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
biodiversity
United Nations — Marine and Coastal Ecosystems
The SEA Grants program supports community-based conservation initiatives and research aimed at enhancing marine and coastal ecosystem management in the East Asian Seas region. Grants range from US$5,000 to US$50,000 for projects lasting 12 to 18 months. Eligible applicants include local organizations, NGOs, and community groups operating in countries participating in the SCS SAP. The application deadline is 15 May 2025. SEA Grants
IREX — Community Solutions
IREX Community Solutions is a professional development program for community leaders in eligible countries to participate in a four-month fellowship with a local nonprofit organization or government agency in the USA. The subject areas include environmental issues (among others). Applications are accepted from eligible countries in East Asia and the Pacific; South and Central Asia; Sub-Saharan Africa; North Africa and the Middle East; Europe; and Latin America and the Caribbean. Grants are for visa support, international travel, insurance, and a living allowance. The application deadline is 22 May 2025. About the Program
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Biodiversity Information for Development: LAC
The Biodiversity Information for Development program aims to enhance capacity for effective mobilization and use of biodiversity data in support of decision- and policymaking for sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean. GBIF offers support for two types of projects: (1) Institutional-level biodiversity data mobilization grants (maximum funding: €30 thousand for strengthening institutional capacity and mobilize policy-relevant biodiversity data); (2) Multi-institutional biodiversity data mobilization grants (maximum funding: €60 thousand to strengthen collaborations between institutions. Applicants must be legal entities such as research institutions, universities, museums, non-governmental organizations or government agencies located in Caribbean or Latin American countries. Concept notes must be submitted by 27 May 2025. Details here
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Biodiversity Information for Development: Pacific
The Biodiversity Information for Development program aims to enhance capacity for effective mobilization and use of biodiversity data in support of decision- and policymaking for sustainable development in the Pacific. GBIF offers support for two types of projects: (1) Institutional-level biodiversity data mobilization grants (maximum funding: €30 thousand for strengthening institutional capacity and mobilize policy-relevant biodiversity data); (2) Multi-institutional biodiversity data mobilization grants (maximum funding: €60 thousand to strengthen collaborations between institutions. Applicants must be legal entities such as research institutions, universities, museums, non-governmental organizations or government agencies located in Pacific countries. Concept notes must be submitted by 27 May 2025. Details here
Ford — Community-Based Environmental Projects
The Donativos Ambientales Ford 2025 program aims to support community-based environmental projects in Puerto Rico, Panama, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Guatemala that contribute to sustainable development and environmental conservation. The initiative promotes sustainable development by funding projects in four areas: (1) biodiversity conservation and recovery; (2) food security through organic agriculture and sustainable practices; (3) waste management, including reduction, reuse, and recycling; and (4) renewable energy solutions like solar, wind, and biomass. The program will distribute a total of US$85 thousand among selected initiatives. Eligible applicants must be legally registered non-profit organizations. Applications are open until 30 May 2025. Donativos Ambientales Ford
IUCN — Biodiversity Conservation
BESTLIFE2030 provides grant funding for small-scale field actions for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in the EU’s Outermost Regions and associated Overseas Countries and Territories. The program provides support at both local and regional levels for the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of ecosystem services, including for climate adaptation. Grants are a maximum of €100 thousand per recipient for projects ranging between 18 to 36 months. In order to be eligible the lead applicant must be a private or public legal entity and be located in one of the priority regions (Amazonia, the French Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and North Atlantic’s Saint Pierre and Miquelon). The application deadline is 30 May 2025. Link
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Global Forestry Recognition
The FAO 80 Global Forestry Recognition initiative aims to honor individuals and organizations worldwide that have made outstanding contributions to sustainable forest management and the transformation of agrifood systems over the past 80 years. Nominations are open to individuals, institutions, and organizations that have achieved long-term results in forest production, conservation, sustainable use of forest resources, or have implemented effective forest policies and strategies. Interested parties must submit nominations through the official FAO portal by 31 May 2025. Global Forestry Recognition
Public Interest Registry — .ORG Impact Awards
Nominations are now open for the .ORG Impact Awards. The global awards program recognizes individuals and organizations for the impact they have made in their communities. The award will recognize an organization or individual that works to combat the increased threats to the environment, or that has made significant contributions and innovations in the fight to end hunger or alleviate poverty, among other categories. The winner of the year receives US$40 thousand. Winners in their respective categories receive US$10 thousand each. The nomination deadline is 04 June 2025. .ORG Impact Awards
Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research — Visiting Scholar
The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) provides visiting scholarships to mid- to late-career stage scientists and academics involved in Antarctic research. Scholars can undertake short-term visits (up to 4 weeks) to an institute in another SCAR member country, to provide training and mentoring. The Visiting Scholar Scheme provides individual awards of up to US$5 thousand. The closing date for applications is 31 August 2025. SCAR Visiting Scholar