AZA SAFE Granting Program
Forecasted
AZA SAFE Granting Program supports AZA members and partner organizations in collaborative projects that implement species conservation plans and advance regional or global recovery priorities.
Funder: Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (New SAFE species proposals) | October 2027 (Applications)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 for up to two years, with a minimum 50% match
Summary: Supports collaborative projects implementing SAFE species program plans and regional or global recovery priorities.
Key Information: The PI and all co-investigators must be eligible individual AZA members employed by approved SAFE program partner organizations.
Description
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) SAFE Granting Program supports collaborative projects that implement SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction species program plans. Established in 2019 with initial support from the Arthur L. and Elaine V. Johnson Foundation, the program receives continued support through the JoEllen Doornbos Endowment. It funds implementation of shared conservation priorities aligned with SAFE three-year or five-year plans and existing regional or global recovery plans.
Projects can address animal health, population management, animal welfare, communications, field conservation, research, and stakeholder engagement. The program prioritizes collaboration among multiple AZA members, particularly members historically under-represented in a species’ conservation, and efforts that unite existing programs to achieve greater conservation outcomes together.
