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UPDATED: 28/04/12 incremental list of funders for conservation projects, zoos, gardens, aquaria: grants for conservation; funding for wildlife; funds for biodiversity education; zoos and capital investment

Frequently updated ‘ragbag’ of potential funders for your projects … for zoos, for gardens, for conservation organisations, and similar sites or organisations, placing the newest we have come across at the top.   And follow us on Twitter for frequent updates @Funds4zoosnwild.Of course an undisciplined approach to plural funders in the thought that they just might plump for your project is definitely NOT the way to raise serious funds.  So this list is mainly to show just how many different possibilities there are.   But you do need strategy…This list intentionally takes a scatter gun approach, and really only serves as the tip of the iceberg, to show that there actually is an iceberg of funding opportunities out there.   I am fond of saying that the problem with raising money for wildlife projects is not that there are not enough opportunities, but that there are too many to know which to look at first.As potentially wildlife NGOs, zoos and botanic gardens from all around the world may access (and contribute to…?) this forum, we will try and reference funders with a relevance to different parts of the world.Obviously “projects” can mean lots of different things (capital on site projects, educational programmes, in situ conservation projects, etc), and the following funders all fund different kinds of needs. So this is quite a rag-bag of opportunities, and it is up to you to sort through it.For some of the large international funders, I really think it is also worth considering the virtues of inter-organisational collaborations for many of these sources of finance,  as well as looking for highly innovative  (even risky?) approaches amenable to eventual replication. The whole idea of changing paradigms through international co-operation could be very appealing to funders.Most are also relevant if you are not a ‘site based’ conservation or science based organisation.Apologies for any duplication – and details change with time of courseThese are not in alphabetical or any other kind of order.In each case you will need to do a lot of research on the funder to check that is right for your project.  And when you get refusals – from funders that do seem right for you – do not get disillusioned.  It is inevitable that you will get many rejections before you strike gold.Of course rather than going it alone, you may prefer to take a strategic approach. In which case, come and talk to us!Naturally we are not responsible if our references to their funding remit is out of date …or just plain wrong.  It should also go without saying that any would be applicant needs to look very carefully at the funder’s own details before proceeding.  JRA has no responsibility for any information presented here,Okay here are the potential funders (latest added at the top)Walton Foundation  $71.4 Million Invested in Environmental Conservation Initiatives in 2011. The Foundation embraces “conservationomics”: conservation solutions that make economic sense; working over the past year to bring conservation, business and community interests together to find long-term solutions to big problems. http://www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/Howard G. Buffett Foundation (HGBF) funds environmental and conservation as well as standard of living and quality of life projects around the world http://www.thehowardgbuffettfoundation.org/Elk Foundation funds future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. http://www.rmef.org/Irwin Andrew Porter Foundation funds projects fostering connections between individuals, communities and the environment: http://goo.gl/4ogYDThe Morris Animal Foundation advances veterinary research that protects, treats and cures animals on every continent: http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/for-grant-seekersThe Alasdair Downes Memorial Fund  provides small flexible grants to help young people in any part of the world carry out projects and activities in the general field of Marine Conservation, http://www.ukecologic.free-online.co.uk/admcf/index.htmlCivil Society Environment Fund funds environmental management in Zambia.  CSEF is supported by the Danish and Finish Governments http://www.csefzambia.org/about-the-csefIdea Wild specifically supplies equipment for biodiversity projects around the world http://www.ideawild.org/apply.htmlMohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund provides targeted grants to individual species conservation initiatives,  to recognize leaders in the field and  to elevate the importance of species in the broader conservation debate; http://www.mbzspeciesconservation.org/grant-applictions.phpCargill Foundation supports world wide conservation and in future animal welfare : http://www.macphilanthropies.org/Nagao Natural Environment Foundation supports conservation activities working with local NGOs and citizens’ groups  http://www.nagaofoundation.or.jp/comprehensive_e/comprehensive01.htmlThe National Shooting Sports Foundation provides grants for US wildlife agencies http://www.nssf.org/Phoenix Zoo Conservation Grants  provides seed corn funding for worldwide conservation projects http://www.aza.org/uploadedFiles/Conservation/Funding/PhoenixZooConservationGrantsApplication2011.pdfWCS Wildlife Adaptation to Climate Change Grant Program  opens call for proposals  http://www.wcs.org/press/press-releases/climate-adaptation-rfp.aspxThe Tinker Foundation supports projects concerned with sustainable resource management and education in Latin America:http://foundationcenter.orgThe Truell Foundation benefits a limited number of initiatives including conservation of the Galapagos Islands.The Foundation’s objectives are much broader and from time to time other initiatives are also considered, usually linking to the above by virtue of having a UK conservation bias or armed forces support. http://truellcharitablefoundation.comThe Tellus Mater Foundation is a grant-making trust that supports leaders to put in place  a low impact future. http://www.tellusmater.org.uk/The Roddick Foundation made grants nearly amount to £300,000 to environmental causes in 2011http://www.theroddickfoundation.org/The Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) supports the health of the oceans and   survival of threatened species and habitats. Most of the projects supported by the Foundation in  three major programme areas: Ecology and conservationof sharks and rays; Public Awareness of marine environmental issues through production of films, radio programmes, web-sites, events, conferences, etc.; and Children’s environmental education through design and production of books, DVDs, films etc. They also award small grants in the areas of: threatened marine mammals; Marine turtles; Ocean acidification; and protected coral reef areas. http://saveourseas.com/The New England Biolabs Foundation (NEBF)  fosters community-based conservation of landscapes and seascapes and the bio-cultural diversity found in these places.  http://www.nebf.org/The St Andrews Prize for the Environment recognises significant contributions to environmental conservation. Applications invited from individuals, multi-disciplinary teams or community groups for the 2012 annual prize, which has been increased to $100,000 USD for the winner and $25,000 USD for each of the two runners-up.  http://www.thestandrewsprize.com/Conservation Leadership Programme helping young conservationists to achieve their goals and move into positions of influence  http://www.conservationleadershipprogramme.org/African Bird ClubThe ABC’s Conservation Programme supports small conservation projects in Africa. Since 1996, it has supported a wide variety of projects including training courses, research into threatened species and promotion and awareness of conservation issues in Africa.www.africanbirdclub.orgAmerican Bird ConservancyABC Small Grants Fund provides support for projects to conserve Endangered and Critically Endangered bird species in Latin America and the Caribbean. Grant requests can include funding requests for the development and implementation of conservation plans, the development of new protected areas, community development projects to protect key habitats, and other locally-based efforts to protect the sites identified. Expeditions to search for “Lost Species” will also be considered.www.abcbirds.org/internationalAmerican Society of MammologistsOffers several conservation awards focused on mammal-related research for students.www.mammalsociety.orgAmerican Society of PrimatologistsAwards and small grants for primate research.www.asp.org/conservationAmerican Wildlife Research FoundationThe American Wildlife Research Foundation provides grants to initiate research and educational projects that will enhance the knowledge and management of our fish, wildlife and other natural resources. Additionally, we undertake special projects that impart critical conservation benefits to our global ecosystem. Contact:Willian Schwerd50 West High StreetBallston Spa, NY 12020-1992community.syracuse.com/cc/awrfBat Conservation InternationalBCI Student Scholarship Program: Each year, BCI sponsors students in conducting conservation-relevant research. The goal of this program is to support exceptionally talented students in research initiatives that will contribute new knowledge essential to conserving bats and the ecosystems they serve.www.batcon.orgBoticario FoundationNature Conservation Incentive Programme provides funding for Brazilians working on protected areas, research on wildlife, etc.www.fbpn.org.brBP Conservation ProgrammeThe BP Conservation Programme offers annual Future Conservationist Awards of up to $12,500 to teams that have been identified with leadership potential for biodiversity conservation and are developing their skills through small scale practical conservation projects. The programme also offers additional grants, apprenticeship and scholarship opportunities.conservation.bp.comBritish Ecological SocietyProvides numerous research grants for young ecologists, including expedition grants.www.britishecologicalsociety.orgCenter for Tropical Forest Science (Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute)Research grant program.www.ctfs.si.eduChicago Zoological SocietyBrookfield Zoo provides small grants assistance for conservation and research projects that help support and advance the zoo’s mission. The Chicago Zoological Society Conservation and Research Fund, in operation since 1976, has provided nearly 200 grants for field conservation and research. Applications for grants are by invitation only and are screened carefully to identify projects of the highest priority to the zoo.www.brookfieldzoo.orgCleveland Metroparks ZooOffers the Scott Neotropical Fund for students and scientists living and working in Latin America, as well as the Small Grants Program for conservation and research projects.www.clemetzoo.com/conservation/grants.aspColumbus Zoo Conservation FundThe Conservation Fund serves as a small grants program that field researchers throughout the world can access by submitting applications directly to the Field Conservation Coordinator. The conservation committee reviews proposals each month, and in 2003, the zoo has provided funds to over 80 projects in 36 countries.www.colszoo.orgConservation and Research FoundationThe Foundation awards grants of up to $5,000 each for seed money to promote conservation and enlightened use of renewable natural resources; encourage related research in the biological sciences; deepen understanding of the relationships between man and the environment; and address the problem of overpopulation. Preferred projects are those that might not qualify for funding from traditional sources. Grants are made to organisations as well as individuals. In the area of research, the sponsor prefers to support investigations that might be ineligible for funding from conventional sources. Grants rarely exceed $5,000. Indirect costs are usually not allowed. Scholarships are not provided. Inquiry regarding the possibility of support should be in the form of an exploratory letter. Applications are invited by the sponsor. Unsolicited proposals are not accepted.biodiversityeconomics.org/funding/dir3-13.htmConservation FoundationThe Conservation Foundation awards small grants for national and international environmental projects.www.conservationfoundation.co.ukCritical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)A joint initiative between Conservation International, The Global Environment Facility, the MacArthur Foundation and the World Bank. Investments support such projects as managing of protected areas and coordinating biodiversity corridors; training; transboundary planning; encouraging local dialogue with extractive industries; engaging in conflict resolution; priority setting and consensus building; strengthening indigenous organizations and facilitating partnerships between the private sector and protected areas.www.cepf.net/he/home.htmDavid and Lucile Packard FoundationThe David and Lucile Packard Foundation provides national and international grants to nonprofit organizations including conservation. Grants awarded in 2001 totalled more than $500 million. Special focus on the Northern California Counties of San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Monterey.www.packfound.orgDisney Wildlife Conservation FundDisney has launched a variety of resource conservation initiatives in addition to programs that educate guests on the importance of a healthy environment. Most recently, Disney introduced new goals in the areas of waste, carbon emissions, energy, water, ecosystems and inspiration to substantially reduce its impact on the environment and further enact environmentally responsible behavior among employees, guests, consumers and business partners.disney.go.com/disneyhand/environmentality/index.htmlEarth Island InstituteEarth Island Institute provides organizational support in developing projects for the conservation, preservation, and restoration of the global environment.www.earthisland.orgEarthwatch InstituteEarthwatch Institute’s international research affiliate the Centre for Field Research recommends labour-intensive research projects in need of funds and volunteer assistance. Many projects receive multi-year funding.www.earthwatch.orgEast Asia and Pacific Environmental InitiativeInternational Development Aid Donor Internet Guide. Excellent resource with comprehensive, annotated links to dozens of donors present on the web.eapei.home.att.net/dpsites.htmErnest Cook TrustAwards are available for educational grants for specific work concerning ecology, the countryside and the environment.www.nelincs.gov.uk/gifts/Environment/ernest_cook_trust.htmEuropean Tropical Forest Research Network Funding OpportunitiesThe ETFRN is a forum for communication between European organizations, researchers, EU institutions and others concerned with (sub-)tropical forest research.www.etfrn.org/etfrn/resource/frames/linkfund.htmlExplorer’s Club (US)Funds research from high-school to graduate level.explorers.org/research_grants.phpFauna and Flora International 100% FundFauna & Flora International’s 100% Fund gives awards to projects dealing with threatened species world wide.fauna-flora.orgFord FoundationThe Ford Foundation provides a grants database, not specifically conservationist but pretty extensive. Grants made mostly to institutions, but some for individuals.www.fordfound.orgFuture for Nature FoundationThe goal of the Future for Nature Foundation is to protect species of wild animals and plants. In pursuit of this goal, the Foundation has established the Future for Nature Award. The prize rewards and funds individuals for their internationally outstanding species protection efforts.http://www.futurefornature.net/Idea WildProvides equipment and supplies for projects from $50 to $1500 USD.www.ideawild.orgInstitute for International EducationAdministrator of various fellowships, scholarships and funding awards.www.iie.orgInternational Crane Foundationwww.savingcranes.orgInternational Development Research CentreCanadian organization which funds research that is geared to alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable and equitable development. IDRC favours multidisciplinary, participatory research.www.idrc.caInternational Foundation for Science (Sweden)IFS supports young developing country scientists who have the potential for becoming the future research leaders and lead scientists in their nations. The criteria for eligibility for IFS support stipulate that the scientist must be young and at the beginning of his or her research career and from a developing country, where the research must take place.www.ifs.seIUCNThe World Conservation Union provides a list of IUCN Corporate Partners in Conservation but does not run any grant programmes.www.iucn.orgLindbergh FoundationProvides grand funding in a number of areas, one of which is the conservation of natural resources.www.lindberghfoundation.orgLiz Claiborne and Art Ortenberg FoundationThe Liz Claiborne and Art Ortenberg Foundation is a private body devoted to the conservation of nature and the amelioration of human distress. The Foundation seeks to redress the breakdown in the processes linking nature and humanity. It concerns itself particularly with matters of species extinction, habitat destruction and fragmentation, resource depletion and resource waste. It favors solutions which directly benefit local communities and serve as exemplars for saving species and wildlands. It recognizes the imperative to reconcile nature preservation with human needs and aspirations.www.lcaof.orgMacArthur FoundationPrivate grant-making institution awarding grants through four programs: Human and Community Development, Global Security and Sustainability, General and MacArthur Fellows.www.macfound.orgMax and Anna Levinson FoundationThe Levinson Foundation is a private family foundation that has been in existence since 1955.We make grants to individuals and groups committed to developing a more humane and rewarding society, in which people have a greater ability and opportunity to determine directions for the future. Area of interest: The Environment: including Protection of Ecosystems and Biological Diversity; Alternative Energy and Protection of the Atmosphere; Alternative Agriculture and Transportation; Breaking the Link Between Illegal Resource Extraction, Civil Conflict and Markets; and the Development of the Israeli Environmental Movement.www.levinsonfoundation.orgNational Fish and Wildlife Foundation GrantsGeneral Challenge, Small and Special Grant opportunities for projects that address priority actions promoting fish and wildlife conservation and the habitats on which they depend, work proactively to involve other conservation and community interests, leverage Foundation-provided funding, and evaluate project outcomes.www.nfwf.orgNational Geographic Conservation TrustThe objective of the Conservation Trust is to support conservation activities around the world as they fit within the mission of the National Geographic Society. The trust will fund projects that contribute significantly to the preservation and sustainable use of the Earth’s biological, cultural, and historical resources.www.nationalgeographic.com/conservation/National Science FoundationOffers Environmental Research and Education grants.www.nsf.govNeotropical Bird ClubResearch grants of $500 to $1500 are available subject to certain conditions. Grants are available for conservation work or research which may be of conservation benefit in the neotropics.www.neotropicalbirdclub.orgPeople’s Trust for Endangered SpeciesPeople’s Trust for Endangered Species make funds available for wildlife researchers and conservationists to carry out crucial work on endangered species throughout the world. Projects may either focus on research into the status of a particular species or involve practical conservation work within the field. To apply to us for funding please read the guidelines below carefully and then fill in the application form and either e-mail it to enquiries@ptes.org. PTES also makes provides grants for students carrying out practical conservation projects and research in the summer months of their undergraduate degree.www.ptes.orgPrimate Conservation, Inc.PCI is a non-profit foundation, which funds research that supports conservation programmes for wild populations of primates. Priority is given to projects that study the least known and endangered species in their natural habitat. The involvement of citizens from the country in which the primates are found is desirable. The grant is intended t provide support for original research that can be used to formulate and to implement conservation plans for the species being studied. Asia and West Africa are of particular interest, but all regions will be considered.www.primate.orgRainforest Alliance, Catalyst GrantThe Catalyst Fund works to improve the quality of life in the tropics by empowering local businesses and community members to protect their resources and stimulate a sustainable economy. An improved quality of life includes a clean environment, economic opportunities, cultural integrity and protection of natural resources. Catalyst grants help raise the quality of life in tropical communities by providing grants of $500 to $2,000 to start or expand an innovative business that ascribes a value to local natural resources, encouraging their protection. At this time, the Catalyst Fund is providing grants only to eco-enterprises from the Selva Maya regions of Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico. Grants are limited to local entrepreneurs or local organizations that have or are launching conservation-based businesses. The Catalyst Fund is unable to provide support for other conservation activities, emergency relief, research, graduate or post-graduate studies, conferences or other academic pursuits.www.rainforest-alliance.org/programs/cg/Rockefeller FoundationThe Rockefeller Foundation is a knowledge-based, global foundation with a commitment to enrich and sustain the lives and livelihoods of poor and excluded people throughout the world. Grants are organized in categories: by themes, cross-theme, Regional Programs and Special Programs (which includes Global Philanthropy, Next Generation Leadership, Population and the Cairo Agenda, Communication for Social Change and Other Grants).www.rockfound.orgRolex Awards for EnterpriseThe Rolex Awards for Enterprise is an awards programme that supports innovative projects in the fields of science and medicine; technology and innovation; exploration and discovery; the environment and cultural heritage.rolexawards.comRufford FoundationThe Rufford Foundation is a charitable grant-making foundation which has a strong interest in nature conservation, the environment, and sustainable development, with approximately three quarters of the Foundation’s funding going to these areas. The Foundation does not give grants to individuals, only to registered charities.www.rufford.orgSEED InitiativeThe SEED Initiative is a global partnership for action on sustainable development and the green economy. Founded by UNEP, UNDP and IUCN at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, SEED supports innovative small-scale and locally driven entrepreneurships around the globe which integrate social and environmental benefits into their business model.http://www.seedinit.orgShell FoundationProgram support areas: sustainable energy, sustainable communities and youth enterprise programs.www.shellfoundation.orgSimbiotaSimbiota’s List of Potential Funding Sources for Neotropical Field Biologists & Conservationists. The 89 organizations in this list would consider funding proposals from Neotropical scientists or conservationists if those proposals matched their application guidelines.wildlife.wisc.edu/simbiota/s-list.htmSkoll Awards for Social Entrepreneurship GuidelinesThe Skoll Foundation’s mission is to advance systemic change to benefit communities around the world by investing in, connecting and celebrating social entrepreneurs.www.skollfoundation.org/skollawardsSociety for the Study of Amphibians and ReptilesList of international funding opportunities for herpetological students and professionals provided by the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles.www.ukans.edu/~ssar/int_grt.htmlSophie Danforth Conservation Biology FundThe Sophie Danforth Conservation Biology Fund (SDCBF), established by the Roger Williams Park Zoo and the Rhode Island Zoological Society in 1989, supports conservation programs that protect threatened wildlife and habitats worldwide. Field studies and other projects that demonstrate a multi-disciplinary approach to biodiversity and ecosystem conservation and projects that involve in-country collaborators receive the highest funding priority. Environmental education programs, development of techniques that can be used in a natural environment, and captive propagation programs that stress an integrative approach to conservation are also appropriate. Projects must directly affect biological conservation.www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.orgTan Kean Cheong Bird Conservation Memorial FundAdministred by the Malaysian Nature Society, the fund awards financial assistance to bird conservation projects. Any project involving bird conservation, in its widest sense, will be eligible for financing. However, priority will be given to projects involving: public awareness, education, threatened species and threatened habitats. For further enquiries write to:The ChairmanMalaysian Nature Society (Perak Branch),P.O.Box 34,Ipoh Garden Post Office,31407, Ipoh,Perak, MalaysiaEmail: mnsperak@bigfoot.comWildlife Trust – Species Survival FundThe Species Survival Fund (SSF) supports conservation projects that with a modest level of funding can make a significant impact on saving an endangered or threatened species. SSF projects aid wild species through research and improved understanding, innovative wildlife management, professional training, and public education.www.wildlifetrust.org/ssf.htmUS Fish and Wildlife serviceHas a list of international grant programmes.international.fws.gov/grants/grants.htmlVolkswagen Foundation (Germany)The Volkswagen Foundation provides financial support to academic institutions in Germany, as well as other countries, and funding is available for projects in all disciplines. Another important part of its mission is to provide support for aspiring young academics, promote international exchange and to enhance the structural conditions for research and higher education. To date, the Volkswagen Foundation has allocated a total of three billion euros to projects in Germany and all over the world.www.volkswagenstiftung.deW. Alton Jones FoundationThe Foundation’s Sustainable World program seeks to build a sustainable society and support biological diversity on earth. Program activities include: maintenance of biodiversity; promotion of economics for a sustainable planet; development of new sources of energy usage; elimination of systemic contamination; and environmental law and media.www.wajones.orgWCS Research Fellowship ProgramThe WCS Research Fellowship Program (RFP) is a small grants program administered by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Institute that is designed to build capacity for the next generation of conservationists by supporting individual field research projects that have a clear application to the conservation of threatened wildlife and wild places. The RFP helps train applied conservation scientists from developing countries. Since the RFP’s establishment in 1993, over 2,000 proposals totaling over $23 million have been submitted to WCS for funding, of which 300 proposals totaling more than $3 million have been funded. Over 60% of the total funded proposals have come from national conservationists (citizens of the country in which they are conducting their research). All grantees are graduate-level students pursuing masters, doctoral, or veterinary degrees (or equivalents). Collectively, these professionals will help to apply field-tested conservation science to the challenges facing conservation today.http://programs.wcs.org/grantsWhitley Laing FoundationWide range of awards for nature conservation projects worldwide. They have the common aim of promoting the benefits of wildlife and habitat conservation to the local communities in which applicants work. The Foundation also seeks to raise public awareness of the serious problems facing ecosystems. Also includes extensive list of links to other environmental sites.www.whitleyaward.orgWildlife Conservation NetworkWildlife Conservation Network is dedicated to the support of conservation entrepreneurs who are working actively with local communities to protect endangered flagship species and preserve their natural habitats. We focus on innovative, independent conservationists who are exploring new ways to resolve the conflicts between people and wildlife, and actively engage local people as effective stewards of their environment. WCN provides conservation entrepreneurs with the financial, technical and administrative support that makes their work more efficient, effective and successful.www.wildnet.org/who.htmWorld Wide Fund for Nature ChinaWorld Wide Fund for Nature China have established a China Conservation Small Grants Fund. Projects should focus on plants and animals that are either on the IUCN Red List for China, or have been officially designated 1st or 2nd Category Protected Species by the Chinese government. Projects focusing on protection of biologically important habitat areas will also be considered. Proposals to work on well-publicized species will not be considered.www.wwfchina.orgWWF’s Education for Nature FundEFN supports promising conservationists through a number of programs such as:• Russell E. Train Fellowships for graduate level, academic degree study• EFN Short-term Training Grants for non-degree training• EFN Scholarships for diploma-level study at preselected institutions• EFN Alumni Program for ongoing support of former EFN granteeswww.wwf-efn.orgWWF Prince Bernhard Scholarships for Nature Conservation• The WWF Prince Bernhard Scholarships (PBS) are awarded to individuals from the developing world who wish to pursue formal studies or professional training in the field of conservation. As a priority, the PBS support mid-career training (up to a maximum of one year) for individuals working in the field of conservation or associated disciplines directly relevant to the delivery and promotion of conservation. Applications from candidates doing multiple-year studies will only be considered if the applicant is applying for support for the last year of studies. Applications open for candidates from Africa/Madagascar, Asia/Pacific, Latin America & Carribean, Eastern Europe & Middle East, including WWF staff or candidates working as partners with WWF.http://wwf.panda.org/how_you_can_help/volunteer/prince_bernhard_scholarships/The Exiliarch Foundation will support education and science in the UK: Address:4  Carlos Place, West Central, London,W1K 3AWSeaworld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund (Deadline: 1st December 2011) supports wildlife research, habitat protection, animal rescue, and conservation education  around the world.  The project  must have broad community/constituency support and be based on legitimate scientific and conservation principles. See:http://www.swbg-conservationfund.org/Commonwealth Foundation offers grants  designed to promote international or intercultural exchange, co-operation and sharing of skills, knowledge and ideas between people from developing Commonwealth countries. Hundreds of non-governmental organisations around the Commonwealth benefit from funding of up to £12,500, although the average award is about £5,000. In exceptional cases, grants ofup to £25,000.  See:http://www.commonwealthfoundation.comFord Motor Company’s Middle East Conservation & Environmental Grants programme has supported at least 130 projects with more than $1 million granted to date. Projects in the GCC and Levant countries include whale and dolphin research projects, saving coral reefs in Oman, monitoring sea turtles and monk seals on Syrian coasts, growing environmental clubs in schools all around the region, cleaning up beaches in Jordan and the UAE, protecting mangroves in Saudi Arabia, saving the Arabian Leopard in the mountains of Oman. See:http://www.me.ford.com/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1178867357604&pagename=FME%2FDFYPage%2FFord-Default&c=DFYPage&site=FMEToby and Regina Wyles Charitable Trust: general charitable purposes:   020 7930 7797Joy Welch Educational Charitable Trust: education – have given to wildlife trust 01904 464100M St J Way Charitable Trust: general charitable purposes – give to indigenous people causes:  2 Lodore Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3NNTula Trust: education – linked to Tula Group plc – 02089503970Teale Charitable Trust: education of city children – give to city farms: 50 Strand on The Green, London, W4 3PDSummary Ltd: general purposes – education: 01923 855727John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation provides fellowships for advanced professionals in  the natural sciences through two annual competitions: one open to citizens and permanent residents of the U.S. and Canada, and the other open to citizens and permanent residents of Latin America and the Caribbean: http://www.gf.org/Dulverton Trust supports conservation and projects in Africahttp://www.dulverton.orgVeolia UK has opened a new programme for large imaginative environmental projects:  See;http://www.veoliatrust.org/index.php?fuseaction=Cre8.mainThe Idlewild Trust is a UK grant maker chiefly concerned with the  performing and fine arts and built heritage, but it does occasionally also supports projects that conserve the natural environment.  http://www.idlewildtrust.org.uk/The Rockefeller Foundation has announced grants totaling more than $1.5 million to support the development of climate-smart agriculture initiatives that sustainably increase agricultural productivity in developing countries while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  This could have a relevance to sites working with overseas partners…?The Science  & Technology Facilities Research Council UK will fund public engagement in science projects that relate to the core subjects of the major facilities it supports.  At first site, the science areas seem to be all physics, chemistry etc, but if you dig a little closer, you will see that environmental technology and genetics are also areas of potential interest. See: www.stfc.ac.ukThe Irwin Andrew Porter Foundation supports innovative ideas projects that foster connections between individuals, communities, the environment and the world at large. Grants are not restricted by country http://www.iapfoundation.org/The Polden-Puckham Foundation: http://www.polden-puckham.org.uk/ supports work that addresses the pressures and conditions leading towards global environmental breakdown; particularly national initiatives in UK which promote sustainable living.Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund: The DWCF seeks to promote and enable wildlife conservation through partnerships with scientists, educators and organizations committed to preserving earth’s biodiversity. The fund’s interests are in furthering the support of established conservation programs – particularly those long-term in nature – that contain a strong in situ component  (scientific field studies); promote education, awareness, and training in-country (education programs); and demonstrate a marked benefit to in-country participants, habitats, and species by working with local communities, regional/national NGOs, or governments that directly impact the initiative. The fund encourages global projects however it will only make grants to 501(c)(3) organizations. NGOs outside the U.S. can apply in partnership with a U.S. organization. Applications are by invitation only. Potential applicants should contact the fund with a letter/email of inquiry.The Pew Charitable Trusts: International Funding Interests; “The Environment program’s mission is to promote policies and practices that protect the global atmosphere, reduce the production and use of highly persistent toxic chemicals, preserve the nation’s (USA) forest and marine systems”. Major funding Limitations: The Foundation does not fund individuals, capital campaigns, construction, endowments, dept reduction, schlolarships or fellowships. http://www.pewtrusts.org/The Turner Foundation recently donated $ 1 million to Dian Fossey Gorilla Foundation. It supports environmental projects: “to protect the atmosphere and other natural resources by promoting energy efficency, renewable energy and improved transportation policies and practices to protect rivers, lakes, wetlands, aquifers, oceans and other water systems from contamination, degradion and other abuses to defend biodiversity by protecting natural habitats”.The Foundation does not fund buildings, acquisition, endowments or start-up funds, films, books, magazines or media projects, indivduals.  To receive a copy of the Foundations guidelines contact: Email turnerfi@mindspring.com website – www.turnerfoundation.orgThe Wallace Genetic Foundation: The Foundation has international funding interests around: sustainable agriculture, protection of farmland near cities, plant genetic research, biodiversity protection and environmental education. http://www.wallacegenetic.org/The Weeden Foundation supports programmes that “address the adverse impact of growing human populations and overuse of natural resources on the biological fabric of the planet”. Information is available on the website, www.weedenfdn.orgThe Leverhulme Trust, UK can fund research linked to conservation http://www.leverhulme.ac.uk/grants_awards/grants/international_networks/USAID: organisations working in  developing countries and with projects where conservation elides with human economic development and agriculture might look at USAID.  Normally does not support unsolicited proposals, but worth making a link with their in country office. See: http://www.usaid.gov/about_usaid/A nationally specific fund is the Namibian Nature Foundation, whose main objective is to contribute toward sustainable environmental development in Namibia. Make grants of up to 50,000 namibian dollars.  http://www.nnf.org.na/index.phpThe Ford Foundation, under its overall theme of “Asset Building & Community Development” has an Environment and Development programme that “helps people and groups acquire, protect, improve and manage land, water, forests, wildlife and other natural assets in ways that help reduce poverty and injustice”. The Ford Foundation has no connection these days to the Ford Motor Company by the way. See: http://www.fordfound.org/Alcoa is one of the world’s biggest providers of aluminum and aluminum based products, and operates a large international grant maling foundation, supporting conservation.  If your zoo or botanical garden is near an Alcoa site ( …and the company has hundreds of sites in dozens of countries), you may be eligible for funding . See:  http://www.alcoa.com/global/en/community/info_page/Foundation.aspThe Australia France Foundation supports bilateral cooperations between the two nations in “the broadest possible range of activities”. Potentially this could apply to zoo interests ( and I bet no zoo has ever approached them)http://www.france.embassy.gov.au/pari/Affintro.htmlThe Aga Khan Foundation supports amongst other areas, rural development and income generation to alleviate poverty in Africa and Asia. A properly articulated in situ zoo project with human poverty alleviation might well qualify.  The allied Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Fund for the Environment specifically supports biodiversity.http://www.akdn.org/agency/akf.htmlThe American Himalyan Foundation funds environmental projects in the Himalyan region  http://www.himalayan-foundation.org/live/home/homeThe William Cadbury Trust has certainly made grants to zoo run projects in the past and lists environment as an aim (both in the UK and internationally) http://www.wa-cadbury.org.uk/page.asp?id=8The Nando Peretti Foundation, based in Italy makes grants to international conservation projects. Currently closed to new applications, but likely to open again soon: http://www.nandoperettifound.org/Biffaward is a multi-million pound fund which awards grants to community and environmental projects across the UK. The fund’s money comes from landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services. Biffaward is managed by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts on Biffa’s behalf.http://www.biffaward.org/index.php/contactThe Lubee Foundation, based in Florida, is dedicated to the conservation of old world fruit bats. It provides small grants and partnership initiatives within this area:http://www.lubee.org/default.aspxThe International Herpetological Symposium makes (very) small grants to individuals working in relevant fields. No restriction to the USA is specified on their website: http://www.kingsnake.com/ihs/grant.html

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