Deadline: 14-Nov-2025
The Wild Animal Initiative’s Discovery Grants Program provides funding for projects that expand the evidence base of wild animal welfare, with a focus validating methods and applying them to new systems.
Projects must connect wild animal welfare to at least one of the following priority topics: welfare indicator validation, interspecific interactions, population dynamics, cause-specific mortality, landscape ecology, cascade effects, welfare interventions, juvenile welfare, invertebrate welfare, and fish welfare.
Each Discovery Grants call solicits project proposals within these broad themes aligned with Wild Animal Initiative’s research priorities. The grants are designed to support highly cost-effective projects, with funds primarily directed toward uniquely welfare-relevant activities.
The total grant amount ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 USD, with a duration of up to three years. These grants are open to all, but they particularly encourage applications from early career researchers such as postdoctoral scholars and PhD students who aim to build a long-term career in wild animal welfare. Established researchers who wish to expand their existing research portfolio to include wild animal welfare are also eligible.
Funding prioritizes direct research costs, such as supplies and materials, though other expenses like stipends, salaries, or equipment may be covered if well justified. While proposals are not rejected solely based on budget, applicants are encouraged to request only the resources reasonably required for project completion. However, indirect costs and institutional overheads are not eligible for funding.
The initiative cannot sponsor visas or fund research carried out in the United States by non-U.S. residents, nor can it support projects in countries under U.S. sanctions such as Iran, North Korea, or Russia. Additionally, it generally avoids funding multiple concurrent projects led by the same principal investigator.
Eligible projects may either be standalone or add a wild animal welfare component to an existing project not funded by Wild Animal Initiative. Each project must be led by a principal investigator affiliated with a recognized university or research institution, such as a government agency. In addition, projects must include collaborators who are residents of all countries where fieldwork will take place, and NGOs must be registered in the country of operation.
Projects must explicitly demonstrate relevance to wild animals’ welfare and align with one or more of the listed themes. Proposals should address multiple domains of welfare and adhere to the organization’s ethical guidance for animal research. Projects that could harm animals or use destructive sampling are less likely to be funded unless strong justification and evidence are provided. Each proposal should detail the team’s expertise, available resources, and time commitments for all members.
The application process begins with submitting a short Expression of Interest (EOI) form. Eligible EOIs are shortlisted for full proposal development, followed by external reviews by subject experts and animal care specialists. Proposals are further reviewed by Wild Animal Initiative’s technical experts, and applicants may be asked for clarifications or modifications before final selections are made. Decisions are typically communicated within six months of the EOI deadline.
Successful grantees are required to sign a communications agreement, seek approval for any major project changes, and submit annual and final progress reports detailing outcomes, publications, and any unforeseen adjustments.
The deadline for applications is 14 November 2025.
For more information, visit Wild Animal Initiative.
