Future for Wildlife Grants Program

The Oregon Zoo Foundation's Future for Wildlife Conservation Fund awards small grants semi-annually in support of field conservation programs in the Pacific Northwest and abroad. Awards range from $500 to $4500 (US dollars).

Projects are funded that have the greatest impact on conservation actions. Projects must directly contribute to the survival of populations of free-living animal species and the ecosystems in which they are found.

What to know before applying (updated 10/09):

• The grant is not for/does not include/allow overhead costs or miscellaneous expenses
• Funds are only distributed to organizations, not individuals
• Only one proposal per individual or conservation organization can be submitted per year or per funding cycle
• All previous awardees must have submitted a final report prior to reapplication
• All required application materials, including curriculum vitae and letters of recommendation, must be submitted together
• Proposals must be received by the closing date
• Proposals that do not follow guidelines listed below will not be considered

Dates to know (updated 10/09)

Proposals must be received by June 15 and December 15, respectively. Deadline for application and accompanying documentation is end of business day on these dates.
Applications are reviewed in July and January of each calendar year.

Award notifications will be made in August and February. Successful grantees will be required to submit photos and a report that clearly explains how project objectives were met and budget accounting detail at the end of the grant cycle.

Required materials and format for proposal (updated 10/09)

Proposals must be submitted using the following criteria for formatting:

• Page size 8.5 inches by 11 inches
• Margins 0.75 inches top, bottom, left and right
• Font type ARIAL, font size 12
• Lines single spaced
• No more than five (5) pages in total (5 single-sided or 2.5 double-sided). Page count does not include the curriculum vitae or letters of recommendation.
• Proposal to include:
  1. Page 1
     • Proposal title and dollar amount being requested
  • Applicant information: applicant name(s) and title(s), institution or organization name and address (including country), tax E.I.N., email address, telephone
  • Project information: start and end dates of project, status of subject species (IUCN Red list, US Endangered, US Threatened, US Candidate), and identify project category from this list (include all that apply)
    • Directly assist protecting threatened or endangered species or habitat
    • Field Conservation
    • Research
    • Animal Health
    • Animal Welfare
    • Conservation Education
    • Builds local capacity
  • Include the names and describe who the letters of recommendation are from that support this proposal
  2. Pages 2 through 5
     • Abstract (100 words or less) that includes the purpose of the project, methods to be used, and the significance of the project to conservation
     • Introduction that includes the rationale for the project, specific goals, and the objectives and hypotheses to be tested
     • Methods and plan of action that includes a description of the data collection methods, sample size, and detailed time table that includes the completion date and dissemination plan
     • Outcome evaluation plan that includes plans for implementation of results into conservation action policy
     • Budget for the entire project that includes all funding sources and in-kind support
       • The following items should be listed as separate budget lines: airfares, lodging, equipment, vehicle rental, fuel, pharmaceuticals, per diem, personnel costs, printing, shipping/postage, supplies/services
       • Provide a specific description of each budgeted item, the cost in US currency and the funding source (identify the funding institution(s) for each)
       • No "miscellaneous" items will be funded
• Curriculum Vitae of applicant; two pages maximum
• Letters of recommendation from at least two individuals familiar with the applicant and the proposal. Letters should demonstrate existing community/partner support. If appropriate, include a letter of support from SSP/TAG/PMP or IUCN endorsement. A letter from in-country partner is highly desirable.

Grant evaluation criteria (updated 10/09)

Proposals are evaluated by considering the following criteria:

• Complete application received, including CV and letters of recommendation labeled with the name of the grant
• Demonstration of existing community support
• Level of conservation priority
• Potential conservation impact
• Address how this work helps wildlife
• Adequate project management
• List of other funders
• Clear and measurable goals
• Reporting plan
• Capacity building
• Project leader's qualification

All application materials are to be submitted to:

Future for Wildlife Grants Program
Oregon Zoo Conservation Division
4001 SW Canyon Road
Portland, OR 97221

Email: Future for Wildlife Grants Program