Rufford Small Grants forNature Conservation 2026
All Information
The Rufford Small Grants Programme supports early-career conservationists undertaking practical projects that deliver measurable benefits for nature conservation in developing countries. The programme prioritises researchers pursuing or recently completing an MSc or PhD, although other applicants may qualify if they meet the foundation's criteria. Funding can support fieldwork, conservation activities and pilot projects that protect threatened species or ecosystems. It is not intended to pay university tuition fees or fund purely academic research without a clear conservation benefit.
Requirements checklist
- 01
Be at an early stage of a conservation career.
- 02
Current MSc or PhD students and graduates from the previous three years are prioritised.
- 03
Be undertaking a project with a clear nature-conservation objective.
- 04
Work in a country eligible under the foundation's country rules.
- 05
Focus on practical conservation action with measurable, long-lasting results.
- 06
Projects involving species must address species considered threatened.
- 07
Submit the application in English.
- 08
Provide three references.
- 09
Apply online and complete the application within 90 days of starting it.
- 10
Undergraduate students studying for a BSc or equivalent are not eligible.
- 11
University tuition fees, conference attendance and projects without a clear conservation benefit are not supported.