notes must be submitted by 31 March 2025, 5:00 pm EST.
- How to apply: Register and submit a Concept Note through the SCF grant portal.
- More information: SCF 2025 RFP
2. The Iris Prize 2025
- Who can apply? Individuals or teams aged 14-24 leading youth-led environmental initiatives.
- Funding amount: Seed Prize of $5,000 for new project ideas (ages 14-24), Stem Prize of $10,000 for recently established projects (ages 16-24), and Iris Prize of $15,000 for well-established projects with growth potential (ages 16-24).
- Deadline: 15 April 2025, 23:59 CEST.
- How to apply: Complete the eligibility quiz and submit the application form.
- More information: The Iris Prize 2025 Application Details
3. Fondation Franklinia – Call for Proposals
- Who can apply? Organisations focusing on in situ conservation of globally threatened trees, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Funding amount: Not specified.
- Deadline: Proposals must be submitted by 6 April 2025, midnight CET.
- How to apply: Submit the project proposal, budget, and logical framework using the provided templates.
- More information: Fondation Franklinia Call for Proposals
4. IUCN NL – Land Acquisition Fund
- Who can apply? Local conservation organisations and civil society organisations aiming to acquire threatened nature, create reserves and connect habitats for endangered species.
- Funding amount: Up to €100,000 per project.
- Deadline: 1 May 2025.
- How to apply: Submit a proposal detailing the land acquisition project.
- More information: IUCN NL Call for Proposals
Bonus
5. Rufford Small Grant
- Who can apply? Individuals working on nature conservation projects in developing countries, particularly early-career conservationists with limited access to major funding sources. Applicants must be directly involved in field-based research or conservation work.
- Funding amount: Up to £7,000 for first-time applicants, increasing to up to £18,000 for fourth-time applicants.
- Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
- How to apply: Submit a proposal through The Rufford Foundation’s online application portal, ensuring the project aligns with the grant criteria. Applications must demonstrate clear conservation value, feasibility and long-term impact.
- More information: Rufford Small Grants
We encourage our Rufford grantees to explore these exciting opportunities. Wishing you success with your applications!
Explore projects funded by The Rufford Foundation here.