Support grants for scientific research and conservation

We support projects with clear and identifiable benefits, relating to the conservation of threatened species and these benefits must be carefully balanced against any potential harm.

We support in areas which do not have the public profile to attract more mainstream sources of funding. As such, preference will be given to projects with the following characteristics, which relate to the team applying, the species being targeted and the approach being taken.

Species

The species which is the subject of the conservation research should:

    •    be in one of the "Threatened" IUCN Red List categories: Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered;

    •    not benefit from awareness in the general public of the species or its plight;

    •    be an apex species for its ecosystem and/or a range-restricted endemic species; and

    •    not currently be the beneficiary of large-scale research and conservation efforts.

Teams

The team who is applying should be able to demonstrate:

    •    evidence of sound financial management;

    •    a track record of producing research suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals;

    •    plans for dissemination or publication of the knowledge and experience gained; and

    •    ability to monitor and evaluate the impact of the grant against the proposed objectives.

Philosophy

Finally, there are many different approaches to conservation. These are frequently complementary, rather than there being a single optimal approach. The approach taken by Megafaun.org is to seek to support projects that:

    •    seek to benefit the ecosystem through focus on a key species;

    •    proactively involve and benefit local communities and stakeholders; and

    •    seek consensus and education as effective approaches where there is human-animal conflict.