Apply for Blue Corridors for Turtles (BC4T) Small Grants Fund

Deadline: 31-Jan-2026

The Blue Corridors for Turtles Small Grants Fund provides up to USD 7,500 per project to support community-engaged marine turtle research worldwide. Led by the State of the World’s Sea Turtles (SWOT) program in partnership with WWF and Wildlife Computers, the fund prioritizes studies on turtle migration, nesting and foraging habitats, and genetic connectivity. A total of USD 35,000 and five satellite transmitters will be awarded to projects that fill critical knowledge gaps and strengthen global conservation planning.

Overview

The State of the World’s Sea Turtles (SWOT) program, together with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Wildlife Computers, has launched the Blue Corridors for Turtles Small Grants Fund to support community-engaged research focused on marine turtle conservation.

This initiative aligns with the Blue Corridors for Turtles project, which integrates satellite tracking data and genetic information across all sea turtle species and regions. The goal is to improve understanding of turtle connectivity and support the identification and protection of Important Marine Turtle Areas worldwide.

Funding Available

The programme will award a total of USD 35,000, along with five satellite transmitters, to selected projects.

• Maximum funding per project: USD 7,500

• Preferred request size: Under USD 3,000

• Budget flexibility: Applicants should include scaled budget options in case partial funding is awarded

Funding is expected to support multiple projects across different geographic regions, turtle species and research priorities.

Research Focus Areas

Funded projects should directly contribute to advancing knowledge of marine turtle ecology and conservation.

Priority research areas include:

• Nesting habitats and reproductive sites

• Foraging grounds and habitat use

• Migratory routes and movement corridors

• Genetic connectivity across populations

• Identification of Important Marine Turtle Areas

Routine monitoring projects are generally not prioritized unless they clearly address significant knowledge gaps. Funds may also be used to analyze or publish existing or newly generated data during the grant period.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered non-governmental organizations

• Legally recognized associations

• Local community groups engaged in marine turtle research or conservation

Applicants must demonstrate relevant experience and clearly align their proposed project with the objectives of the Blue Corridors for Turtles initiative.

• Each organization may submit only one proposal

• Projects may focus on any marine turtle species

Community Engagement and Collaboration

Strong proposals are expected to:

• Actively involve local communities

• Build on existing conservation programmes or expertise

• Encourage collaboration between scientists, practitioners and community members

• Focus on verifying or identifying key habitats, corridors or populations

Why This Fund Matters

Marine turtles face growing threats from habitat loss, climate change, fisheries interactions and pollution. Conservation efforts depend on accurate data about where turtles live, migrate and breed.

The Blue Corridors for Turtles Small Grants Fund supports locally led research that feeds into a global data system, helping conservationists and policymakers make informed decisions. By empowering community-based initiatives, the programme strengthens both scientific understanding and long-term conservation outcomes.

How the Fund Works

1. Project Design
   Applicants develop a research proposal aligned with Blue Corridors objectives and focused on addressing key knowledge gaps.

2. Budget Planning
   Proposals must include a clear budget, with optional scaled funding scenarios.

3. Selection and Support
   Selected projects receive financial support and, where applicable, satellite transmitters to support data collection.

4. Data Contribution
   Grant recipients are expected to contribute findings through analysis or publication to strengthen global conservation knowledge.

Common Application Tips

• Clearly explain how your project fills a specific knowledge gap

• Demonstrate meaningful community involvement

• Align objectives directly with movement, habitat or genetic connectivity

• Keep budgets realistic and well-justified

• Avoid proposing routine monitoring without a strong conservation rationale

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the maximum funding available per project?

Each project may request up to USD 7,500, though proposals under USD 3,000 are strongly encouraged.

2. Who can apply for the Blue Corridors for Turtles Small Grants Fund?

Registered organizations, legally recognized associations and local community groups involved in marine turtle research and conservation are eligible to apply.

3. Are individual researchers eligible to apply?

The fund prioritizes applications from organizations or community groups. Individuals typically need to apply through or in partnership with an eligible organization.

4. Can projects focus on any sea turtle species?

Yes. Projects may address any marine turtle species, provided they align with the Blue Corridors for Turtles objectives.

5. Are routine monitoring projects eligible for funding?

Routine monitoring alone is generally not prioritized unless it clearly addresses an important knowledge gap or conservation need.

6. Can the grant be used to publish existing data?

Yes. Funding may be used to analyze or publish existing or newly generated data within the grant period.

7. How many proposals can one organization submit?

Each organization is limited to one proposal under this funding call.

Conclusion

The Blue Corridors for Turtles Small Grants Fund offers a valuable opportunity for community-based organizations and conservation groups to contribute directly to global marine turtle protection. By supporting research on movement, habitat use and genetic connectivity, the fund helps bridge local knowledge and global conservation efforts. For applicants seeking to make a meaningful impact on marine turtle conservation, this programme provides both financial support and a pathway to lasting scientific and conservation contributions.

For more information, visit SWOT.