The Rufford Small Grants Programme
The Rufford Foundation runs the Rufford Small Grants Programme supporting early-career conservationists in the developing world. The programme focuses on funding fieldwork undertaken by current MSc or PhD students (or equivalent), or those who have graduated from such studies in the past 3 years and are seeking to undertake a conservation project. First grants support small-scale or pilot projects rather than providing a small amount of funding for a large-scale project. In some cases, The Rufford Foundation will fund 100% of the project costs. Projects can focus on particular species or have a more general focus, for example on a threatened habitat or a major issue such as human–wildlife conflict or environmental education. The Rufford Foundation considers work on any species listed in the IUCN Red List, provided it is not categorized as Least Concern. Projects on species that do not appear on the IUCN Red List because they have yet to be assessed but are thought to be threatened will also be considered. There are no restrictions on projects focusing on threatened habitats. This is a five-stage funding programme and successful grantees are encouraged to apply for further support provided they meet the eligibility criteria. To see examples of funded projects, visit rufford.org. Further information on eligibility criteria, as well as instructions on how to submit your application, can be found at apply.ruffordsmallgrants.org. There is no deadline for applications. Each application will be reviewed once the required three references have been received.
Funding for conservation of Columbiformes available via the IUCN Species Survival Commission Pigeon and Dove Specialist Group
The IUCN Species Survival Commission Pigeon and Dove Specialist Group (PDSG) is hosted by Toledo Zoo in Ohio, USA. Key activities of the Specialist Group include collaborating with Birdlife International to assess and monitor the status of bird species belonging to the Columbiformes, working to raise awareness of threatened pigeons and doves amongst various stakeholder groups, and convening expertise for conservation. This also entails facilitating communication between organizations involved in ex situ and in situ species conservation programmes, and between the scientific community and the holders of traditional ecological knowledge. Toledo Zoo have set aside funding for allocation in 2024 to projects focused on the conservation of Columbiformes. The PDSG Steering Committee is therefore inviting applications from organizations and individuals engaged in work that aims to tackle the threats facing threatened pigeon and dove populations. Projects that will increase knowledge of little-studied taxa are also eligible for funding. Grants of up to USD 20,000 are available. Applications or requests for additional information should be submitted to Joe Wood at Toledo Zoo (joe.wood@toledozoo.org). The closing date for applications is 1 March 2024.
Open access
