Deadline: 20-Jul-2026
The WCT-Biodiversity, Ecosystems and Endangered Species (BEES) Grant Programme supports wildlife research and grassroots conservation initiatives focused on endangered species and biodiversity-rich landscapes in India. The programme provides financial assistance to researchers, conservationists, and organizations working on evidence-based conservation, habitat protection, and community-led environmental action.
The grants support projects that create measurable conservation outcomes through research, field activities, awareness, education, and sustainable conservation practices.
Overview of the WCT-BEES Grants Programme
The WCT-Biodiversity, Ecosystems and Endangered Species (BEES) Grant Programme provides funding support for conservation research and on-ground conservation efforts across India.
The programme focuses on protecting:
- Endangered wildlife species
- Important ecosystems
- Biodiversity-rich landscapes
- Threatened habitats
- Community-based conservation initiatives
The initiative supports individuals and organizations working to address conservation challenges through practical and science-based solutions.
Purpose of the Grant Programme
The WCT-BEES Grants aim to:
- Strengthen wildlife conservation research
- Support endangered species protection
- Promote habitat conservation
- Encourage grassroots conservation action
- Generate evidence for conservation decision-making
- Increase community involvement in nature protection
The programme recognizes that long-term conservation requires collaboration between researchers, local communities, and conservation organizations.
Key Focus Areas
The grant programme supports projects related to:
Biodiversity Conservation
Projects may focus on:
- Protection of threatened species
- Biodiversity monitoring
- Species recovery efforts
- Conservation planning
Ecosystem Protection
Activities may include:
- Habitat assessment
- Landscape conservation
- Ecosystem restoration
- Protection of critical habitats
Endangered Species Research
Research projects may address:
- Species ecology
- Population studies
- Threat assessment
- Conservation strategies
Grassroots Conservation Initiatives
Community-focused projects may include:
- Local conservation programmes
- Community awareness activities
- Conservation education
- Sustainable resource management
Nature Awareness and Environmental Education
Projects can promote:
- Environmental awareness
- Community participation
- Conservation learning
- Public engagement
Sustainable Livelihood Support
Projects may include social dimensions such as:
- Community-based conservation
- Alternative livelihood options
- Local participation in conservation efforts
Types of Grants Available
The WCT-BEES Grants Programme offers two grant categories:
Wildlife Research Small Grant
This grant supports wildlife researchers conducting studies related to endangered species and biodiversity-important landscapes.
Priority is given to projects where:
- Conservation is a central objective
- Research contributes to practical conservation outcomes
- Findings can support wildlife management decisions
Grassroots Conservation Small Grant
This category supports conservationists and organizations directly involved in protecting endangered species and important habitats.
Projects may include:
- Field conservation activities
- Community conservation programmes
- Habitat protection efforts
- Awareness initiatives
Grant Amount and Duration
Selected applicants may receive:
- Grant amount: INR 3,00,000 to INR 3,50,000
- Maximum project duration: 10 months
Projects must demonstrate:
- Clear objectives
- Measurable results
- Practical conservation benefits
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to:
- Indian citizens
- Conservation researchers
- Wildlife professionals
- Conservation organizations
- Educational institutions
- Other eligible conservation groups
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a recognised graduate degree
- Have relevant conservation or research experience
- Be able to implement the proposed project in India
For organizations and educational institutions, the qualification requirement applies to the lead applicant.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be Indian nationals or registered organizations operating in India
- Have a valid registration certificate where applicable
- Submit only one project proposal
- Demonstrate conservation relevance
- Show capacity to complete the project successfully
Eligible applicants include:
- Individuals
- Non-profit organizations
- Conservation groups
- Academic institutions
How the Grant Works
The grant process generally follows these stages:
Step 1: Identify a Conservation Challenge
Applicants should define:
- Species or ecosystem concerned
- Conservation problem
- Existing knowledge gaps
- Expected conservation impact
Step 2: Develop a Project Proposal
The proposal should include:
- Project objectives
- Research or conservation approach
- Timeline
- Expected outcomes
- Budget requirements
Step 3: Implement Field Activities
Approved projects may involve:
- Field surveys
- Research activities
- Community interactions
- Conservation interventions
- Awareness programmes
Step 4: Measure Conservation Outcomes
Projects should document:
- Results achieved
- Conservation benefits
- Lessons learned
- Future recommendations
Permitted Use of Grant Funds
Grant funds may support:
- Research activities
- Fieldwork expenses
- Interviews and surveys
- Travel related to project implementation
- Lodging and boarding during field activities
- Staff stipends
- Essential approved field equipment
A major portion of funding must directly support project activities.
Expenses Not Supported
The grant does not support:
- Organizational overhead costs
- Permanent infrastructure
- Litigation expenses
- Undercover operations
- Enforcement activities
- Conference participation
- Laboratory analysis travel
- Expensive equipment purchases
Examples of restricted equipment include:
- DSLR cameras
- Laptops
- Vehicles
Expected Outcomes
Supported projects should contribute to:
Stronger Conservation Evidence
- Improved understanding of species and ecosystems
- Research-based conservation strategies
- Better decision-making
Protection of Threatened Species
- Improved conservation practices
- Reduced threats
- Habitat protection
Community Participation
- Increased conservation awareness
- Local involvement
- Sustainable conservation solutions
Why This Grant Matters
India is home to diverse ecosystems and many threatened species facing pressures such as:
- Habitat loss
- Human-wildlife conflict
- Climate change
- Unsustainable resource use
Supporting local researchers and conservation groups helps create practical solutions based on field realities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting projects without clear conservation outcomes
- Proposing research with no link to conservation action
- Creating unrealistic timelines
- Including unsupported expenses
- Ignoring community involvement
- Failing to explain expected impact
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Clearly define the conservation problem
- Link research activities to real conservation needs
- Include measurable outcomes
- Create realistic budgets
- Explain long-term conservation value
- Highlight community benefits where relevant
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the WCT-BEES Grant Programme?
It is a conservation funding programme that supports wildlife research and grassroots conservation initiatives focused on endangered species and biodiversity-rich landscapes in India.
Who can apply for the WCT-BEES Grants?
Indian citizens, researchers, conservationists, and eligible conservation organizations can apply.
What is the grant amount?
Selected applicants receive funding between INR 3,00,000 and INR 3,50,000.
How long can projects run?
Projects must be completed within a maximum period of 10 months.
What types of projects receive priority?
Priority is given to projects focused on endangered species, important ecosystems, habitat conservation, and practical conservation outcomes.
Can organizations apply?
Yes. Registered conservation organizations and institutions can apply, provided they meet eligibility requirements.
Can grant funds be used to purchase equipment?
Only essential approved field equipment may be supported. Expensive items such as laptops, vehicles, and DSLR cameras are not eligible.
Conclusion
The WCT-Biodiversity, Ecosystems and Endangered Species (BEES) Grant Programme provides important support for protecting India’s wildlife and ecosystems through research-driven and community-based conservation.
By funding researchers, conservationists, and grassroots organizations, the programme strengthens efforts to conserve endangered species, protect habitats, and create sustainable solutions for biodiversity conservation.
For more information, visit WCT.