Open Call for THT Research Grant Program (India)

Deadline: 11-Feb-2026

The THT Research Grant supports organisations conducting interdisciplinary conservation research in India, integrating ecological, social, and technological perspectives to protect native species and habitats. Funding of INR 40,00,000 is provided over two years to promote high-impact studies that generate actionable insights for on-ground conservation.

Overview of the Grant

The THT Research Grant aims to:

• Promote interdisciplinary research combining ecological, social, and technological aspects

• Generate actionable insights for practical conservation interventions

• Focus on lesser-studied native species and habitats, ecosystem functionality, and socio-ecological systems

• Inform policy, management, and conservation actions to address pressing ecological and social challenges in India

• Exclusively support research projects, unlike Conservation or Action Grants

Funding Details

• Grant amount: INR 40,00,000

• Duration: 2 years

• Number of awards: 2 shortlisted organisations per cycle

• Eligible expenses: Research activities, fieldwork, interdisciplinary studies, data collection, analysis, and dissemination

• Ineligible: Non-native or exotic species projects, purely theoretical work unrelated to actionable conservation outcomes

Eligible Applicants

• Organisations only (no individual applications)

• Must be not-for-profit entities, such as:

  • Societies

  • Trusts

  • Section 8 companies

  • Institutes registered under Section 35(1)(ii) of the Income-Tax Act, 1961

• Must hold CSR-I certification

• Must have Section 12A registration and 80G certificate or equivalent under Section 35(1)(ii)

• Must have a minimum of 3 years’ track record in interdisciplinary conservation research by 31 March 2025

• Must demonstrate average expenditure of at least INR 15 lakhs over the last two financial years

Project Requirements

• Focus on native species and natural habitats in India

• Generate actionable insights for on-ground conservation

• Integrate ecological, social, and technological dimensions

• Study lesser-known species, habitats, ecosystem processes, socio-ecological systems, and conservation policy

• Supported by peer-reviewed publications where available

• Provide reliable justification for data-deficient species or habitats

• Refer to the IUCN Red List for conservation status; species threatened in India but not globally are also considered

• Only one application per grant cycle per organisation

Required Documentation

• Relevant registration documents (Society, Trust, Section 8 company, Section 35(1)(ii))

• Audited financial statements for the last 2 years

• Tax certificates

• Byelaws and governance documents

• FCRA documentation (if applicable)

• Any additional documents requested if shortlisted

Why This Grant Matters

• Supports high-impact research that informs practical conservation interventions

• Encourages a holistic understanding of ecological, social, and technological factors

• Promotes protection of native species and habitats across India

• Generates data and insights to guide policy and on-ground conservation strategies

How to Apply

1. Prepare a detailed research proposal addressing native species, habitats, and conservation relevance

2. Include interdisciplinary approaches integrating ecological, social, and technological perspectives

3. Attach supporting documentation as required (registrations, financial statements, tax certificates, byelaws)

4. Submit only one application per grant cycle

5. Ensure research outcomes are actionable and impactful for conservation interventions

Expected Outcomes

• Generation of actionable insights for effective conservation

• Protection and management of native species and natural habitats

• Strengthened capacity of organisations in interdisciplinary conservation research

• Contribution to policy, planning, and practical interventions at local and national levels

Conclusion

The THT Research Grant provides essential funding for organisations conducting interdisciplinary conservation research in India. By integrating ecological, social, and technological perspectives, the grant promotes high-impact studies that generate actionable insights, helping protect native species and habitats while informing policy and on-ground conservation efforts.

For more information, visit The Habitats Trust.