Applications open for Biodiv’Sport Grant Programme 2026

The Biodiv’Sport Grant Programme provides funding support to biodiversity conservation organisations that combine sports activities with biodiversity awareness and environmental education. The programme supports projects focused on protecting threatened species, conserving ecosystems, conducting scientific studies, and engaging communities through sport-based conservation activities.

Eligible organisations must be legally established civil society organisations with biodiversity conservation as their primary mission and at least three years of operational experience. First-time partner organisations can receive grants of up to €5,000 for projects involving species classified as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Overview of the Biodiv’Sport Grant Programme

The Biodiv’Sport Grant Programme supports biodiversity conservation organisations that use sport as a tool to promote environmental awareness and protect threatened species.

The programme encourages projects that connect:

• Biodiversity conservation
• Species protection
• Ecosystem preservation
• Sport-based awareness activities
• Environmental education
• Community participation

The initiative aims to create greater public engagement in biodiversity protection by combining conservation actions with sports activities.

Objectives of the Biodiv’Sport Grant Programme

The programme aims to support projects that:

• Protect endangered species and their natural habitats
• Increase public understanding of biodiversity challenges
• Promote environmental education through sports
• Support scientific research and conservation studies
• Encourage community involvement in biodiversity protection

The grant focuses on practical conservation activities that create measurable environmental benefits.

Key Focus Areas Supported by the Programme

The Biodiv’Sport Grant Programme supports projects in the following areas:

Biodiversity Conservation

Projects may focus on:

• Wildlife protection
• Ecosystem conservation
• Habitat restoration
• Biodiversity monitoring
• Protection of natural resources

Protection of Endangered Species and Ecosystems

Projects must contribute to the protection of threatened species and their habitats.

Activities may include:

• Species conservation programmes
• Habitat protection initiatives
• Community-based conservation efforts
• Awareness campaigns for threatened wildlife

In Situ Conservation Programmes

The programme supports conservation activities carried out in natural environments.

Examples include:

• Field conservation projects
• Species monitoring
• Habitat management
• Protection of wildlife populations

Scientific Research and Studies

Eligible projects may include:

• Biodiversity research
• Species assessment studies
• Ecological surveys
• Conservation data collection

Sport-Based Biodiversity Awareness

Projects must use sports activities to increase awareness about biodiversity.

Examples include:

• Sports events linked with conservation campaigns
• Outdoor activities promoting environmental protection
• Community sports programmes focused on nature awareness

Environmental Education

Supported activities may include:

• Educational workshops
• Awareness programmes
• Community outreach
• Conservation learning activities

Who Is Eligible for the Biodiv’Sport Grant?

The programme is open to biodiversity conservation organisations that meet specific eligibility requirements.

Eligible organisations must:

• Be civil society organisations
• Have biodiversity conservation as their main mission
• Be legally established for at least three years
• Demonstrate previous work related to biodiversity conservation

Eligible applicants may include:

• Conservation NGOs
• Environmental organisations
• Biodiversity-focused civil society groups

Organisations that have previously received a Biodiv’Sport grant are also eligible to apply.

Project Eligibility Requirements

Projects must meet the following conditions:

• Include a clear biodiversity conservation objective
• Combine sport activities with biodiversity awareness
• Support the protection of threatened species or ecosystems

Each project must involve at least one threatened species listed on the IUCN Red List.

Eligible species categories include:

• Vulnerable (VU)
• Endangered (EN)
• Critically Endangered (CR)

The project should explain how activities contribute to protecting the selected species or ecosystem.

Funding Amount and Budget Requirements

The grant amount depends on the partnership status.

For first-time partnerships:

• Maximum grant amount: €5,000

The requested funding must follow these financial requirements:

• The grant amount must not exceed 50% of the organisation’s annual budget.
• The grant amount must represent at least 10% of the total project cost.

Applicants should prepare a realistic budget showing how funds will support conservation activities.

Why the Biodiv’Sport Grant Matters

Biodiversity loss is increasing due to climate change, habitat destruction, pollution, and unsustainable human activities.

The Biodiv’Sport Grant helps organisations address these challenges by supporting:

• Protection of threatened species
• Ecosystem conservation
• Public environmental awareness
• Community participation
• Innovative conservation approaches

Sport provides a powerful way to reach communities, engage young people, and promote positive environmental behaviour.

How the Biodiv’Sport Grant Programme Works

The programme provides project-based funding to eligible biodiversity conservation organisations.

Step 1: Develop a Conservation Project Idea

Applicants should define:

• The biodiversity issue being addressed
• Target species or ecosystem
• Conservation goals
• Sport-based awareness activities

Step 2: Confirm Organisation Eligibility

Applicants should verify:

• Legal registration status
• Three years of organisational experience
• Biodiversity conservation mission
• Previous conservation activities

Step 3: Prepare a Project Proposal

The proposal should include:

• Project background
• Conservation objectives
• Planned activities
• Target communities
• Expected environmental outcomes

Step 4: Prepare the Budget

Applicants should explain:

• Total project cost
• Requested grant amount
• Other financial resources
• Use of funds

The budget must comply with the programme’s funding limits.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Applicants must submit their application according to the Biodiv’Sport Grant Programme requirements.

The application should clearly demonstrate:

• Conservation impact
• Connection between sport and biodiversity awareness
• Organisational capacity

Projects Not Eligible for Funding

The programme does not support:

Sports Projects Without Conservation Objectives

Projects focused only on sports activities without biodiversity goals are not eligible.

Organisational Overhead Costs Alone

Funding cannot be used only for:

• Administrative expenses
• General operating costs
• Organisational overheads

Rescue and Rehabilitation Centres Without Reintroduction

Rescue or rehabilitation centre projects are not eligible unless they include a species reintroduction component.

Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

Weak Connection Between Sport and Biodiversity

Applicants should clearly explain how sports activities support conservation goals.

Missing Threatened Species Information

Applications should include:

• Species name
• IUCN Red List category
• Conservation importance

Unclear Budget Planning

Applicants should ensure:

• Costs are directly linked to project activities
• Funding limits are followed
• Budget details are transparent

Focusing Only on Awareness Activities

Projects should demonstrate actual biodiversity conservation outcomes, not only awareness campaigns.

Tips for a Strong Biodiv’Sport Grant Application

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

• Selecting a clearly identified threatened species
• Explaining measurable conservation outcomes
• Designing engaging sport-based activities
• Including community participation
• Demonstrating previous conservation experience
• Preparing a realistic project budget

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Biodiv’Sport Grant Programme?

The Biodiv’Sport Grant Programme provides financial support to biodiversity conservation organisations that combine sport activities with biodiversity awareness and environmental education.

Who can apply for the Biodiv’Sport Grant?

Civil society organisations focused on biodiversity conservation and legally established for at least three years can apply.

How much funding is available?

First-time partner organisations can receive grants up to €5,000.

What species must projects support?

Projects must involve at least one species classified as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Can previous grant recipients apply again?

Yes. Organisations that have previously received funding can apply if they continue meeting eligibility requirements.

Are sports-only projects eligible?

No. Sports activities must have a clear biodiversity conservation purpose.

Are rescue and rehabilitation centres eligible?

Only rescue and rehabilitation projects that include a species reintroduction component may be considered.

Conclusion

The Biodiv’Sport Grant Programme supports biodiversity conservation organisations by combining sport, environmental education, and species protection activities. Through funding for threatened species conservation, scientific studies, and community awareness, the programme helps strengthen global biodiversity protection efforts and encourages wider public participation in environmental conservation.