Submissions open for WWF-India Conservation Catalyst Programme 2026-27

Deadline: 22-Jan-2026

WWF-India’s Conservation Catalyst Programme supports grassroots conservationists and organizations to conserve wildlife and habitats across India. It combines financial grants of up to 6 Lakh INR per year with mentorship in leadership, fundraising, networking, and organizational capacity to empower sustainable conservation action.

Overview of the Conservation Catalyst Programme

The Conservation Catalyst Programme is WWF-India’s flagship initiative designed to strengthen grassroots conservation efforts. It supports individuals and organizations working on wildlife and habitat protection, neglected species, and underrepresented ecosystems. Beyond financial support, the programme provides sustained mentorship, ensuring awardees can grow into structured, effective, and resilient conservation practitioners.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible participants include:

• Grassroots conservation organizations

• Individual conservationists actively engaged in wildlife and habitat protection

• Groups focusing on underrepresented species, neglected ecosystems, or community-based conservation

Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to improving conservation outcomes and building long-term organizational capacity.

Why It Matters

The programme addresses critical gaps in India’s conservation landscape:

• Neglected Areas and Species: Supports conservation where efforts are limited or absent.

• Capacity Building: Strengthens skills in communication, fundraising, networking, and leadership.

• Community-Driven Conservation: Promotes locally led approaches to habitat restoration, species protection, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.

• Sustainable Impact: Combines financial support with mentorship to ensure long-term conservation effectiveness.

Funding and Support

• Grant Amount: Up to 6 Lakh INR per year

• Purpose: Strengthen conservation impact and organizational capacity

• Additional Support: Mentorship in institutional development, communication, leadership, fundraising, and networking

• Repeat Grants: Possibility of additional support for successful awardees to continue conservation work

How It Works / How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm that the organization or individual works in grassroots conservation and aligns with programme objectives.

2. Develop Project Proposal: Include conservation focus, expected outcomes, community involvement, and potential impact.

3. Submit Application: Follow WWF-India’s official application guidelines.

4. Evaluation: Applications are assessed on ecological relevance, community engagement, potential impact, and organizational capacity.

5. Award and Mentorship: Selected awardees receive the grant and ongoing mentorship for up to one year, with possible continuation based on performance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete or unclear applications

• Lack of focus on neglected species or underrepresented habitats

• Failing to demonstrate organizational growth potential or long-term conservation impact

• Overlooking community engagement or participatory approaches in project design

FAQs

1. Who can apply for the programme? Grassroots conservation organizations and individual conservationists working on wildlife or habitat protection.
2. What is the grant amount? Up to 6 Lakh INR per year.
3. Is mentorship provided? Yes, awardees receive guidance in leadership, fundraising, networking, and organizational development.
4. Can I receive funding for more than one year? Repeat grants are possible for successful awardees.
5. What types of projects are supported? Conservation of threatened species, habitat restoration, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and community-driven initiatives.
6. Are underrepresented regions and ecosystems eligible? Yes, the programme prioritizes neglected areas and species.
7. How does WWF-India support long-term impact? Through mentorship, capacity building, and repeat grant opportunities, ensuring sustainable conservation outcomes.

Conclusion

WWF-India’s Conservation Catalyst Programme strengthens grassroots conservation by combining financial support with strategic mentorship. By empowering individuals and organizations to address pressing environmental challenges, the programme builds long-term leadership and sustainable impact for wildlife and habitat conservation across India.

For more information, visit WWF.