Partnership to Advance Conservation Science and Practice

The Partnership to Advance Conservation Science and Practice (PACSP) program is a grant opportunity offered through a partnership between the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. This program supports research that integrates conservation science with on-the-ground implementation of conservation practices in the United States. The program seeks projects that address biodiversity conservation challenges by combining scientific research with actionable, evidence-based conservation activities. Projects must demonstrate clear connections between scientific questions and conservation actions, emphasizing measurable biodiversity outcomes. The program encourages proposals involving partnerships between academic institutions and conservation organizations. Strong proposals will incorporate an adaptive management framework to assess biodiversity outcomes continuously, allowing scientific findings to inform and improve conservation actions. Proposals that adopt a convergent approach to understanding how environmental change impacts ecosystems, organisms, and conservation strategies are particularly encouraged. Applicants are also expected to consider broader societal impacts and engage non-academic partners in collaboration where appropriate. Eligible applicants include nonprofit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar organizations associated with research and education in the United States. Institutions of higher education, including two- and four-year accredited institutions located in the United States, are also eligible. Proposals involving international branch campuses of U.S.-based institutions must justify the necessity of performing project activities at those locations instead of the U.S. campus. The program has an estimated total funding of 16,000,000 dollars and anticipates awarding approximately 16 grants. There are no specified award ceilings or floors, and cost-sharing or matching is not required. NSF will fund the research components of the selected projects, while the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation will fund the conservation implementation aspects. Proposals must emphasize the direct translation of conservation-focused research into tangible, on-the-ground biodiversity conservation efforts. The strongest applications will include measurable outcomes and address biodiversity conservation goals while advancing scientific understanding. Proposals must be submitted by March 17, 2025, through the appropriate NSF channels. Additional information, including submission guidelines, can be found in NSF Publication 25-524. Questions and technical support regarding the application process can be directed to NSF Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.