Hello everyone! I'm currently pursuing a PhD focused on understanding large carnivore mobility and human-wildlife coexistence in private farms in South Africa, particularly in the Limpopo province. My research aims to develop strategies that balance conservation efforts with local community needs. I'm seeking advice or leads on grants, scholarships, or other funding opportunities to support my fieldwork, data analysis, and community engagement components. Any suggestions or connections to relevant funding sources would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for your support. All the best,  Morena

Advance notice that the next Climate Action Fund round of grants from the National Lottery Community Fund opens on 27 March for UK-based groups to inspire more people to take climate action. Minimum grant is £500,000 and maximum grant (for exceptional projects) can be up to £3 million and for up to 7 years. Webinars are being held on 27 March, 16 May and 21 May. Awards from the UK Portfolio | The National Lottery Community Fund

The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation is launching an initiative to fund up to $5 million in Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) projects in the Pacific Northwest. This initiative seeks rigorous, place-based, and inclusive NCS projects that provide climate change mitigation alongside biodiversity and human well-being benefits. Projects are encouraged to be community-driven and foster collaborations between Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), non-profits, academic groups, and research labs. Eligible regions include Oregon, Washington, Idaho, British Columbia, and Alaska. The foundation prioritizes projects that adhere to principles ensuring the projects are nature-based, sustainable, climate-additional, measurable, and equitable. A webinar for prospective applicants will be held on March 7, 2024, and the deadline for submitting a Letter of Interest is April 12, 2024. For more detailed information, visit the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation's Request for Proposals page.

Heart of Bucks is collaborating with the Co-op Foundation to launch the third round of the Carbon Innovation Fund, a pivotal initiative designed to foster sustainable agricultural practices that protect peatland within food supply chains in Buckinghamshire. This round aims to fund a project with up to £90,000, focusing on reducing or replacing the use of peat or employing sustainable, non-damaging farming methods. Interested parties are encouraged to attend a launch webinar on Wednesday 14 February 2024, from 2pm to 3pm, hosted online via Teams. The webinar will provide an opportunity to clarify guidance and application queries, with a recording available for those unable to attend. To register, email foundation@coop.co.uk. Applications are open until midday on Friday 15 March 2024. The Carbon Innovation Fund, now in its third year, is a £3.5 million initiative backed by Co-op donations from compostable carrier bags and Co-op Foundation funds. It seeks innovative solutions to reduce the environmental impact of peat use in agriculture, aiming to safeguard peatlands—a crucial but threatened ecosystem. The fund will support projects that: Develop and scale alternative, peat-free or peat-protecting agricultural methods. Foster collaborations that address common challenges in sustainable farming. Enhance the UK farming community's access to sustainable practices and knowledge. Increase farmer confidence in transitioning to peat-free or peat-protecting methods. Promote environmentally and economically sustainable alternatives to peat use. Eligible projects must focus on reducing peat use in food supply chains, applying sustainable management practices for crops or livestock grazing. Projects should not involve buying peat-free compost for crops, focus solely on peatland restoration without an agricultural component, engage in policy lobbying, or be in the early idea stage without pilot or proof of concept. This unique funding opportunity is open to any not-for-profit organisation in Buckinghamshire, committed to open-source sharing of their project's findings and processes. Applicants must be legally constituted and have a bank account in the organisation’s name, with evidence of a pilot phase for their proposed project. For-profit or statutory organisations may apply in partnership, with a non-profit as the lead. For detailed guidance and to express interest, applicants should refer to the provided PDF document and submit their application through the online form by the specified deadline. This initiative represents a critical step towards more sustainable food and farming systems, directly contributing to the conservation of vital peatland habitats.

The Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme has launched a new funding opportunity for organisations committed to marine conservation in Europe. The Seascape Restoration Grants are designed to fund initiatives focused on revitalising degraded seascapes across European regional seas, enhancing biodiversity, and bolstering resilience against climate change and human activities. Grants ranging from US$1.5 to 5 million are available for ambitious five-year marine restoration projects. Additionally, medium-size grants between US$750K and US$1.5 million are on offer for national organisations looking to expand their seascape restoration expertise and capacity. The call for expressions of interest (EoI) is now open, with a deadline for submissions set for 22:59 GMT on 30th April 2024. Potential applicants are encouraged to consult the guidance document for eligibility criteria and to submit their EoI through the designated online form. This initiative arrives at a critical juncture for European marine ecosystems, which face extensive degradation and biodiversity loss. Despite the essential ecosystem services provided by marine habitats, historical funding has disproportionately favoured terrestrial over marine restoration. The programme aims to address this imbalance, inspired by Dr. Sylvia Earle's assertion of the inextricable link between our life and the health of our seas. Supported by a generous US$72 million donation from Arcadia for its third phase, the programme is set to significantly enhance marine restoration efforts in Europe, aiming to contribute to the ambitious global target of restoring 30% of ecosystems by 2030 as outlined in the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the Global Biodiversity Framework.

The Animals & Wildlife Special Draw offers a unique opportunity to support charities dedicated to the welfare of animals and wildlife. Ten charities will receive £5,000 each to aid their invaluable work. Nominations are open for just five days, from 19th to 23rd February 2024. This draw focuses on charities committed to advancing animal and wildlife welfare, including efforts to prevent cruelty and relieve suffering. To participate, simply nominate your favourite charity through this link. Eligibility is limited to charities with a core mission in animal and wildlife welfare in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man. Winners will be announced on 1st March 2024. With more nominations, a charity's chance of winning increases, so spread the word and support your favourite causes. Remember, terms and conditions apply.