Deadline: 01-Mar-2026
Bears in Mind Grants support global projects focused on the conservation, research, education, and welfare of bear species, with priority given to brown bears, Asiatic black bears, sun bears, sloth bears, and Andean bears. Funding is available to legal entities working in Europe, Asia, and South America, with annual grant limits announced each year on February 1.
Overview of the Bears in Mind Funding Programme
The Bears in Mind Grants programme provides financial support to organisations dedicated to the protection, conservation, and study of the world’s bear species and their habitats.
The initiative covers all eight bear species worldwide, with a primary focus on:
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Brown bear
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Asiatic black bear
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Sun bear
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Sloth bear
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Andean bear
Through targeted funding, Bears in Mind aims to strengthen wildlife conservation, improve scientific knowledge, raise public awareness, and enhance the welfare of captive bears.
Key Concepts Explained
Bear Conservation and Habitat Protection
Bear conservation involves safeguarding bear populations by protecting natural habitats, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and supporting species recovery efforts. Habitat protection is essential to ensure bears have access to food, shelter, and safe migration corridors.
Captive Bear Welfare
Captive bear welfare focuses on improving living conditions, rehabilitation, rescue, and long-term care for bears kept in sanctuaries, rescue centers, or other managed environments.
Conservation Education and Research
Education and scientific research help increase understanding of bear behavior, ecology, and threats, while promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Objectives of the Bears in Mind Grants
The funding programme aims to:
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Conserve bear species and their natural habitats
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Support scientific research and data collection
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Improve welfare standards for captive bears
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Increase public awareness and education on bear conservation
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Strengthen collaboration among conservation organisations
Projects must demonstrate clear conservation value and measurable impact.
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
Bears in Mind funds a wide range of bear-related initiatives, including:
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In-situ conservation and habitat protection projects
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Scientific research on bear populations and ecology
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Education and awareness campaigns
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Rescue, rehabilitation, and welfare projects for captive bears
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Community-based conservation initiatives
Projects that integrate collaboration and co-funding are strongly encouraged.
Funding Details and Grant Duration
Grant Amount
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The total funding pool varies annually based on donations
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The maximum funding amount per project is announced each year on February 1
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For the 2026 funding cycle, applicants must refer to the official February 1 announcement
Funding Period
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Grants are guaranteed for one year
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Organisations may apply for continuation funding after the first year, subject to review
Funding cannot be used for Western salaries, and applicants are encouraged to secure additional co-funding to enhance project impact.
Geographic Focus Areas
Bears in Mind prioritizes projects located in:
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Europe
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Asia
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South America
Projects outside these regions are generally not considered under this funding programme.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for a Bears in Mind Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Be a legal entity (non-profit organisations, NGOs, research institutions)
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Operate in eligible geographic regions
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Submit only one application per organisation per year
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Have completed any previously funded Bears in Mind projects before submitting a new proposal
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Commit to submitting regular progress reports and financial accounts
Private individuals are not eligible to apply.
How the Selection Process Works
Step 1: Application Submission
Organisations submit a detailed project proposal using the official application forms, outlining objectives, activities, budget, and expected outcomes.
Step 2: Project Committee Review
Proposals are reviewed and scored by the Bears in Mind Project Committee based on predefined criteria.
Step 3: Evaluation Criteria
Key assessment areas include:
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Clarity of objectives and goals
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Expected conservation impact
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Measurability of results
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Scalability and transferability of the project
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Level of collaboration and co-funding
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Long-term sustainability
Only the highest-scoring proposals are selected for funding.
Why This Funding Matters
The Bears in Mind Grants play a crucial role in global wildlife conservation.
They help:
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Protect endangered and threatened bear species
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Preserve critical ecosystems and biodiversity
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Improve standards of care for captive bears
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Strengthen conservation capacity in key regions
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Support evidence-based conservation and education initiatives
By combining conservation, research, and welfare, the programme delivers holistic and lasting impact.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:
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Clearly defining conservation challenges and solutions
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Demonstrating measurable and realistic outcomes
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Showing strong partnerships and local collaboration
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Including co-funding or in-kind contributions
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Aligning project goals with Bears in Mind priorities
Well-structured, evidence-based proposals are more competitive.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting more than one application per year
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Applying with an ongoing, incomplete Bears in Mind project
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Requesting funds for ineligible expenses such as Western salaries
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Failing to demonstrate measurable impact
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Weakly addressing collaboration or sustainability
Avoiding these issues improves the likelihood of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bear species are prioritized by Bears in Mind?
The programme prioritizes brown bears, Asiatic black bears, sun bears, sloth bears, and Andean bears, while supporting conservation of all eight bear species.
When is the maximum grant amount announced?
The maximum funding amount per project is announced annually on February 1.
Can private individuals apply for funding?
No, grants are available only to legal entities, not private individuals.
Are projects outside Europe, Asia, and South America eligible?
Generally, no. Bears in Mind primarily funds projects in these three regions.
Is co-funding required?
Co-funding is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged to increase project impact.
How long does the funding last?
Grants are guaranteed for one year, with the option to apply for continuation funding.
Are salary costs eligible?
Funding cannot be used for Western salaries.
Conclusion
The Bears in Mind Grants offer a vital funding opportunity for organisations committed to bear conservation, research, education, and welfare. By supporting high-impact projects across Europe, Asia, and South America, the programme contributes directly to the long-term protection of bear species and their habitats worldwide.
For more information, visit Bears in Mind.