The Wild Animal Initiative Challenge Grants support researchers tackling critical questions in wild animal welfare. These grants focus on innovative projects that open new frontiers in the field—particularly those that may not typically receive funding from other organisations.
Aim
The grants aim to accelerate scientific progress in wild animal welfare by funding complex, high-impact projects. Experienced principal investigators are encouraged to apply, with opportunities to include financial support for students or early-career collaborators. Projects should demonstrate strong relevance, novelty and methodological rigour.
Funding details
Awards range from $50,000 to $100,000 USD, offering significant support for transformative research. In addition to financial assistance, grantees gain opportunities to collaborate with other experts and contribute meaningfully to the growing body of wild animal welfare science.
Eligibility
Applicants should be:
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Experienced researchers with a proven record in wild animal welfare or related fields
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Principal investigators affiliated with a recognized university or research institution
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Able to demonstrate clear relevance, novelty, and robust methodology
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Open to including students or early-career researchers in their projects
Application process
Applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form, which will be reviewed for eligibility and alignment with the programme’s focus.
Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to submit a full proposal outlining the project’s significance, feasibility and relevance to wild animal welfare as defined by Wild Animal Initiative.
Evaluation criteria
Proposals will be assessed based on:
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Scope and feasibility
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Novelty and scientific rigour
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Relevance to wild animal welfare
Priority research areas include welfare indicator validation, interspecific interactions, population dynamics, cause-specific mortality and welfare interventions.
Deadline
The submission of expression of interest forms is due on November 14, 2025. Visit this page to apply.
Discover more global research grants on our Opportunities page.
Summary not available at this time.
