The Brookfield Zoo Chicago administers conservation grants funded by the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). The Fund’s priority is to support projects that assist directly in the protection of populations of threatened and endangered species; or that protect a specific habitat that is of high biological value or that is substantially threatened (IUCN Red List Status). Grants are up to US$7 thousand. The application deadline for concept notes is 31 August 2025. General directions
community projects
Purpose Earth — Grants and Mentorship
Purpose Earth is a grant and mentorship program empowering leaders and their transformative solutions to our global challenges. Purpose Earth supports projects that are finding creative solutions within the areas of environmental protection, community activation, and cultural collaboration. Grant funding is up to US$10 thousand per recipient. The deadline to apply is 31 August 2025. Purpose Earth Grant Award
African Centre for Technology Studies — Innovation Challenge
The AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge offers up to US$100 thousand in seed funding to scale AI solutions already deployed in real-world settings across Sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative supports innovations addressing climate action, agriculture, education, gender/disability inclusion, and inequality, and provides not only funding but also mentorship. Eligible applicants include individual researchers, startups, universities, and consortia based in countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, and others in the region. The deadline to apply is 04 September 2025. AI4D
International Iguana Foundation — Grants for Iguana Conservation
The International Iguana Foundation makes grants to promote and enable iguana conservation. Preference will be given to projects that are components of approved species recovery plans; projects that directly contribute to the survival of endangered iguanas and their habitats; and projects that are part of an established conservation program. The Foundation looks for projects that have participation from range-countries and matching funds. Small-tier grants provide up to US$10 thousand over 1 year. Full proposals for small-tier grants in the 2025 cycle are due on 20 September 2025. Find this opportunity
Efico Foundation — Support for Coffee Producers
EFICO Foundation supports coffee farmers and their families through training and education programs, sustainable income increase, resilience for climate change, infrastructure support, and natural resource protection. About every 3 years, the Foundation organizes a project initiation round and funds projects that aim to improve the living conditions of coffee producers and their communities. Preference is given to projects having a clear strategy to become self-sustaining and creating a leverage effect. Applicants receive a full application form after contact. Efico Foundation
Conservation Nation — Global Grant Program
The Conservation Nation Grant Program provides funding to help save endangered animals and their ecosystems. This grant will assist early to mid-career conservationists in their efforts by granting up to US$5,000 each, which will fund activities that are essential for their life-saving work but may not be covered by standard grant programs. Applications have to be received by 17 July 2025. Link to grant portal
Lipman Family Prize — Funding for Social Change
Each year, the Lipman Family Prize awards cash to three social impact organizations – US$250 thousand for the winning organization and US$125 thousand for each of the two other honorees. The award recognizes and amplifies the work of organizations devoted to positive social impact and creating sustainable solutions to significant social and economic challenges. Past winners include projects in the field of improved sanitation, energy innovations, and micro-forestry. Eligibility extends to organizations from all around the world addressing social and economic issues. Applications close on 31 July 2025. Find details
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in the Mediterranean Basin
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for small grants (up to US$40 thousand) for projects that support the sustainable management of water catchments through integrated approaches for the conservation of threatened freshwater biodiversity in the Mediterranean Basin. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, community groups, universities and private enterprises. The ecosystem profile technical summary is available in English, French, and Arabic. LOIs must be submitted by 01 August 2025. Click here
Amphibian Survival Alliance — Partnerships for Amphibian Conservation
The Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA) makes grants to evidence-based conservation projects that address key threats to amphibians and raise awareness. AArk Program Grants are intended to support conservation projects for amphibian species that cannot currently be saved in the wild, with a primary focus on ex situ actions, and in partnership with appropriate field activities. Funded programs will receive up to US$7,000 in the first year. Additional funds will be available for year 2 (up to US$5,000) and year 3 (up to US$3,000). Interested organizations must submit project outlines before the deadline on 31 August 2025. Link to AArk Program Grants
Turing Foundation — Grants for Marine Ecosystems
The Turing Foundation is committed to supporting biodiversity—especially marine and coastal ecosystems like mangroves, seagrass, and coral reefs. Projects supported include protection of marine nursery habitats and climate-focused nature conservation efforts. Most grants are to Dutch and international organizations that work with local partners. Turing does not accept unsolicited applications, but it invites brief project summaries. More information