Most wildlife conservation funders write six-figure checks to large research institutions. Mzuri Wildlife Foundation does the opposite: $5,000 to $15,000 grants for grassroots projects where staff can visit the work firsthand.

What we know: Mzuri runs one cycle per year. Its top recipients include Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust ($158,000 over four grants) and Ivan Carter Wildlife Conservation Alliance ($125,000 over four grants), both field-focused conservation organizations. About 35% of grants historically went to California-based nonprofits, with Florida, Washington, and Montana also represented. The foundation's NTEE mix skews heavily toward animals and wildlife, with smaller allocations to youth development and environment.

Realistic fit: small conservation nonprofits running hands-on wildlife, habitat, or outdoor education projects with clear one-year deliverables and willingness to host a site visit.

Two details worth noting before you apply. First, this is a two-step process: LOI by September 15, then formal application by November 1 if invited. Second, Mzuri explicitly won't fund government entities, individuals, political campaigns, firearms purchases, or organizations acting as third-party funding conduits. If your project produces measurable field results within a year, that's the profile they're looking for.

If you know a grassroots wildlife or outdoor education nonprofit that could use $5,000 to $15,000 for direct fieldwork, send this their way.