2025 Crowder-Messersmith Conservation Fund: Grant Application Guidelines for Nature Conservation Projects

The Crowder-Messersmith Conservation Fund provides seed funding for nature conservation projects that are primarily located in developing countries. These grants are designed to support small-scale, local efforts aimed at protecting endangered or threatened species and habitats, with a strong emphasis on engaging and educating local communities. Below are the essential details and criteria for submitting a grant application.

General Criteria for All Grants

To be eligible for a grant, a proposed project must:

• Focus on nature conservation and education. The project should aim to preserve natural habitats or endangered species while incorporating educational components for local communities.
• Benefit endangered or threatened species or habitats. Projects must focus on species or ecosystems facing significant threats.
• Include a public education component. Raising awareness among local populations about conservation issues is critical to the project’s success.
• Involve the local population. Active participation from local communities in both project activities and long-term conservation efforts is necessary.
• Have a lasting impact on local residents. The project should leave a meaningful, sustainable benefit for the community involved.
• Be completed within one year. The project should have clear, achievable objectives within a 12-month time frame.

General Exclusions

The following types of projects are not eligible for funding:

• Projects located in the United States or other advanced economies.
• Pure scientific research or data collection that lacks clear, practical conservation benefits.
• Expeditions, especially those requiring participants to fundraise for personal involvement.
• Projects that focus on species listed as “Least Concern” in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Projects should prioritize species at higher risk of extinction.
• Projects that are part of larger, well-funded initiatives. The fund focuses on smaller, independent projects with limited financial backing.
• Expenses for international travel, overhead, taxes, utilities, or insurance.
• Transfers of funds to personal bank accounts.

Additional Information

• Preference is given to applicants with a track record of previous conservation work related to the proposed project.
• Applicants from countries outside of the United States are strongly encouraged to apply.
• U.S.-based researchers working in foreign countries must have at least one local collaborator and should demonstrate how their project will benefit local communities.

Grant Application Time Frame

• Applications open on September 1, 2024.
• The deadline for submissions is January 6, 2025.
• Decisions will be announced in May 2025.
• Projects may begin in June 2025 and must be completed within 12 months of the start date.

Maximum Grant Amount

The maximum grant available for a single project is $3,000 USD for one year.

Grant Acceptance Requirements

Successful applicants must:

• Provide bank information for an international bank transfer.
• Submit a project status report six months after the project start date.
• Provide a full project report within 12 months, including:
  • An accounting of funds spent.
  • A detailed description of project activities and populations reached through education or training.
  • Copies of any developed materials or publications.
  • A thorough evaluation of the project’s successes and challenges.
  • Photos and videos documenting project activities.

2025 Grant Application Instructions

Where to Submit Your Application

• Email your application as an attachment to: CMaward@natureforward.org.
• Use the subject line to provide a concise version of your project title.

Transmittal Email

• In your transmittal email, describe your relationship with the organization requesting funds. This is your opportunity to explain the nature of your involvement, as the application form itself does not have a designated section for this information.

Document Formatting

• The entire application must be no longer than four pages.
• Use Times New Roman, 12-point font.
• Submit the document in RTF or MS Word format.

Applicant Details

• The application should be submitted by the person responsible for preparing and transmitting the proposal (the “requester”), not the field manager or another representative. Communication will be conducted solely via email.

Title

• The project title should include:
  • The specific activity you are proposing (e.g., “habitat restoration” rather than simply “conservation”).
  • The species you are focusing on (use the common name).
  • The location, including the country where the project will take place.

Project Summary

• Provide concise details on what the project will entail and how the grant funds will be used. The selection committee is most interested in the specific actions you plan to take. For instance:
  • If it’s a school/education program, state how many schools, teachers, or students will be involved.
  • If the project is aimed at reducing poaching or hunting, describe the methods you will use to influence local behaviors.

Budget

• Be as detailed as possible in your budget. The more clarity you provide on how the funds will be allocated, the stronger your application will be.

Relation to Previous Work

• Discuss any relevant conservation experience you have that is connected to the proposed project. If you have received a previous Crowder-Messersmith grant, indicate the year and how the current project differs from the prior one.

How Did You Hear About the Crowder-Messersmith Fund?

• Let the fund know how you learned about the opportunity, whether through personal research, recommendation, or another source.

2025 Crowder-Messersmith Grant Application Form

• Section A – Person Requesting Grant:
  • Organizational Affiliation:
  • Name:
  • Address:
• Section B – Project Information:
  • Name of Organization:
  • Amount Being Requested:
  • Title of Project:
  • Summary of Project:
  • Schedule of Project:
• Section C – Budget Breakdown:
  • Personnel Costs:
  • Supplies and Materials:
  • Food and Lodging:
  • Travel Expenses:
  • Publication Costs:
  • Other:
• Section D – Additional Information:
  • How does this project relate to previous work done by your organization?
  • Have any other organizations provided support for this project?
  • Have you received a Crowder-Messersmith grant previously? If yes, what year?
  • How does the current project differ from the previous one?
  • How did you hear about the Crowder-Messersmith Fund?
  • Provide the names, organizations, and email addresses of two people familiar with your professional activities.

Make sure to follow these guidelines carefully to ensure your application adheres to all the specified requirements.

How to apply                          Application form