Rufford Small Grants for Nature Conservation

  • Start Date:

  • Deadline:

  • Agency:
    Rufford Foundation

The Office of Grants and Research (OGR), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), highlights the Rufford Small Grants for Nature Conservation, offered by the Rufford Foundation. This programme supports nature conservation projects in developing countries, with a focus on early-stage and emerging research initiatives.

Programme Overview
The Rufford Small Grants programme provides funding for practical conservation projects that address biodiversity loss and environmental challenges. It is particularly designed to support early-career researchers and graduate students working on conservation issues in developing regions, enabling them to initiate impactful, field-based projects.

Key Details

  • Funder: Rufford Foundation

  • Funding Type: Grant

  • Maximum Funding: Up to GBP 18,000 per project (grants range from GBP 7,000–18,000)

  • Submission Deadline: No fixed deadline (rolling applications)

  • Application Frequency: Applicants may apply once every 12 months

  • Eligible Applicants: Academic institutions, early-career researchers, graduate students, and pre-doctoral researchers

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be engaged in nature conservation projects in developing countries

  • Demonstrate potential for impactful conservation outcomes

  • Be early in their research or conservation careers (preferred)

  • Show capacity to manage and implement a field-based project

Funding Scope

The grants support:

  • Biodiversity conservation projects

  • Protection and management of ecosystems and natural habitats

  • Research on animal ecology and environmental management

  • Community-based conservation initiatives

  • Environmental education and awareness programmes

  • Sustainable use and management of natural resources

Eligible Disciplines

  • Agriculture, Veterinary, and Food Science

  • Animal Ecology and Habitats

  • Community Studies

  • Ecosystem Function

  • Environmental Conservation and Biodiversity

  • Environmental Education and Management

  • Environmental Science

  • Natural Resource Management

  • International Trade (environment-related aspects)

Strategic Focus Areas

  • Supporting grassroots conservation efforts

  • Promoting biodiversity protection in developing countries

  • Encouraging early-career conservation leadership

  • Strengthening community engagement and local impact

  • Advancing sustainable use of natural resources

How to Apply
Applicants should submit proposals via the official application portal:
https://apply.ruffordsmallgrants.org/

Applicants are expected to present a clear, field-based conservation proposal, demonstrating strong scientific merit, community involvement, and a realistic plan for achieving measurable conservation impact.