The Rufford Foundation funds early-stage nature conservation work, especially pilot projects and field research led by early-career conservationists in developing countries. Its portfolio emphasizes threatened species studies, community-based conservation, habitat restoration, and practical conservation actions that can be completed in the field and then scaled up through follow-on support. A distinctive feature is its tiered model: small starter grants, booster grants for successful projects, and completion grants for final surveys, analysis, and dissemination.
Primarily small, competitive grants through structured programs rather than open-ended funding; supports pilot projects first, then offers booster and completion grants to previous grantees. Funding is geared toward individuals and small conservation teams working in developing countries, with project-based support for fieldwork, surveys, community engagement, and final outputs.
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Apply through Rufford’s formal grant programs on its website and align proposals with conservation fieldwork in developing countries, especially pilot or early-stage projects. Strong applications will be species- or site-specific, practical, and clearly show conservation impact, community involvement, and a realistic path to completion or scale-up if eligible for booster support.
Current and upcoming funding from The Rufford Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Individuals working in developing countries who are starting on the ladder of conservation research and establishing pilot programmes.
Who can apply: Open to prior Rufford Small Grants grantees seeking further funding to continue or expand a previously funded project.
Who can apply: Typically awarded to existing Rufford grantees to support completion stages of previously funded projects.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.