[Wild Animal Initiative](https://www.wildanimalinitiative.org/grants/challenge-grants)

November 14, 2025 (Expression of Interest)

$10,000–$50,000 total per project | Up to 3 years duration

Supports innovative research expanding the evidence base for wild animal welfare, especially method validation and application to new systems.

Projects must focus on wild animal welfare (not conservation) and be led by a principal investigator affiliated with a research institution.

--- ## Description Wild Animal Initiative’s Discovery Grants program provides funding for research projects that expand the scientific understanding of wild animal welfare. The program prioritizes projects that validate welfare assessment methods or apply established methods to new species or ecological systems. Proposals must align with Wild Animal Initiative’s research priorities and are expected to be cost-effective, welfare-relevant, and innovative—addressing areas unlikely to attract mainstream funding. Emphasis is placed on research that has the potential for large-scale, long-term impact, particularly for abundant species and broadly transferable findings. --- ## Due Dates - Expression of Interest deadline: November 14, 2025 Final decisions are typically made within 6 months of the EOI deadline. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical awards: $10,000–$50,000 USD total per project - Project duration: Up to 3 years Partial funding may be offered for projects exceeding the maximum amount, focusing on the most welfare-relevant components. --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply:** - Projects must be led by a principal investigator affiliated with a university, research institution, or government agency. - Early career researchers (postdocs, PhD students) and established researchers expanding into wild animal welfare are encouraged. - Teams are welcome; a lead applicant must be identified. - Projects must include collaborators who are residents in all countries where fieldwork will occur. - NGOs must be registered in the country where fieldwork is conducted. - **Eligible projects:** - Standalone research or welfare-focused components added to existing projects. - Must address at least one priority topic (see below). - Must be focused on wild animal welfare, not conservation or basic ecology. - **Ineligible:** - Projects seeking indirect costs/overhead. - Projects involving work in the US by non-US residents (no visa sponsorship). - Work in countries under US sanctions. - Projects focused solely on a single welfare domain, or on conservation without a welfare component. - Projects using invasive or destructive methods without strong justification. --- ## Application Process 1. **Submit Expression of Interest (EOI):** - Complete the [EOI form](https://airtable.com/appjrrQyWM0IvyudQ/pagXulMLZuX1eArWC/form). - Preview the EOI questions [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BZjpXoFDQq5TGTvzqiyjZ904k64K4mf4/view?usp=sharing). 2. **EOI review:** - EOIs are screened for eligibility and relevance. - Shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a full proposal. 3. **Full proposal stage:** - Proposals are externally reviewed by subject matter and animal care experts. - Applicants may be asked for clarifications or revisions. - Final selections are made by the review team. 4. **Notification:** - Applicants are notified of decisions, generally within 6 months of the EOI deadline. --- ## Additional Information ### Priority Topics Projects must connect wild animal welfare to at least one of these priority areas: - Welfare indicator validation - Interspecific interactions - Population dynamics - Cause-specific mortality - Landscape ecology - Cascade effects - Welfare interventions - Juvenile welfare - Invertebrate welfare - Fish welfare ### Selection Criteria Projects are evaluated based on: - Scope and potential impact (number of animals affected, transferability) - Feasibility and team expertise - Novelty and engagement potential - Neglectedness (unlikely to be funded elsewhere) - Cost-effectiveness - Ethical considerations (minimizing harm, local collaboration) ### Use of Funds - Direct research costs (supplies, materials) - Stipends, salaries, and justified equipment (equipment costs should not exceed 25% of the budget) - No institutional overhead or indirect costs ### Reporting - Annual progress reports required - Final report due within 3 months of project completion --- ## External Links - [Discovery Grants program page](https://www.wildanimalinitiative.org/grants/discovery-grants) - [Main grants page](https://www.wildanimalinitiative.org/grants) - [Full program announcement](https://docs.google.com/document/d/14eNFRnw5z6s4d7kpmwAi-bBLQmQuvCZI94VOcDMxvM4/edit?usp=sharing) - [FAQs](https://www.wildanimalinitiative.org/grants/grants-faq) - [EOI Application Form](https://airtable.com/appjrrQyWM0IvyudQ/pagXulMLZuX1eArWC/form) - [EOI Form Preview](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BZjpXoFDQq5TGTvzqiyjZ904k64K4mf4/view?usp=sharing) - [Animal welfare definition](https://www.wildanimalinitiative.org/blog/welfare) - [Animal ethics guidelines](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JMPMobnYulpIrklzopvRegkaVY_wF7YFsN1nl77vn_g/edit?usp=sharing) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |-------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | General inquiries | [grants@wildanimalinitiative.org](mailto:grants@wildanimalinitiative.org?subject=2025%20CFP) | | Program information | [Discovery Grants page](https://www.wildanimalinitiative.org/grants/discovery-grants) | For feedback on project ideas or draft proposals, applicants are encouraged to reach out at any stage.

Discovery Grants

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