Call for
Rufford Small Grant
About Organisation
The Rufford Foundation is a UK-based charitable organization dedicated to supporting nature conservation efforts across developing countries. Established over two decades ago, the Foundation has significantly contributed to early-stage conservation initiatives by individuals at the beginning of their professional journeys. Its flagship initiative, the Rufford Small Grants Programme, has awarded over £30 million through more than 5,100 grants in over 150 countries. This programme specifically supports grassroots conservationists by funding pilot projects, often forming the cornerstone of future large-scale initiatives. By identifying and supporting scientists and researchers in the early phases of their careers, the Foundation plays a critical role in nurturing future leaders in conservation. Many grant recipients have gone on to become national or even global influencers in biodiversity preservation and sustainable environmental practices. The Foundation’s focus remains firmly on enabling positive ecological impact through direct support to fieldwork, capacity-building, and community engagement.
About the Grant
The Rufford Small Grants Programme provides financial support to conservation projects located in emerging or developing economy countries. The projects may address issues such as endangered species protection, conservation of threatened habitats, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, or community-based conservation education. Importantly, the Foundation supports work on species not categorized as Least Concern in the IUCN Red List, including species that lack formal assessment but are believed to be at risk globally. The funding process is tiered and allows grantees to apply for up to four different types of grants as their work develops and matures. These include the initial Rufford Small Grant, followed by a second-level grant, then a Booster Grant, and finally, a Completion Grant. Each stage provides increasing financial support and encourages long-term conservation impact. The Foundation prioritizes projects where its funding can make a significant difference—ideally covering 50% to 100% of total costs. Co-funding is permitted, but applicants must provide evidence of additional financial backing if applicable.
Who can Apply?
The Rufford Small Grants are intended for individuals in the early stages of their conservation careers. Eligible applicants typically include those currently pursuing or recently (within the past three years) having completed an MSc, PhD, or equivalent qualification. Undergraduate students (BSc or equivalent) are not eligible. While applicants outside this group may be considered, they must meet the additional general criteria set by the Foundation. Projects must focus specifically on nature conservation, with an emphasis on fieldwork activities. The Foundation supports small-scale or pilot initiatives and prefers to fund a substantial portion of the project’s total cost. Applicants must be working in a qualifying developing or emerging economy country. Proposals should demonstrate a clear conservation outcome and include evidence of co-funding if applicable. The Foundation does not support projects outside the conservation domain or projects lacking fieldwork components.
How to Apply?
Interested applicants can apply by submitting a proposal through the Rufford Small Grants Programme’s online application system. Ensure your project aligns with the conservation focus and eligibility criteria before applying.
Application Deadline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, but timely submission is encouraged to ensure eligibility.
Last Date To Apply
There is no fixed last date, as the grant operates on a rolling basis. Applicants can apply anytime during the year.
Grant Amount
The grant is disbursed in four stages: up to £7,000 for the first grant, £8,000 for the second, £12,000 for the booster, and £18,000 for the completion grant.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
