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Call for Proposals: EMA Small Grant Program (Asia and Africa)

Deadline: 18-Apr-2026

The Elephant Managers Association (EMA) is accepting applications for its 2026 Small Grant Program to support field-based elephant conservation projects in Africa and Asia. Two grants of $3,000 each are available to fund innovative initiatives that improve elephant welfare, strengthen community capacity, and address urgent conservation challenges. Projects must demonstrate meaningful impact and scalability to benefit elephants, people, and conservation efforts.

Overview

The EMA Small Grant Program provides funding to advance field-based elephant conservation initiatives across Africa and Asia. The program supports projects that deliver education, community outreach, capacity-building, and improvements in captive elephant management and welfare. Grants are intended for new projects or new components of existing initiatives, with outcomes that can be applied to other conservation efforts.

Key Focus Areas

  • Education and community outreach for elephant conservation

  • Capacity-building in local communities

  • Improvements in captive elephant management and welfare

  • Innovative projects with transferable outcomes

  • Addressing urgent and significant elephant-related challenges

Funding Details

  • Number of grants: 2

  • Grant amount: $3,000 each

  • Funding type: Seed money for new projects or new components of existing projects

  • Eligible regions: Africa and Asia

  • Application deadline: April 18, 2026, 11:59 PM EST

Eligibility Criteria

  • Field-based elephant conservation projects only

  • Open to keepers, conservationists, researchers, and relevant organizations

  • Projects must align with EMA’s mission and priorities

  • For projects outside the U.S., a recent letter of support from an appropriate authority authorizing implementation is required

Proposal Requirements

  1. Project Details: Title, location, organizational affiliation, project leadership

  2. Budget Information: Total project cost, requested EMA funding, detailed budget with justification

  3. Project Summary: Statement of need, objectives, and activities

  4. Timeline: Realistic implementation schedule

  5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Methods to track progress and outcomes

  6. Qualifications: CV or statement of qualifications of project leader

  7. Funding Impact: Explanation of how EMA funding will benefit the project and potential outcomes with partial funding

Reporting Requirements

  • Mid-term update and final report submission

  • Include photos, videos, or short content suitable for EMA social media

  • Reports must demonstrate project outcomes, impact, and alignment with EMA priorities

How to Apply

  • Submit proposals via email in .docx, .doc, or PDF format

  • Include all required documents, project details, and supporting letters (if applicable)

  • Ensure submission is received by the deadline; late submissions will not be considered

Common Mistakes & Tips

  • Submitting incomplete proposals lacking project objectives, timeline, or budget justification

  • Missing the mandatory letter of support for projects outside the U.S.

  • Proposing non-field-based or irrelevant projects

  • Failing to demonstrate impact or transferability of outcomes

  • Ignoring EMA reporting requirements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Who can apply? Keepers, conservationists, researchers, and organizations working in elephant conservation.

  2. Which regions are eligible? Field-based projects in Africa and Asia.

  3. How many grants are available? Two grants of $3,000 each.

  4. Can existing projects apply? Yes, if proposing a new component with transferable outcomes.

  5. Is a letter of support required? Yes, for projects implemented outside the U.S.

  6. What formats are accepted for submission? .docx, .doc, or PDF files via email.

  7. What are reporting requirements? Mid-term updates and final reports with photos, videos, and social media-ready content.

Conclusion

The EMA Small Grant Program offers a unique opportunity for conservationists, researchers, and field practitioners to implement innovative, high-impact elephant conservation initiatives. By funding projects that strengthen community engagement, improve elephant welfare, and address urgent conservation challenges, EMA supports scalable solutions that benefit both elephants and human communities across Africa and Asia.

For more information, visit EMA.