The Turtle Conservation Fund Grant Program supports targeted conservation and research initiatives that protect the world’s most threatened tortoise and freshwater turtle species. The programme supports projects that respond to urgent species-survival needs.
About The Turtle Conservation Fund Grant Program
The Turtle Conservation Fund established this grant programme to address threats facing non-marine turtles and tortoises. It provides funding for projects that fill essential knowledge gaps, strengthen population monitoring, reduce key threats, and inform conservation strategies. The programme prioritises species listed as Critically Endangered or Endangered, as well as those facing severe decline.
Supported projects combine field research with applied conservation action, ensuring that findings directly inform protection efforts. The fund does not support work on marine turtles, preferring to focus on freshwater and terrestrial species that often receive limited funding. Grant recipients operate under appropriate permits and ethical standards by sharing project results with the conservation community.
Funding Size
- Typical grant amount: $1,000 to $3,000
- Maximum award: $5,000
- Project duration supported: less than one year
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Who Can Apply for the Turtle Conservation Fund Grant Program
Eligible organisation types:
- Non-profit conservation organisations
- Academic or research institutions
- Independent researchers and conservation practitioners
- Community-based conservation groups
Registration or legal documents:
- Completed project proposal using the required format
- Curriculum vitae for project leaders
- Detailed project budget
- Relevant permits or legal approvals
Project focus requirements:
- Conservation of tortoises or freshwater turtles
- Focus on species facing high extinction risk
- Projects addressing urgent threats or data deficiencies
- Activities with clear and practical conservation outcomes
Geographic eligibility:
- Projects located in countries where priority species occur
- Fieldwork conducted in legally approved sites
- Conservation action linked to local ecosystems
- Work contributing to global turtle conservation goals
Sector or thematic focus:
- Wildlife conservation research
- Field-based monitoring and surveys
- Threat reduction and habitat protection
- Applied conservation science
Application Process
- Develop a project proposal aligned with Turtle Conservation Fund priorities.
- Prepare a clear budget and work plan.
- Compile required supporting documents.
- Submit the complete application by the stated deadline.
- Await evaluation by the Turtle Conservation Fund review panel.
- Receive notification of the funding decision.
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Required Materials
- Completed grant proposal
- Project budget and justification
- CVs of key personnel
- Copies of permits or approvals
Key Dates
- Application deadline for first funding cycle: June 1, 2026
- Review period for June cycle: June to July
- Funding decisions for June cycle: mid-August
- Application deadline for second funding cycle: December 1, 2026
- Review period for December cycle: December to January
- Funding decisions for December cycle: mid-February 2027
Selection Notes
- The programme is competitive, with limited funds available
- Reviewers prioritise projects with strong conservation impact
- ;Applicants without a non-profit, research, or conservation affiliation are excluded.
Official Source Of The Turtle Conservation Fund Grant Program
Application Page: https://turtleconservationfund.org/grant-application-guidelines/
