The Conservation Nation Grant Program provides funding to help protect threatened wildlife species and the ecosystems on which they depend by building a stronger and more representative community of conservationists working to address today’s urgent biodiversity challenges. We believe that lasting impact happens when passionate, knowledgeable, diverse, and locally connected conservationists are empowered to lead.
We support innovative, community-informed conservation efforts around the world led by practitioners from all communities, with a focus on those whose perspectives and leadership have historically been underrepresented in conservation. By investing in conservationists, we aim to help protect threatened wildlife species, preserve and restore habitats and ecosystems, and contribute to long-term biodiversity resilience across terrestrial, marine, and freshwater landscapes.
Through the 2026 Conservation Nation Grant Program, eight early- to mid-career conservationists will receive grants of up to US$5,000 each to advance wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection, habitat preservation, ecosystem stewardship, and community engagement. Preference will be given to projects that include field research; however, funding requests may also support activities that are essential to advancing applicants’ conservation work but are not typically covered through traditional grant mechanisms.
In addition to grant funding, we support our grantees through the Conservation Nation Network, where we provide ongoing professional development, resources, connections, and capacity-building opportunities to ensure their growth and success.
By pairing flexible funding with an active and supportive network, Conservation Nation provides conservationists with the tools to advance solutions that contribute to a thriving future for people and wildlife.
Applications must be submitted through the grant portal. Applications submitted via email will not be considered.
Prepare to Apply
Applications for the 2026 Conservation Nation Grant Program will open at 10:00 AM EST on July 8, 2026, and remain open for one week, closing at 11:59 PM EST on July 15, 2026.
The application portal is not yet open, but we encourage prospective applicants to begin preparing materials in advance and reviewing eligibility, funding criteria, and application questions.
Grant Application Portal
The application portal will become available here on July 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM EST.
Grant Application Portal
Preview the Application Before You Begin
To support applicants in preparing strong submissions, please find our applicant questions below.
Download the complete list of application questions (PDF)
We encourage applicants to use this preview period to:
- Confirm eligibility requirements
- Prepare project summaries and supporting materials
- Develop project budgets and timelines
- Record the required Role Model Video in advance
- Gather any required approvals or supporting documentation
Please note that application requirements may be updated prior to the opening of the portal and the application portal should always be considered the final source of instructions.
Explore the inspiring work of our past grantees here.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected].
Application Information
Eligible applicants include:
- Early- to mid-career conservationists (up to 7 years of conservation experience)
- Conservationists from all communities, with particular encouragement for applicants whose perspectives and leadership have historically been underrepresented in conservation
- Individual conservation practitioners actively working to protect wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystems
- Full-time conservation professionals employed by nonprofit conservation organizations
- Graduate students and above who are engaged in conservation-related studies (student applicants must provide their program director's name and email address)
This grant program is intended to support individuals. Applications must be completed and submitted directly by the applicant.
We especially encourage applications from projects that:
- Are led by Indigenous and local practitioners, or thoughtfully incorporate Indigenous and local knowledge systems and perspectives
- Advance bioacoustics and emerging approaches to understanding and protecting wildlife and ecosystems
- Support marine conservation and ocean biodiversity protection
- Applications open at 10:00 AM EST on July 8, 2026
- Applications close at 11:59 PM EST on July 15, 2026
- Successful applicants will be notified in early September 2026 with grant funding distributed shortly thereafter
- Public announcement of grantees will occur in October 2026
- Applicants must be prepared to administer grant activities between September 2026 and September 2027
- Conservation Nation provides grants of up to US$5,000 for a one-year grant period.
- Applicants must demonstrate how funding will directly support activities, research, implementation, education, or community-based efforts that contribute to protecting threatened wildlife species, preserving habitats and ecosystems, addressing biodiversity challenges, and advancing long-term conservation outcomes.
- Preference is given to funding individuals directly. Applicants must have access to a bank account capable of receiving electronic funds in USD.
- Only one application may be submitted per applicant.
Funding may support:
- Existing or new conservation initiatives, including pilot, seed, and proof-of-concept projects
- Field research and conservation implementation activities
- Travel associated with conservation work, including reasonable project-related expenses
- Support for range in-country personnel contributing to project implementation
- Intern stipends and wages on a case-by-case basis
- Honoraria for educational guest speakers or lecturers on a case-by-case basis
- Equipment or materials purchased for projects conducted in partnership with range-country organizations*
* Items purchased for projects in partnership with range country organizations may be donated to the organization at the conclusion of its intended use in the grant-funded project. These items must be visibly labeled as Conservation Nation donations whenever possible.
Grant funding may not support:
- Unsupported activities, activities that are strictly of personal interest
- Working or collaborative teams that focus on topics not related to conservation
- Salaries or gifts for guest speakers or lecturers, etc.
- Cash donations to conservation organizations or third parties
- Lobbying activities or supporting attempts to influence legislation
Grant Requirements
Community Engagement & Education
Recipients agree to:
- Attend at least one Conservation Nation Network Coffee & Chat virtual event
- Collaborate with our Education Team to support the development of a lesson for the Conservation Nation Academy
- Serve as a role model and ambassador for conservation
Reporting & Financial Stewardship
Recipients agree to:
- Complete a short onboarding survey
- Submit a semi-annual report and a final report
- Provide a final accounting of grant expenditures with receipts
- Notify Conservation Nation in advance of material changes to project activities or budget
- Spend grant funds within the approved grant period unless otherwise approved
Communications & Recognition
Recipients agree to:
- Contribute blogs, social media posts, or field videos as updates on how their funds were used
- Recognize Conservation Nation in publications, presentations, conference materials, interviews, and social media
- Promote Conservation Nation via your own social channels
- Provide project updates and media where available
Professional Conduct
Recipients agree to:
- Maintain ethical conservation practices
- Avoid conflicts of interest
- Comply with applicable laws and regulations
- Conduct activities consistent with Conservation Nation's mission and values
Media Permissions
Images and media voluntarily provided to Conservation Nation may be used for communications, educational content, donor outreach, annual reports, website content, and marketing.
Applicants are responsible for obtaining required permissions and releases.
- Conservation Nation may contact applicants with follow-up questions during review
- Selected recipients may be invited to participate in interviews, storytelling, or educational opportunities
- Conservation Nation Education staff are available throughout the grant period to support outreach commitments
- Proposed changes to use of funds must be approved in advance
- Conservation Nation reserves the right to decline funding grants in any given year
