Deadline: 16-Aug-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:
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.
For more information, visit Play for Nature.