Organisation Name:
Alberta Conservation Association (ACA)
Application Deadline:
1 December 2025
About Organisation
The Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) is a key environmental organization in Canada dedicated to conserving wildlife, fish, and natural habitats across Alberta. Through partnerships with governments, Indigenous communities, conservation groups, researchers, and industry stakeholders, ACA implements science-based programs to protect biodiversity and sustain natural ecosystems. Its initiatives span habitat restoration, species monitoring, and environmental education, ensuring that conservation efforts are both collaborative and long-lasting. The ACA is committed to advancing conservation science and promoting evidence-based decision-making that balances ecological integrity with community well-being. By funding innovative projects and research, the organization enables conservationists, scientists, and citizens to work together toward protecting Alberta’s rich natural heritage. The ACA also supports young researchers and students, encouraging scientific inquiry that contributes to the protection of endangered species and sustainable ecosystem management.
About the Grant
The ACA Research Grant Program funds high-quality, conservation-focused research that directly supports Alberta’s biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. For 2026–2027, funding priorities include endangered species recovery, impacts of invasive species, wetland restoration, carbon sequestration, and advancements in fish and wildlife monitoring technologies. Research on disease control, agricultural runoff effects, and social studies on hunting and angling are also encouraged. Grants typically average around CAD 25,400, with higher requests (over CAD 40,000) requiring justification. Research must be conducted within Alberta and demonstrate tangible conservation outcomes. Projects must run from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, with open-access publication mandatory. Funds are released in two phases—70% upon agreement signing and 30% after approval of final reports. ACA prioritizes proposals that demonstrate strong conservation relevance, effective collaboration, and innovative methods that enhance understanding and stewardship of Alberta’s natural environment.
Who can Apply?
The ACA Research Grant is open to qualified researchers, conservation practitioners, and institutions capable of executing rigorous, conservation-oriented studies. Applicants must demonstrate relevant expertise and secure all necessary permits and ethical clearances. Graduate students may apply through supervisors, while federal or provincial government employees cannot serve as principal investigators but may participate as collaborators. All applicants must have the insurance and institutional approvals required for field research. Eligible projects should focus on wildlife, fish, and habitat conservation within Alberta, aligning with ACA’s mission and demonstrating a clear contribution to advancing ecological knowledge or practical conservation strategies. Funding cannot be used for overhead, emergency relief, or profit-driven work. Applications must be submitted using the official ACA template, limited to 14 pages (excluding cover and FOIPP pages), and may include a project map. Preference is given to proposals with strong partner engagement, measurable outcomes, and open-access dissemination of results that strengthen Alberta’s conservation community.
How to Apply?
Applicants must complete the official ACA Research Grant template, ensuring compliance with the 14-page limit and including all necessary project details. Proposals should highlight relevance to ACA’s conservation priorities, demonstrate sound methodology, and confirm all ethical and institutional approvals. Submissions are reviewed competitively based on feasibility, impact, and conservation value. Only complete, clear, and well-documented applications will be considered.
Application Deadline
The final date for submitting proposals to the ACA Research Grant Program is 1 December 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted for consideration.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
