Deadline: 31-Aug-2026
The Jana Robeyst Trust Fund is a conservation-focused grant program that supports early-career researchers working to protect endangered mammals in Sub-Saharan Africa.
It prioritizes practical, field-based research that contributes directly to biodiversity conservation and scientific understanding.
Core Objectives of the Program
The fund aims to:
- Support conservation of endangered mammals in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Fund field-based biological and ecological research
- Encourage early-career conservation scientists
- Address urgent conservation needs through applied research
- Improve scientific knowledge of threatened species
- Support capacity building in conservation biology
Eligible Research Activities
Funding supports practical conservation-oriented work, including:
Field Research
- Population surveys and ecological studies
- Monitoring of endangered mammal species
- Data collection in natural habitats
- Applied conservation research projects
Project Development
- Pilot conservation initiatives
- Ongoing field-based research with clear outcomes
- Projects addressing identified conservation gaps
Conservation Support Activities
- Essential field equipment purchases
- Travel for research dissemination (conferences/workshops)
- Participation in training programs related to conservation
Eligible Applicants
The program is open to:
- Early-career biologists
- Conservationists and field researchers
- Individuals worldwide (no nationality restriction)
Eligibility condition:
- Research must focus on Sub-Saharan Africa
Applicants should demonstrate academic or institutional affiliation or professional credibility in conservation research.
Funding Details
- Maximum grant: €1,500 per project
- Purpose: Field research and conservation support
- Funding type: Small, targeted conservation grants
Application Cycle and Timeline
Applications are accepted year-round with three annual review deadlines:
- April 30
- August 31
- December 31
Post-submission timeline:
- Results announced within ~6 weeks after deadline
- Funds disbursed within ~4 weeks after acceptance
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Completed application form (English or French)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Contact details of two referees
- Optional reference letter (referees may not be contacted if provided)
- Proof of affiliation (if using professional email not available)
Submission must be via a professional email or verified institutional affiliation.
Eligible and Ineligible Costs
Eligible Costs
- Field equipment essential for research
- Travel for conferences or workshops
- Training or capacity-building participation
- Fieldwork directly related to conservation outcomes
Ineligible Costs
- Salaries or living expenses
- Thesis writing or production costs
- Retrospective expenses
- Debt repayment
- General fundraising activities
- Office equipment (unless essential for fieldwork)
- Volunteer or internship participation (generally excluded)
- Education programs or community workshops
Selection Priorities
The fund prioritizes:
- Research on endangered mammal species
- Strong conservation relevance and urgency
- Field-based, applied scientific work
- Projects addressing specific conservation gaps
- Clear, measurable conservation outcomes
- Early-career researchers with demonstrated potential
Why the Program Matters
The Jana Robeyst Trust Fund is important because it:
- Supports underfunded field conservation research
- Strengthens early-career conservation capacity
- Focuses on endangered mammal protection in Africa
- Enables practical, on-the-ground conservation action
- Encourages applied science with direct ecological impact
- Helps fill critical data gaps in biodiversity research
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting projects outside Sub-Saharan Africa
- Lack of clear conservation application or impact
- Including ineligible costs (e.g., salaries, living expenses)
- Weak connection to endangered mammal conservation
- Missing referee details or required documentation
- Proposing education or workshop-only activities
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus clearly on endangered mammal conservation
- Emphasize field-based, applied research outcomes
- Demonstrate clear ecological or conservation need
- Keep budget realistic and within eligible cost categories
- Ensure strong scientific methodology and clarity
- Highlight how results will contribute to conservation action
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Jana Robeyst Trust Fund?
A small grant program supporting endangered mammal conservation research in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Who can apply?
Early-career biologists and conservationists worldwide.
What is the funding amount?
Up to €1,500 per project.
Where must projects be conducted?
Sub-Saharan Africa only.
What type of projects are supported?
Field-based conservation research on endangered mammals.
When are deadlines?
April 30, August 31, and December 31 each year.
Can salaries or living costs be funded?
No, these are not eligible.
Conclusion
The Jana Robeyst Trust Fund provides targeted, small-scale funding to early-career conservationists working on endangered mammals in Sub-Saharan Africa. By supporting field research, equipment, and scientific dissemination, it strengthens applied conservation efforts and contributes directly to biodiversity protection.
For more information, visit Jana Robeyst Trust Fund.