Deadline: 31-May-2026
The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund is a global grant program dedicated to supporting on-the-ground conservation projects that protect threatened species.
The fund focuses on practical, field-based interventions that directly contribute to species survival and biodiversity protection.
Core Objectives of the Program
The fund aims to:
- Protect critically endangered, endangered, and data-deficient species
- Support field-based conservation actions and research
- Promote species recovery and habitat protection
- Encourage conservation of underfunded and lesser-known species
- Strengthen global conservation capacity and expertise
- Support professional development of conservationists
Eligible Conservation Activities
The program supports a wide range of practical conservation work, including:
Field-Based Research and Monitoring
- Species surveys and population assessments
- Data collection and ecological research
- Field observations and biodiversity monitoring
Species Recovery and Protection
- Habitat restoration and protection
- Threat mitigation activities
- Species recovery programs
Conservation of Biodiversity
- Protection of animals, plants, and fungi
- Work on single-species conservation projects
- Ex situ conservation in specific justified cases
Capacity Building
- Training and professional development for conservationists
- Skill development in field conservation methods
Eligible Applicants
The program is globally inclusive and accepts applications from:
- Individual conservationists
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Research institutions and universities
- Field-based conservation teams
Applicants must be directly involved in species conservation activities.
Funding Details
- Maximum grant per project: $25,000 USD
- Requests above this limit are not eligible
- Co-funding is allowed, but MBZ contribution remains capped
Funding is intended for direct conservation impact rather than administrative costs.
Application Cycle
Applications are accepted:
- Year-round (rolling basis)
- Reviewed in three main rounds per year:
- End of February
- End of June
- End of October
Late submissions are automatically moved to the next round.
Application Requirements
Applicants must:
- Submit applications online
- Use English as the application language
- Present budgets in USD
- Clearly define objectives and methods
- Provide measurable conservation outcomes
- Focus on practical field implementation
Selection Priorities
The fund prioritizes:
- Single-species conservation projects
- Direct, on-the-ground conservation action
- Species with high extinction risk
- Underfunded or overlooked species
- Field-based ecological research
- Projects with measurable conservation impact
What the Fund Does NOT Support
- Core organizational or administrative costs
- Purely office-based research without fieldwork
- Large-scale infrastructure projects
- Projects without clear species conservation outcomes
- Proposals lacking measurable impact indicators
Why the Fund Matters
This program is important because it:
- Directly supports biodiversity conservation globally
- Provides funding for underrepresented and threatened species
- Enables rapid, field-based conservation interventions
- Strengthens global conservation research capacity
- Supports small-scale but high-impact ecological projects
- Helps prevent species extinction through targeted action
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting projects without clear species focus
- Lack of measurable conservation outcomes
- Overly broad or non-field-based proposals
- Requesting funding above $25,000
- Poorly defined methodology or objectives
- Ignoring eligibility of species conservation scope
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on a single species with clear conservation need
- Emphasize field-based, practical activities
- Provide measurable outcomes (population, habitat, threat reduction)
- Clearly define methods and timelines
- Highlight conservation urgency and impact potential
- Ensure budget clarity in USD
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund?
A global grant program supporting field-based conservation of threatened species.
Who can apply?
Individuals, NGOs, universities, and research institutions involved in conservation.
What is the funding amount?
Up to $25,000 per project.
What types of projects are supported?
Field-based species conservation, habitat protection, and ecological research.
Are applications open all year?
Yes, with three main review rounds annually.
What species are eligible?
Critically endangered, endangered, and data-deficient species, including animals, plants, and fungi.
Does it fund administrative costs?
No, it focuses on direct conservation activities.
Conclusion
The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund provides critical support for targeted, field-based conservation projects worldwide. By funding practical interventions for threatened species, it plays a key role in protecting biodiversity, preventing extinction, and strengthening global conservation capacity.
For more information, visit The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund.
