The Conservation Nation Grant Program 2026 will support eight early- to mid-career conservationists working to protect threatened wildlife, biodiversity, habitats, and ecosystems. Each selected conservationist may receive up to US$5,000 for a one-year project, alongside professional development and capacity-building support through the Conservation Nation Network. Applications close on July 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: Conservation Nation Grant Program 2026
Category: Wildlife Conservation Grant
Host: Conservation Nation
Number of Grants: Eight
Grant Amount: Up to US$5,000 per recipient
Grant Period: One year
Project Period: September 2026 to September 2027
Application Deadline: July 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST
About the Conservation Nation Grant Program 2026
The programme provides flexible funding for conservationists addressing biodiversity challenges across terrestrial, marine, and freshwater environments. It aims to support locally connected practitioners and strengthen representation within the conservation sector.
Projects may focus on protecting threatened wildlife species, preserving habitats, restoring ecosystems, supporting biodiversity resilience, or engaging communities in conservation. Preference will be given to projects involving field research, although other activities essential to conservation work may also receive consideration.
You may like: GDPC Spotlight Research Grants Program 2026 for Humanitarian Technology Research
Funding and Available Support
Conservation Nation will award eight grants of up to US$5,000 each. The funding must directly support activities that contribute to wildlife protection, habitat preservation, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem stewardship, education, research, implementation, or community-based conservation.
Funding may support:
✓ New or existing conservation initiatives, including pilot, seed, and proof-of-concept projects
✓ Field research and conservation implementation
✓ Reasonable travel expenses connected to conservation work
✓ Personnel based in the project’s range country
✓ Intern stipends and wages on a case-by-case basis
✓ Honoraria for educational guest speakers or lecturers on a case-by-case basis
✓ Equipment and materials for projects conducted with range-country organizations
Selected grantees will also join the Conservation Nation Network. Through the network, they can access professional development, resources, connections, and capacity-building opportunities.
Activities the Grant Will Not Support
The programme will not fund:
• Activities that are unsupported or strictly based on personal interest
• Teams working on subjects unrelated to conservation
• Salaries or gifts for guest speakers or lecturers
• Cash donations to conservation organizations or third parties
• Lobbying or activities intended to influence legislation
Recommended: Darwin Initiative Funding Round 32 for Conservation Projects
Who Can Apply?
The programme is intended for individuals rather than organizations or collaborative teams. Each application must be completed and submitted directly by the conservationist seeking funding.
Eligible applicants include:
• Early- to mid-career conservationists with up to seven years of conservation experience
• Individual practitioners actively working to protect wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystems
• Full-time conservation professionals employed by nonprofit conservation organizations
• Graduate students and individuals at higher academic levels engaged in conservation-related studies
Graduate student applicants must provide the name and email address of their programme director. Applicants must also have access to a bank account capable of receiving electronic payments in US dollars. Only one application may be submitted by each applicant.
Priority Areas
Conservation Nation particularly encourages applications for projects that:
• Are led by Indigenous or local practitioners
• Thoughtfully incorporate Indigenous and local knowledge, perspectives, or systems
• Use bioacoustics or emerging approaches to understand and protect wildlife and ecosystems
• Support marine conservation and ocean biodiversity protection
Discover: The Sky Is Not The Limit Social Impact Grant 2026
Preparing the Application
Applicants should prepare their materials before completing the online form. The official page recommends reviewing the eligibility requirements, funding criteria, and application questions in advance.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare:
• Project summaries and supporting materials
• A proposed project budget and timeline
• The required Role Model Video
• Any necessary approvals or supporting documentation
The application portal remains the final source of instructions because requirements may be updated. Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
Grantee Responsibilities
Selected recipients must agree to several community, reporting, communication, and professional obligations.
These include:
• Attending at least one Conservation Nation Network Coffee & Chat virtual event
• Supporting the development of a Conservation Nation Academy lesson
• Serving as a conservation role model and ambassador
• Completing an onboarding survey
• Submitting a semi-annual report and a final report
• Providing a final account of expenditures with receipts
• Informing Conservation Nation about material project or budget changes
• Using the funds within the approved grant period
• Providing project updates through blogs, social media posts, or field videos
• Following ethical conservation practices and applicable laws
Key Dates
• Applications opened: July 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST
• Application deadline: July 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST
• Successful applicants notified: Early September 2026
• Funding distributed: Shortly after notification
• Public announcement of grantees: October 2026
• Grant activity period: September 2026 to September 2027
Application Deadline
Applications for the Conservation Nation Grant Program 2026 must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on July 15, 2026. Applications must be completed through the official grant portal.
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official application portal below.
