The Rufford Foundation supports early-career conservationists with grants for nature conservation projects in eligible countries. Applications are accepted year-round, with funding ranging from £7,000 to £18,000 across its grant stages.
Background & Grant Description
The Rufford Foundation provides funding for nature conservation projects in emerging and developing economy countries. Its Rufford Small Grants programme supports early-career conservationists working to protect threatened species and address environmental challenges.
The funding programme has four stages: the First Rufford Small Grant, Second Rufford Small Grant, Booster Grant and Completion Grant. According to the foundation, grants across these stages range from £7,000 to £18,000.
Applications are accepted throughout the year, meaning there is no fixed annual application deadline. The programme primarily supports current master’s or PhD students and recent graduates, although other applicants may qualify if they meet the foundation’s additional criteria.
Grant Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Funder | The Rufford Foundation |
| Programme | Rufford Small Grants |
| Funding amount | £7,000–£18,000 across grant stages |
| Focus | Nature conservation |
| Eligible locations | Countries listed in the foundation’s eligibility criteria |
| Target applicants | Early-career conservationists |
| Application deadline | No fixed deadline; applications accepted year-round |
| Funding stages | First Grant, Second Grant, Booster Grant and Completion Grant |
| Official application | Apply through the Rufford Foundation |
Project Focus and Funding Benefits
The programme is designed to help early-career conservationists develop and implement projects addressing important nature conservation challenges.
Applicants should propose projects with a clear conservation focus. The foundation specifically requires projects involving species to focus on species considered threatened under its criteria.
Potential applicants should review the official guidance to understand the conservation priorities, project requirements and conditions for each funding stage.
The staged funding structure provides opportunities for eligible conservationists to seek further support as their conservation work develops, subject to the foundation’s requirements.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants should review the foundation’s full eligibility criteria before preparing an application. The main requirements listed on the official application website include:
- Career stage: Applicants should be in the early stages of a conservation career. Current master’s or PhD students and recent graduates are the main target groups.
- Project focus: The proposed project must focus on nature conservation.
- Eligible country: The project must take place in a country included on the foundation’s eligible-country list.
- Threatened species: Projects working with species must meet the foundation’s threatened-species criteria.
- Undergraduate students: The foundation states that it does not fund undergraduate students.
Other applicants may be considered if they meet the additional criteria outlined by the foundation.
Read the full Rufford grant criteria and check the eligible countries before applying.
Additional Information
Applications for Rufford Small Grants are accepted year-round, and there is no fixed annual deadline. However, applicants should ensure their proposed projects meet the foundation’s requirements before submitting an application.
The foundation also states that unsuccessful applicants may reapply after 12 months.
How to apply:
- Review the available grant stages and eligibility requirements on the official Rufford website.
- Confirm that your project country and conservation focus are eligible.
- Create an account and complete the online application through the Rufford application portal.
Applicants should consult the official guidance for the specific funding amount and requirements applicable to their grant stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Rufford Small Grants?
Rufford Small Grants are conservation grants that support early-career researchers and conservationists undertaking nature conservation projects in eligible countries.
2. How much funding is available?
The foundation states that grants range from £7,000 to £18,000 across its four funding stages. The amount available depends on the grant stage and the applicable criteria.
3. Is there an application deadline?
No fixed annual deadline is listed. Applications can be submitted throughout the year.
4. Who can apply for Rufford Small Grants?
The programme primarily targets current master’s or PhD students and recent graduates who are in the early stages of their conservation careers. Other applicants may qualify under additional criteria.
5. Can undergraduate students apply?
The foundation states that it does not fund undergraduate students.
6. What types of projects are eligible?
Projects must focus on nature conservation and meet the foundation’s requirements. Projects involving species must satisfy its threatened-species criteria.
7. Can conservation projects in African countries qualify?
Projects may qualify if the country is included on the foundation’s eligible-country list and the proposed work meets the other criteria. Applicants should confirm their country’s eligibility through the official website.
8. Can unsuccessful applicants apply again?
Yes. The foundation states that unsuccessful applicants may reapply after 12 months.
9. How do I apply?
Create an account and submit an application through the official Rufford Small Grants portal.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
Rufford Small Grants may be valuable for early-career conservationists seeking financial support for projects focused on biodiversity, threatened species and nature conservation. The year-round application system gives eligible applicants flexibility to prepare proposals that meet the foundation’s criteria.
Before applying, confirm the eligible country, conservation focus, threatened-species requirements and funding stage.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares funding and educational opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the Rufford Foundation and does not award grants or assess applications. Applicants should verify all requirements through the official foundation website.
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