The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund

The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund is a private philanthropic initiative established to support targeted species conservation projects globally. Its primary mission is to recognize and fund field-based conservation actions that contribute directly to the survival of threatened species of animals, plants, and fungi. The Fund seeks to elevate species-specific efforts in the broader conservation narrative and ensure that overlooked or underfunded species and regions receive critical attention. The Fund is open to applications from anywhere in the world, supporting projects regardless of geographic location or the taxonomic group of the species. Funding is capped at a maximum of $25,000 per project, and applications exceeding this threshold are automatically disqualified. While the total budget of a project may exceed this amount if co-financed by other sources, the Fund’s contribution will not surpass $25,000. Priority is given to in situ conservation initiatives—those that take place in the species' natural habitat—including field surveys, data collection, threat mitigation, habitat restoration, and conservation training. The Fund also supports ex situ efforts like genetic analysis and captive breeding in limited, justified scenarios. It generally favors projects focusing on a single species but considers multi-species proposals when taxonomic or geographic circumstances warrant it. Applications must demonstrate the target species’ conservation status, ideally referencing the IUCN Red List. Emphasis is placed on species classified as Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Data Deficient. Misrepresentation or failure to justify conservation status disqualifies submissions. Applications must be submitted in English through the Fund’s online portal, with all financial information provided in U.S. dollars. Supporting documents may be emailed separately, but the application form itself must be completed online. The Fund does not cover core operational or administrative costs unrelated to the project, although project-related salaries, stipends, and per diems are allowed when clearly tied to in situ work. Applications are accepted in three cycles each year—March, June, and October. The upcoming deadline is March 31, 2026, with responses expected by late May 2026. Deadlines are strictly enforced based on GMT, and submission beyond the due date will not be considered. All applications are reviewed and forwarded to an independent Advisory Board for final decisions. In certain cases, external expert reviewers may be involved, potentially extending the feedback period. The Fund allows for continuation grants if prior reporting obligations have been fulfilled by the applicant.

Clearly justify species conservation status with IUCN Red List or quantitative data; do not exceed $25,000 limit; ensure application is submitted via the online system in English and by the exact deadline in GMT