Call for
WNE START-UP Grants
Application Deadline:
30 April 2025
About Organisation
Sarisha Wildlife and Ecology Society, founded on June 3, 2014, is a dedicated Non-Governmental Organization registered under the West Bengal Society Registration Act, 1961. The organization works actively to address some of the most pressing ecological challenges facing our time, particularly those relating to biodiversity and habitat conservation. With a vision rooted in sustainability and science-based interventions, Sarisha Wildlife and Ecology Society focuses on mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflicts, promoting Natural Resource and Wasteland Management, and conserving vital forest lands.
Through a combination of rigorous research, inclusive community engagement, and practical conservation strategies, the organization aims to bridge the gap between policy and grassroots actions. It works with local communities, researchers, and policymakers to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that protect the natural world while empowering people who depend on these ecosystems. Over the years, Sarisha Wildlife and Ecology Society has emerged as a leading voice in the conservation space in India, with an emphasis on data-driven action, awareness generation, and participatory development models. The society continues to inspire young minds and local communities to become active stewards of the environment and biodiversity.
About the Grant
The Sarisha Wildlife and Ecology Society offers a startup grant to support individuals and grassroots organizations working in the fields of biodiversity conservation and the welfare of forest-adjacent communities. This grant provides an initial financial boost of ₹10,000 to support projects that are either research-based or involve practical, innovative conservation interventions. The grant encourages recipients to explore creative solutions to critical issues such as habitat conservation, wildlife preservation, sustainable resource management, and ecological restoration.
Open four times a year—in April, July, September, and December—this opportunity is designed to empower emerging conservationists to transform their ideas into impactful projects. Whether you are engaged in botany, zoology, evolution, environmental science, or community-based resource management, this grant supports your efforts to contribute meaningfully to the ecosystem. The fund may be renewed based on the effectiveness and outcomes of the initial phase of the project. Grant recipients are also expected to comply with specific requirements, such as acknowledging WNE-India in all publications and materials, and securing appropriate permits for any fieldwork in protected areas. This grant acts as a catalyst for early-stage ideas and encourages young individuals to pursue meaningful careers in ecological conservation and community upliftment.
Who can Apply?
The grant is open to passionate individuals and organizations committed to biodiversity conservation and the welfare of forest-edge communities. To be eligible, applicants must be Indian citizens with a keen interest or background in disciplines such as zoology, botany, environmental science, natural resource management, wasteland or habitat conservation, evolution, economics, or wildlife research.
Applicants must be 24 years old or younger as of April 15, 2025. The proposed project must be executed within a maximum duration of six months. Each individual or organization can submit only one project per cycle. Additionally, while this grant serves as a startup fund, applicants are encouraged to seek other supporting funds to strengthen their project implementation.
Applicants must not use this grant for any legal disputes or undercover enforcement operations. If the project involves activities within protected or reserved forest areas, the applicant must obtain necessary permissions and documentation. During the project, recipients are required to visibly display the WNE-India logo on all related materials and acknowledge the organization in any journal articles, reports, or media outputs. Those who have previously received or been rejected for the grant are welcome to apply again with new projects in future cycles, as each submission is evaluated independently.
How to Apply?
Applicants interested in the grant must prepare a proposal aligned with the eligible fields and submit it before the closing date. Ensure your project adheres to all stated guidelines and includes necessary permits if applicable. Proposals must include project details, objectives, expected outcomes, and a brief budget plan. Only one proposal per applicant is allowed. The application process is competitive, and selected candidates will receive funding based on project merit and feasibility.
Application Deadline
The application window for the April 2025 grant cycle closes on 25th April 2025. Interested applicants must submit their complete proposals before this deadline to be considered for funding.
Last Date To Apply
Ensure your application is submitted no later than 25th April 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances, so plan your proposal and submission process accordingly.
Grant Amount
Selected projects will receive a startup grant of ₹10,000 to initiate their conservation-based work. The funding may be renewed in future cycles, depending on the outcomes of the project.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
