Fund for Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Projects Worldwide

Posted by on August 08, 2011

SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund Accepting Applications for Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Projects Worldwide
Deadline: December 1, 2011

The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, a nonprofit organization created by Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks, supports wildlife research, habitat protection, animal rescue, and conservation education in the United States and around the world. Since its inception in 2003, the fund has awarded more than $8 million in total support, including animal crisis grants to fund rapid response efforts when animals or their habitats are in peril due to either natural or human-caused events and catastrophes.

The fund’s annual grant program accepts applications from organizations around the world. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations based in the U.S., non-U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and nongovernmental organizations, governmental entities (including public schools and universities), accredited universities and research centers, and AZA- or AMMPA-accredited institutions. Applications from individuals not affiliated with any of these entities will not be accepted. The project for which funding is requested must have broad community/constituency support and be based on legitimate scientific and conservation principles.

While the fund recognizes and supports the critical importance of ex-situ efforts such as endangered species breeding programs and conservation awareness/education, its primary focus is to support conservation efforts directly benefiting wildlife in their native ranges (in situ). For this reason, the fund is unable to help underwrite the captive breeding efforts of other animal management facilities. However, the fund will consider ex-situ conservation education proposals that demonstrate significant positive and sustainable impact.

The fund has no set minimum or maximum grant amount. In the past, the fund has awarded project grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 for a one-year term. The fund will consider multiyear proposals. Requests for major capital investments will not be funded.

All grant applications for each year’s granting session are due by December 1 of the prior year. Visit the fund’s Web site for complete grant guidelines, information on previously funded projects, and the online application.

http://www.swbg-conservationfund.org/grantInfo.htm