Papoose Conservation Wildlife Foundation Grants

The Papoose Conservation Wildlife Foundation offers annual grant funding to support programs aligned with two primary themes: Children in Nature and Applied Conservation. The foundation, based in Del Mar, California, is dedicated to enhancing public understanding and stewardship of wildlife through hands-on engagement and direct conservation actions. With a mission rooted in fostering ecological consciousness and wildlife appreciation, it supports initiatives that help children connect with nature and encourage the protection of free-ranging species in their natural habitats. The Children in Nature category supports projects designed to immerse children in natural wilderness settings. Programs must provide unstructured or minimally structured experiences for children in the wild, as opposed to human-managed environments such as gardens. The foundation places emphasis on initiatives that introduce children to underrepresented species and lesser-known habitats. Activities must occur in wilderness areas, and programs situated in human-dominated landscapes do not qualify. The goal is to build early, meaningful connections between youth and the natural world, potentially fostering lifelong appreciation for environmental conservation. The Applied Conservation category is intended for field-based conservation projects that involve the protection of free-ranging wildlife or plant species and their native habitats. Funded projects may focus on safeguarding both species and ecosystems, with a preference for those working with less-publicized or under-recognized species. This category emphasizes practical conservation actions that take place directly in nature, supporting sustainable outcomes for biodiversity. Applicants may receive up to $5,000 in grant funding. The grants are exclusively available to individuals or organizations affiliated with U.S.-based nonprofit entities. Importantly, the foundation does not fund salaries or overhead expenses, and all awarded funds must go directly toward programmatic efforts. Successful applicants are required to submit a final report by November 1st of the award year, including high-resolution photographs showcasing project activities. Additionally, recipients must publicly acknowledge the foundation in all related materials and digital platforms associated with the funded initiative. The application process begins with a preliminary screening. Pre-proposals, consisting of a one-page abstract and a budget, can be submitted starting July 1st each year. These should be emailed to info@papoosewildlife.org. Applicants will be notified if they are selected to submit a full proposal. The final deadline for all application materials is October 1st. The foundation’s Board of Directors reviews submissions in December, and grants are officially awarded in January of the following year. All grant recipients must follow reporting guidelines and promotional requirements as stipulated by the foundation. Contact can be made via email at info@papoosewildlife.org, or by mail at Papoose Conservation Wildlife Foundation, PO Box 575, Del Mar, CA 92014. The foundation's clear process and specific focus areas ensure that supported projects directly align with its mission of wildlife conservation and youth engagement in natural environments.

Preference is given to proposals that feature unstructured wilderness experiences and lesser-known species.