Grant Call for In Situ Conservation of Globally Threatened Trees

The Fondation Franklinia Call for Proposals supports scientifically sound, field-based conservation projects aimed at safeguarding globally threatened tree species in the Mediterranean basin. The programme funds in situ conservation actions that prevent species extinction and improve long-term conservation status through feasible, measurable, and sustainable interventions.

Overview

The Fondation Franklinia is inviting applications from qualified organizations working in the Mediterranean basin to design and implement conservation projects focused on globally threatened tree species.

This call prioritizes direct, field-based conservation actions that are scientifically justified, feasible to implement, and capable of delivering measurable improvements in the conservation status of threatened trees.

Core Objective of the Call

The primary objective of the Fondation Franklinia grant is to prevent the extinction of globally threatened tree species and to improve their long-term conservation status.

Funded projects must clearly demonstrate how proposed activities contribute directly to safeguarding threatened tree species in their natural habitats.

Key Focus Areas

The call for proposals emphasizes the following areas:

• In situ conservation of globally threatened tree species

• Field-based conservation actions with measurable impact

• Prevention of species extinction

• Improvement of conservation status

• Scientifically sound and well-justified project design

• Feasible and achievable conservation outcomes

• Strong organizational capacity and expertise

• Involvement of essential local or technical partners

• Long-term and sustainable conservation impact

Eligible Conservation Activities

Supported projects should focus primarily on practical conservation work implemented in the field.

Priority is given to initiatives that:

• Address urgent conservation threats

• Are grounded in scientific evidence

• Deliver tangible conservation results

• Strengthen protection and management of threatened tree populations

Projects that mainly fund implementation rather than administrative activities are strongly encouraged.

Geographic Scope

This call is open to projects implemented within the Mediterranean basin.

Proposals must clearly demonstrate relevance to conservation priorities in this region and address threats affecting tree species native to Mediterranean ecosystems.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

Eligible applicants must be organizations with:

• Demonstrated expertise in plant or tree conservation

• A proven track record of effective conservation work

• Strong organizational and technical capacity to implement field-based projects

Each organization may submit only one project proposal under this call.

Individual applicants are not eligible.

Proposal Development and Submission Requirements

All project proposals must be developed strictly in line with the official “Instructions for applicants” document prepared by the Fondation Franklinia.

Applicants are required to submit their proposals using all three mandatory templates:

• Project proposal template

• Detailed budget template

• Logical framework template

Incomplete applications or submissions that do not follow the required format will not be reviewed.

Budget Guidelines and Funding Conditions

The Foundation encourages cost-effective projects with budgets that are reasonable in relation to proposed activities.

Key budget rules include:

• Funding should be directed primarily toward field implementation

• Support for general organizational or core costs is limited

• Long-distance travel is discouraged unless local expertise is unavailable

• Indirect costs and overheads must not exceed 10 percent of the total project budget

All budgets must be submitted in one of the following currencies:

• USD

• EUR

• CHF

• GBP

If a grant is awarded, funds will be disbursed once per year in the selected currency, and applicant organizations must ensure their bank accounts can receive funds in that currency.

Evaluation Priorities

During the review process, proposals will be assessed based on:

• Scientific validity and conservation relevance

• Feasibility and clarity of implementation plans

• Expected conservation impact

• Budget justification and cost-effectiveness

• Organizational competence and partnerships

• Contribution to preventing extinction and improving conservation status

Why This Funding Opportunity Matters

Tree species play a critical role in ecosystem stability, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.

Through this call, the Fondation Franklinia aims to:

• Address urgent threats to globally endangered tree species

• Support evidence-based conservation practice

• Strengthen field-level action in biodiversity hotspots

• Promote long-term, sustainable conservation outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main purpose of the Fondation Franklinia Call for Proposals?

The call supports field-based, scientifically sound conservation projects aimed at protecting globally threatened tree species and preventing their extinction.

Who can apply for this funding?

Organizations with demonstrated expertise and effectiveness in plant or tree conservation are eligible to apply. Individuals are not eligible.

How many proposals can an organization submit?

Each organization is permitted to submit only one project proposal under this call.

What types of activities are prioritized?

The Foundation prioritizes in situ, field-based conservation actions that directly improve the conservation status of threatened tree species.

Are organizational overheads allowed?

Yes, but indirect costs and overheads must not exceed 10 percent of the total project budget.

What currencies are accepted for the budget?

Budgets must be submitted in USD, EUR, CHF, or GBP.

How often are grant funds disbursed?

If awarded, funding is disbursed once per year in the selected currency.

Will incomplete applications be considered?

No. Proposals that are incomplete or do not follow the required templates and instructions will not be reviewed.

Conclusion

The Fondation Franklinia Call for Proposals offers targeted support for organizations committed to conserving globally threatened tree species in the Mediterranean basin.

By prioritizing scientifically grounded, field-based action with measurable impact, the programme plays a vital role in preventing species extinction and strengthening long-term tree conservation outcomes.