We are happy to announce the Zooreach Conservation Seed Grants (ZCSG) to ​document poorly known groups of wildlife (fauna, flora, and fungi) in poorly ​studied landscapes by newcomers, early, and mid-career conservationists ​with less than 10 years of experience.

The 4-5 month grant is to enhance the baseline knowledge of species ​distributions, documenting threats to species and habitats, understanding ​priority areas of research and conservation, activities that build up basic ​knowledge to pursue actual conservation, and reasonable execution of ​conservation activities such as perception studies, education & outreach along ​with conservation action on the ground.

The grant encourages publication/s in either the peer-reviewed Journal of ​Threatened Taxa or a fact-checked write-up in Zoo’s Print.

• The grant is of two sizes -- one up to Rs 1 lakh and the other up to Rs 2 lakhs -- ​for an individual or group depending on the scope and needs of the project.

Who can Apply?

ZCSG is open to all newcomers, early to mid-career conservationists working across ​landscapes in India. The grant is open only to Indian nationals. Projects have to be ​toward wildlife conservation, restoration, and climate change mitigation. Distribution ​studies of species, specifically looking at unexplored areas and/or lesser-known taxa ​are encouraged as also search for lost species. This is an individual grant and is open to ​students, researchers, and conservation practitioners. People working with ​organizations or being part of bigger projects need to get a letter of support or NOC to ​qualify for the grant.

Application Process

1. Submission of the project proposal through the application form, from 10 July 2024 to ​10 August 2024.

2. Download the application template for preparation here

3. To fill out the application form click here.

4. Virtual interviews will be conducted for shortlisted projects with experts from 15 August ​2024 to 25 August 2024.

5. Shortlisted applicants will pitch their proposal online to the Jury on 26 & 27 August 2024 ​for the final round.

6. Results will be announced on 1 September 2024.

7. Grantees will receive the first installment by 5-7 September 2024 to begin their work by ​15 September 2024.

Grants not eligible for:

• Projects in landscapes other than peninsular India.

• Projects with conventional research and no conservation component.

• Projects with no prior research permits in protected areas.

Project Proposal

Grantees must maintain accurate accounting records as instructed. If you encounter ​issues due to a misunderstanding of procedures, call us immediately for clarification. ​However, failure to adhere to accounting guidelines or undisclosed discrepancies may ​result in the potential retrieval of the grant.

How do I prepare?

Download the Application Form template here beforehand and keep all the required ​documents ready before submitting finally on the online application here. The FAQ ​section answers most of the major clarifications. In case you have any additional ​questions that are not already answered on the webpage, reach out to us at ​zcsg@zooreach.org and trisa@zooreach.org.

What additional documents should I submit with the application form?

• Download the Budget template here and upload the file to the form in the Budget ​section

• Upload your Aadhaar and PAN card in the personal information section.

• 2 Reference letters from appropriate referees should be uploaded.

• You have the option to upload 2 photos to support your application. (Photos must ​not exceed 5 MB)

• One passport-size photograph

• You have the option to upload 2 additional documents to support your application. ​(Documents must not exceed 5 MB)

• Applicant must submit an updated CV.

*Note: The 2024-25 grant cycle is restricted to peninsular India: Maharashtra, Goa, ​Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, and Dadra & ​Nagar Haveli.