Deadline: 31-May-2026
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation offers a conservation science grant supporting young Indian researchers to develop pilot projects in ecology, field biology, and conservation. It funds early-stage, innovative ideas that can lead to long-term conservation impact in India, with up to INR 300,000 per year for one year. Successful projects may qualify for follow-up funding based on demonstrated outcomes and impact potential.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Conservation Grant – Structured Guide
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Conservation Grant supports early-career individuals in India who are working on innovative conservation science projects. The programme is designed to fund pilot studies that can evolve into larger, long-term ecological and conservation initiatives.
It prioritises bold, experimental, and field-based approaches to solving conservation challenges in India.
Purpose and Core Objectives
The grant aims to support emerging conservation leaders and strengthen ecological research capacity.
Core Objectives
- Encourage innovative conservation science in India
- Support field biology and ecology-based research
- Fund pilot projects with long-term conservation potential
- Promote unconventional and bold conservation approaches
- Enable early-career researchers to build scalable solutions
- Strengthen applied conservation outcomes in India
Funding Overview
Grant Amount
- Up to INR 300,000 per year
Duration
- Initial funding period: up to 1 year
Follow-Up Funding
- Additional funding may be available
- Requires successful pilot project outcomes
- Applicants must demonstrate measurable conservation impact
Project Focus Areas
The grant supports early-stage conservation initiatives with real-world impact potential.
Supported Areas
- Field biology research
- Ecology-based conservation studies
- Biodiversity protection projects
- Habitat conservation initiatives
- Pilot interventions addressing ecological challenges
- Innovative, unconventional conservation solutions
Eligibility Criteria
The programme targets young, early-career conservation researchers in India.
Applicant Requirements
- Must be an Indian citizen
- Must reside in India
- Must be born on or after 1 January 1996
- Must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree
Experience Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Prior involvement in field biology, ecology, or conservation
- Strong commitment to conservation science
- Clear justification for project relevance and impact
Selection Priorities
The foundation encourages innovative and non-traditional approaches.
Preferred Applicants
- Early-career researchers
- Individuals with bold or unconventional project ideas
- Candidates proposing high-impact conservation solutions
- Applicants focused on real-world ecological challenges
Key Evaluation Factors
- Scientific and ecological relevance
- Innovation and originality of approach
- Feasibility of pilot project design
- Potential for long-term conservation impact
- Applicant’s prior experience in field-based work
Why This Grant Matters
This programme supports the development of future conservation leaders in India.
Key Importance
- Encourages innovation in conservation science
- Supports early-stage ecological research
- Builds capacity in field-based conservation work
- Promotes experimental and adaptive solutions
- Strengthens biodiversity protection efforts in India
Long-Term Impact
- Scalable conservation models emerging from pilot studies
- Stronger research pipeline in ecology and field biology
- Increased innovation in environmental protection strategies
- Development of future conservation leaders
How the Grant Works
Process Overview
- Applicant develops a pilot conservation project proposal
- Application submitted to the foundation
- Proposal evaluated for innovation and feasibility
- Selected projects receive funding for up to 1 year
- Project is implemented and monitored
- Successful projects may apply for follow-up funding
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting projects without field biology or ecology relevance
- Lack of clarity on conservation impact
- Weak justification for pilot-to-long-term transition
- Ignoring eligibility age or citizenship requirements
- Overly theoretical proposals without field application
- Insufficient demonstration of prior conservation experience
Best Practices for Applicants
- Focus on clear, field-based conservation problems
- Design scalable pilot projects with measurable outcomes
- Emphasise innovation and unconventional approaches
- Demonstrate hands-on ecological or field experience
- Clearly define how follow-up funding would be used
- Align project with real conservation challenges in India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Conservation Grant?
It is a funding programme supporting young Indian researchers working on innovative conservation science and ecology-based projects.
How much funding is provided?
Up to INR 300,000 per year for an initial one-year pilot project.
Who can apply?
Indian citizens residing in India, born on or after 1 January 1996, with a Bachelor’s degree and relevant conservation experience.
What kind of projects are supported?
Field biology, ecology research, biodiversity conservation, and innovative pilot conservation projects.
Is follow-up funding available?
Yes, applicants may apply for additional funding after demonstrating successful pilot outcomes.
What is the main goal of the programme?
To support bold, early-stage conservation ideas that can lead to long-term ecological impact in India.
What experience is required?
Prior involvement in field biology, ecology, or conservation work is required.
Conclusion
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Conservation Grant supports young Indian researchers in developing innovative, field-based conservation projects. By funding early-stage pilot studies with strong ecological relevance, it helps build the next generation of conservation leaders and encourages scalable solutions to environmental challenges in India.
For more information, visit The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation.