East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF) is proud to offer grants to conservation organizations who are supporting wildlife across the globe. Please carefully review the criteria below to determine which grant best suits your project.
WILDLIFE EMERGENCY FUND (WEF)
SUBMISSIONS FOR THIS GRANT ARE CLOSED.
OVERVIEW
WEF is a small grant offered by East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF). This grant is intended to provide rapid financial support to conservation-based organizations that are responding to sudden, episodic, and unpredictable threats impacting wildlife.
WEF defines an emergency as: An unforeseen and unavoidable event causing a direct and negative impact on wildlife. Ongoing, recurring, or long-term threats are not considered to be an immediate emergency.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year or until funds are depleted. We aim to respond to applicants within 48 hours of receiving the application.
Funding requests up to $2,500 are anticipated. Recipients must use the funds within 60 days and submit a brief report within 6 months.
ELIGIBILITY
- Applicants from 501(c)3 non-profits (or equivalent), governmental and non-governmental organizations that focus on direct in-situ conservation action are eligible to apply.
- Applications are open to eligible organizations worldwide, except in countries or regions subject to U.S. government sanctions or restrictions.
- Unspecified overhead, administrative costs, monitoring/survey equipment, outreach supplies and signage are not eligible.
- Salaries and vehicles will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
SUBMISSION
Application must be submitted in English. Only fully completed applications will be considered. Documentation proving charitable status such as registration certificates or government-issued approval is required. All questions and proposals should be submitted to Alyssa Rice, Conservation Coordinator, at conservation@eczf.org.
Growth, Engagement and Resources (GEAR):
SUBMISSIONS FOR THIS GRANT ARE OPEN.
OVERVIEW
GEAR is a small grant offered by East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF). This grant is intended to be a catalyst for growth and development of conservation-based organizations by supporting operational costs essential for in-situ fieldwork. GEAR addresses the financial challenges organizations face when their needs fall outside large-scale project-based funding.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis from April to June 30, 2026 or until funds are depleted. We aim to respond to applicants within 4 weeks of receiving the application.
Funding requests up to $1,000 are anticipated, though larger requests may be considered or partially funded. Recipients must use the funds within 12 months and submit a brief report by the end of that period.
CATEGORIES
Proposals should fall within one of the three categories defined below:
1. Field equipment: supplies required to monitor, survey, and assess species and habitats including, but not limited to, technology, software, tools, clothing, PPE and transport.
2. Outreach: supplies needed for public engagement through schools, awareness campaigns, and activities including, but not limited to, pamphlets, books, stickers, digital content creation and signage.
3. Professional development: training needed for organizational growth and greater capacity. Opportunities may include, but are not limited to, symposiums, workshops, conferences and training. Additional associated costs such as travel and housing can be included and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants from 501(c)3 non-profits (or equivalent), governmental and non-governmental organizations that focus on direct in-situ conservation action are eligible to apply.
Organizations may only apply for one category at a time: equipment, outreach, or professional development. Recipients are not eligible again in the same calendar year.
Unspecified overhead, administrative costs, salaries and vehicles are not eligible. Off-road vehicles will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Requested items must be justified with a clear purpose and tie to the organization’s activities and mission and how it will contribute to the growth of the organization.
Priority will be given to applicants who can demonstrate organizational growth and self-reliance.
SUBMISSION
Only fully completed applications will be considered which includes a budget table for the requested items and documentation proving charitable status such as registration certificates or government-issued approval. All questions and proposals should be submitted to a Conservation Coordinator, at conservation@eczf.org.
