The Rufford Small Grants Programme: new process, funding and application form

The Rufford Foundation runs the Rufford Small Grants Programme supporting early-career conservationists in emerging or developing economy countries. The programme focuses on funding fieldwork undertaken by current MSc or PhD students (or equivalent), or those who have graduated from such studies in the past 3 years and are seeking to undertake a conservation project. First grants support small-scale or pilot projects rather than providing a small amount of funding for a large-scale project.

In some cases, The Rufford Foundation will fund 100% of the project costs. Projects can focus on particular species or have a more general focus, for example on a threatened habitat or a major issue such as human–wildlife conflict or environmental education. The Rufford Foundation considers work on any species listed in the IUCN Red List, provided it is not categorized as Least Concern. Projects on species that do not appear on the IUCN Red List because they have yet to be assessed but are thought to be threatened will also be considered. There are no restrictions on projects focusing on threatened habitats.

Following a strategic review of the Rufford Small Grants Programme, and after consultation with our grantees, conservation professionals, other donors and reviewers of Rufford Small Grant applications, we are now pleased to launch our revised and streamlined application process.

The new application process will help applicants design effective conservation research and actions, enhance the review and selection process, and assist with project monitoring and evaluation. Increased funding will help grantees cover the rising cost of delivering projects and encourage them to consider potential next-stage projects.

The programme now has four stages of funding. Successful grantees are encouraged to apply for further support following completion of projects provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Our new four-stage process for grants is as follows: 1st Rufford Small Grant: up to GBP 7,000; 2nd Rufford Small Grant: up to GBP 8,000; Booster Grant: up to GBP 12,000; Completion Grant: up to GBP 18,000. There is no deadline for applications. Each application will be reviewed once the required three references have been received.

To review our eligibility criteria and FAQs, apply for a Rufford Small Grant and see examples of funded projects, visit apply.ruffordsmallgrants.org.