WCT-Biodiversity, Ecosystems, and Endangered Species Grants Programme (Rs. 3,50,000 to 4,00,000 per grantee)

Published: July 26, 2025
Deadline: August 10, 2025
Category: Grants
Eligible Locations: India

The WCT-Biodiversity, Ecosystems, and Endangered Species (WCT-BEES) Grants Programme is designed to support vital conservation research and grassroots initiatives in India. This program offers small grants to dedicated researchers, conservationists, and organisations working to protect endangered species and high-biodiversity landscapes.

About WCT-Biodiversity, Ecosystems, and Endangered Species Grants Programme

WCT instituted the small grants programme to provide financial aid for the conservation of endangered species and critical habitats, and to address conservation issues. It does this by supporting organisations, motivated individuals, and researchers in carrying out conservation work in India.

Through the WCT-Biodiversity, Ecosystems, and Endangered Species Grants Programme (WCT-BEES Grants Programme), WCT provides support and opportunities to conservationists and researchers to pursue their passion for conserving endangered species and threatened habitats.

Two types of grants will be provided under the WCT-BEES Grants programme:

Wildlife Research Small Grant
Grassroots Conservation Small Grant

Both Wildlife Research Small Grant and the Grassroots Conservation Small Grant have been curated to provide funding support to Indian wildlife researchers, grassroots conservationists, and conservation organisations.

The small grants are not restricted to specific states or locations and are open to all Indian citizens and organisations with a valid registration certificate for operations in India.

The grant awardees will be announced by 10 September, 2025.

Wildlife Research Small Grant

This grant has been specially curated to provide funding support to wildlife researchers whose work focuses on endangered species and/or landscapes of exceptional biodiversity value in India. Projects with conservation as a core component will be preferred.

Grassroots Conservation Small Grant

This grant has been specially curated to provide funding support to conservationists and conservation organisations whose work focuses on endangered species and/or landscapes of exceptional biodiversity value in India.

Sponsor Organisation: Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT)

Benefits of WCT-Biodiversity, Ecosystems, and Endangered Species Grants Programme

WCT-BEES grants will range from Rs. 3,50,000/- to 4,00,000/- per grantee.

WCT-Biodiversity, Ecosystems, and Endangered Species Grants Programme Requirements

Criteria for applying for the WCT-BEES Grants:

Only one project should be submitted by any individual or organisation.
Grants under the programme are only applicable to Indian citizens and organisations with a valid registration certificate for operations in India.
Applicants need to hold a minimum of a graduate degree from a recognised university. In the case of organisations/educational institutions, this condition will apply to the lead applicant.
Projects should focus on the conservation of endangered species and/or landscapes of exceptional biodiversity value in India. Projects focusing on species/habitats outside India will not be eligible.
Projects pitched to WCT cannot exceed a duration of 10 months.
Projects may also have a social dimension, as WCT recognises that nature awareness, education, and sustainable livelihood options for local communities are important ingredients for long-term conservation action.
A significant proportion of funds must be used for project activities.
WCT-BEES Grants will not fund any organisational overheads.
WCT may permit the purchase of essential equipment for fieldwork, such as GPS, rangefinders, etc., on a case-by-case basis. However, the purchase of costly equipment such as DSLR cameras, laptops, or vehicles will not be allowed.
The project must have measurable outcomes that lead to tangible conservation benefits.
Master’s dissertation work is eligible for the WCT-BEES Grants programme.
Individuals and organisations that have been previously rejected or supported may reapply for new projects during successive grant cycles and will be evaluated independently of previous applications.
Applicants are encouraged to have other matching grants. This grant may be used in conjunction with other small grants that the project proponent has obtained. However, there must be complete disclosure of the amount obtained from elsewhere.
The selection of grantees rests squarely with the selection committee appointed under the WCT-BEES Grants programme. All decisions taken by the selection committee are final and binding.
Details of two referees need to be provided as mentioned in the application form. We will get in touch with the referees directly at the email addresses specified in the application form if the project is shortlisted. Referees should ideally submit recommendation letters within 7-10 days of being contacted.

General Exclusions for Grants:

WCT-BEES Grants will not be provided for projects lasting over ten months.
WCT-BEES Grants will not provide funds for national or international travel for:
- attending conferences/seminars, or
- carrying out laboratory analysis.
WCT-BEES Grants cannot be used for building permanent infrastructure.
WCT-BEES Grants will not be applicable for undercover or enforcement work.
WCT-BEES Grants cannot be used for expenses related to litigation.

Branding and Acknowledgements:

Project grantees must acknowledge the funding support received from WCT in all peer-reviewed publications, reports, websites, media, etc.
The WCT logo must be used appropriately on all project reports, posters, and collateral.
Project grantees must not portray themselves as part of WCT in any way that is detrimental to or harms the reputation of the organisation.

Permissions:

Project grantees are expected to understand all applicable Indian laws and secure permits before the commencement of the project. Any project activity involving entry into protected areas, sample collection, or invasive research shall be carried out only after acquiring the requisite permits from the relevant competent authority/ies.

Underspends/Overspends:

Grantees are required to return unspent funds at the end of the project along with a detailed explanation. Overspending by applicants will not be reimbursed by WCT.

Intellectual Property Rights:

All data collected and intellectual property generated under the WCT-BEES Grants Programme will remain the property of the concerned grantee. The grantee is free to use the data collected for their professional use (including scientific and popular publications). The grantee acknowledges and agrees to share relevant data, photos, and videos with WCT for outreach purposes. Both parties will have the rights to use the materials outlined above without violating either party’s rights, and copyright of such materials will remain with and be credited to the grantee. All intellectual properties generated will be governed by the laws of the Union of India.

Application Date and Process

Access the application form here. Applicants should read the general guidelines and FAQs before applying.

The proposals will be meticulously appraised by the Selection Committee instituted by WCT, and approved based on their alignment with the programme, and the merit and significance of their conservation goals, amongst other criteria.