Wild Animal Initiative is accepting applications for Seed Grants worth up to US$30,000 to support preliminary research projects focused on wild animal welfare. The grants can fund projects lasting up to two years, including systematic literature reviews, meta-analyses and pilot studies.
Applications are open through 31 October 2026. Researchers should review the programme guidelines and submit an expression of interest (EOI) through the organisation’s application process.
Background & Job Description
Wild Animal Initiative supports scientific research aimed at improving understanding of wild animal welfare. Its Seed Grants fund small research projects that address preliminary questions before researchers pursue indicator validation or apply for other research grant programmes.
Projects may investigate potential indicators of animal welfare, test data collection methods or develop technologies that could support future research.
The programme is intended to help researchers establish the evidence needed for more advanced studies and competitive funding proposals.
Grant Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Wild Animal Initiative |
| Funding programme | Seed Grants |
| Research focus | Wild animal welfare |
| Maximum grant | US$30,000 total |
| Project duration | Up to two years |
| Application deadline | 31 October 2026 |
| Initial application | Expression of Interest (EOI) |
| Additional documents | Animal methods form and collaborator CVs, if shortlisted |
| Official website | Wild Animal Initiative |
Tasks
Funded researchers will undertake preliminary research that advances understanding of wild animal welfare and helps establish the feasibility of future studies.
Eligible project activities may include:
- Conducting systematic literature reviews.
- Carrying out meta-analyses.
- Testing potential animal welfare indicators.
- Developing or prototyping data collection methods and technologies.
- Conducting pilot studies to inform future research proposals.
Proposals should explain how the research addresses an important preliminary question and could contribute to a subsequent competitive proposal for another Wild Animal Initiative research grant.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
The supplied programme information does not specify a minimum degree requirement or list mandatory academic qualifications for all applicants.
Interested researchers should consult the official Seed Grants announcement and guidelines to confirm eligibility and any requirements relating to the applicant, research team or proposed project.
Experience
Applicants should propose feasible research that focuses on wild animal welfare and addresses preliminary questions relevant to future research.
Wild Animal Initiative evaluates proposals using criteria that include scope, impact, progress, feasibility, research ethics, focus on wild animal welfare and cost-effectiveness. The likelihood that a project will contribute to a future competitive grant proposal is also considered.
Additional Information
Grant Value and Duration
Seed Grants provide up to US$30,000 in total funding for projects lasting up to two years.
The US$30,000 figure is the maximum total grant, not a monthly payment. The supplied information does not specify a standard award amount for every project.
Selection Criteria
Proposals are assessed against the organisation’s general grant selection criteria:
- Scope: Whether the project is appropriately defined.
- Impact: Its potential contribution to wild animal welfare research.
- Progress: The progress the proposed work could achieve.
- Feasibility: Whether the project can realistically be completed.
- Research ethics: Whether ethical considerations are adequately addressed.
- Wild animal welfare focus: How directly the project relates to the programme’s mission.
- Cost-effectiveness: Whether the proposed expenditure is justified.
The organisation also considers whether the project is likely to support a subsequent competitive proposal for another research grant type.
Application Process
The application process involves several stages.
Expression of Interest: Applicants submit an EOI form containing details of the proposed project.
Full proposal: Shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a full proposal and supporting documents, including an animal methods form and collaborator CVs.
Review and revisions: Further shortlisted applicants may be asked to revise their proposals in response to reviewer feedback before final decisions are communicated.
Being invited to submit a full proposal does not guarantee an award.
Application Deadline
Applications are open through 31 October 2026. The supplied announcement does not specify an exact closing time or time zone.
Applicants should submit their EOI before the deadline and consult the official announcement for the current application instructions.
How to Apply
Interested researchers should:
- Read the official Seed Grants announcement and eligibility guidelines.
- Identify a preliminary research question related to wild animal welfare.
- Develop a feasible project plan and budget.
- Submit the Expression of Interest form.
- Prepare the full proposal and supporting documents if shortlisted.
- Respond to reviewer feedback if further revisions are requested.
Official website: Wild Animal Initiative.
Applicants should use the organisation’s official Seed Grants page to access the current announcement and application materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding can researchers receive?
Wild Animal Initiative Seed Grants provide up to US$30,000 in total funding per project.
How long can a funded project last?
Projects may run for up to two years.
What types of research are supported?
The programme supports preliminary wild animal welfare research, including literature reviews, meta-analyses, pilot studies and development of data collection methods or technologies.
Who is eligible to apply?
The supplied information does not provide a complete list of applicant eligibility requirements. Researchers should review the official grant guidelines before applying.
What is the application deadline?
Applications are open through 31 October 2026. The exact closing time and time zone are not specified in the supplied announcement.
What is an Expression of Interest?
An Expression of Interest is the initial application stage, where applicants provide details of their proposed research project.
What documents are required?
Applicants initially submit an EOI form. Shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a full proposal, an animal methods form and collaborator CVs.
How are applications assessed?
Proposals are assessed on scope, impact, progress, feasibility, research ethics, relevance to wild animal welfare and cost-effectiveness. Their potential to support a future competitive grant proposal is also considered.
Does submitting an EOI guarantee funding?
No. Applicants may be shortlisted for further stages, and additional revisions may be requested before final funding decisions are made.
Where can I find the application information?
Visit the Wild Animal Initiative website and consult the official Seed Grants announcement and guidelines.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
Wild Animal Initiative Seed Grants offer an opportunity for researchers to obtain up to US$30,000 for preliminary projects focused on wild animal welfare. The programme may be particularly useful for researchers testing early-stage ideas, reviewing existing evidence or developing methods for more extensive future studies.
Applicants should ensure that their proposals are feasible, ethically sound and closely aligned with wild animal welfare research. They should also prepare for a staged selection process and submit their EOI before the 31 October 2026 deadline.
Disclaimer
Opportunities Feed shares research grants, fellowships, scholarships, employment and education opportunities for informational purposes. We are not affiliated with Wild Animal Initiative and do not represent the organisation in its funding decisions. Applicants should verify eligibility, grant conditions, required documents and deadlines through the official website before applying.
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