RFAs: The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund Grant Program

The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund provides global grants up to $25,000 for individuals and organizations working to conserve threatened species of animals, plants, and fungi. Prioritizing critically endangered, endangered, and data-deficient species, the fund supports field-based conservation actions such as research, habitat restoration, and community engagement.

Overview of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund

The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZ Fund) is a global grant initiative designed to support individuals and organizations dedicated to the protection of threatened species. By providing funding and recognition, the MBZ Fund enables conservationists to implement targeted, tangible actions that address urgent species protection needs.

Key Objectives and Priorities

The Fund focuses on:

• Conservation of critically endangered, endangered, and data-deficient species.

• Field-based, hands-on conservation projects rather than policy advocacy.

• Supporting work across animals, plants, and fungi globally.

• Enabling community involvement, habitat restoration, and field research.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Individual conservationists and practitioners.

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research institutions, and community-led conservation groups.

• Applicants from any country, reflecting the Fund’s global scope.

• Projects targeting a range of taxa, including less-known and underfunded species.

Ineligible applications include proposals requesting over $25,000, or projects not aligned with field-based species conservation.

Funding Details

• Grant Amount: Up to $25,000 per project.

• Frequency: Three calls for proposals per year.

• Use of Funds: Field research, species monitoring, habitat restoration, community engagement, capacity building, and project-specific conservation activities.

• Co-funding: Projects may have additional funding sources, but the MBZ Fund will not exceed $25,000.

How It Works: Application Process

1. Prepare a Proposal: Clearly outline the species or ecosystem to be conserved, project objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and budget.

2. Submission: Apply online via the MBZ Fund portal during one of the three annual funding rounds.

3. Evaluation: An independent Advisory Board reviews all proposals based on conservation impact, feasibility, and alignment with MBZ Fund priorities.

4. Award Notification: Successful applicants are informed, and funds are disbursed to support project implementation.

5. Reporting: Recipients submit progress and final reports, highlighting outcomes, lessons learned, and community engagement.

Why It Matters

• Focus on lesser-known and underfunded species ensures conservation attention is spread effectively.

• Supports real-world, on-the-ground actions that can create measurable impact.

• Provides credibility and visibility for conservation projects, helping secure additional funding and recognition.

• Strengthens global biodiversity conservation networks by connecting practitioners across regions.

H2: Tips for a Successful Application

• Target species classified as critically endangered, endangered, or data-deficient.

• Ensure the proposal demonstrates tangible outcomes and field-based activities.

• Provide a clear, realistic budget within the $25,000 limit.

• Highlight community engagement, partnerships, and capacity-building components.

• Align project objectives with global conservation priorities and demonstrate measurable impact.

FAQ

Q1: Can I apply if my project costs more than $25,000?
A: Yes, but the MBZ Fund will only provide up to $25,000. Proposals requesting more will be rejected.

Q2: Are projects outside my home country eligible?
A: Yes, the Fund is global and accepts applications from all regions.

Q3: What types of projects are prioritized?
A: Field-based conservation projects targeting threatened species, including research, habitat restoration, and community involvement.

Q4: How often can I apply?
A: Applications are accepted three times per year, and individuals may apply in multiple rounds.

Q5: Do I need prior experience in conservation?
A: Experience is highly recommended, especially demonstrated involvement in species conservation projects.

Q6: Can organizations submit consortium proposals?
A: Yes, collaborative projects are welcome, provided the lead applicant is clearly defined and aligns with the Fund’s priorities.

Q7: What happens after receiving the grant?
A: Recipients implement their project, provide regular progress updates, and submit a final report documenting outcomes and impact.

Conclusion

The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund offers a strategic and impactful opportunity for conservationists worldwide to protect threatened species. By providing financial support, visibility, and credibility, the Fund empowers individuals and organizations to carry out field-based conservation projects that deliver measurable, lasting benefits for biodiversity. It is a key platform for fostering global action to safeguard animals, plants, and fungi at risk of extinction.