Call for Proposals: THT Seed Grant Program in India

Deadline: 11-Feb-2026

The THT Seed Grant supports urgent on-ground conservation projects in India focused on lesser-known species and critical habitats. Grants of up to INR 3,00,000 fund practical conservation action, baseline data creation, and species assessment using the IUCN Red List, with personnel costs capped at 10%. Pure academic research and infrastructure development are not eligible.

Overview

The THT Seed Grant aims to:

• Support urgent conservation action in India

• Focus on lesser-known species and critical habitats

• Generate baseline data of conservation value

• Assess species’ conservation status using the IUCN Red List

• Encourage practical, on-ground conservation efforts

• Ensure responsible allocation of resources, with personnel costs capped at 10%

Funding Details

• Maximum grant: INR 3,00,000

• Duration: Up to 1 year

• Personnel costs: Maximum 10% of total grant

• Eligible expenses: Equipment, field activities, surveys, species assessments, conservation interventions

• Ineligible expenses: Infrastructure creation, establishment of NGOs, academic studies, postgraduate/PhD thesis work

Eligible Applicants

• Organizations or individuals conducting conservation projects in India

• Must submit applications in English

• Budgets must be provided in Indian Rupees

• Only one application per month is allowed per applicant

• New project applications can only be submitted after the current grant-funded project is completed

Project Requirements

• Must address urgent conservation needs

• Focus on practical on-ground interventions

• Generate baseline data of conservation value for species or habitats

• Assess species conservation status using the IUCN Red List; quantitative data can supplement if species are not listed

• Pure academic research or thesis work is not eligible

Why This Grant Matters

• Provides immediate support for critical conservation efforts

• Strengthens knowledge and protection of lesser-known species and habitats

• Encourages practical, field-based conservation initiatives

• Ensures efficient use of resources while supporting urgent environmental action

How to Apply

1. Prepare a detailed project proposal highlighting species, habitat, and conservation need

2. Include budget in INR, ensuring personnel costs ≤10%

3. Submit applications in English via the official THT platform

4. Only one application may be submitted per month

5. If awarded, complete the current project before applying for another

Expected Outcomes

• Protection and conservation of lesser-known species and critical habitats

• Generation of baseline data to inform conservation planning

• On-ground practical interventions addressing immediate environmental challenges

• Strengthened conservation capacity among individuals and organizations in India

Conclusion

The THT Seed Grant provides essential funding for urgent conservation projects in India, emphasizing practical, actionable measures to protect lesser-known species and habitats. By supporting immediate on-ground interventions, baseline data creation, and responsible resource allocation, the grant fosters sustainable biodiversity conservation efforts.

For more information, visit The Habitats Trust.