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

March 2026 (EOI deadline, projected)

Up to $10,000 USD per project; project duration up to 2 years

Supports innovative research projects that develop or expand wild animal welfare science, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and alignment with priority topics.

No active call currently; next anticipated EOI deadline is March 2026.

--- ## Description The Seed Grants program from Wild Animal Initiative is designed to catalyze new research and integrate wild animal welfare questions into ongoing scientific projects. The program targets both early-career researchers (such as postdocs and PhD students) and established investigators who are new to wild animal welfare. Funding supports projects that are cost-effective, ethically sound, and aligned with Wild Animal Initiative’s research priorities. Proposals should address the welfare of wild animals, consider multiple welfare domains, and clearly justify their methodological approach and team expertise. The program values projects that are innovative, feasible, and likely to have a significant impact on the field. --- ## Due Dates - March 2026: Expression of Interest (EOI) deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to $10,000 USD per project - Project duration: Up to 2 years - Funding is primarily for direct research costs (e.g., supplies, materials). Other expenses (e.g., stipends, salaries, capital equipment) may be considered if justified. - No funding for indirect costs or institutional overhead. --- ## Eligibility - Open to researchers worldwide, with a focus on: - Early-career researchers (postdocs, PhD students) pursuing a long-term career in wild animal welfare - Established researchers expanding into wild animal welfare - Principal Investigator must be affiliated with a university or research institution (including government agencies). - Projects must include collaborators who are residents of all countries where fieldwork will occur. NGOs must be registered in the country where fieldwork takes place. - Ineligible: - Projects led by a PI with another active Seed Grant - Work in the US by non-US residents (due to visa limitations) - Research or researchers in countries under US sanctions (e.g., Iran, North Korea, Russia) - Projects not focused on wild animal welfare (e.g., solely on wildlife conservation or not addressing subjective experience) - Projects using destructive sampling methods or causing harm to animals (unless strongly justified and alternatives are not possible) --- ## Application Process - Submit a short Expression of Interest (EOI) form - EOI reviewed for eligibility and relevance - Shortlisted applicants invited to submit a full proposal - Proposals undergo external review by subject and animal care experts, as well as internal review by Wild Animal Initiative - Clarifications or modifications may be requested - Final decisions are communicated within approximately 6 months of the EOI deadline --- ## Additional Information - Projects must align with at least one Wild Animal Initiative priority topic, such as: - Welfare indicator validation - Interspecific interactions - Population dynamics - Cause-specific mortality - Landscape ecology - Cascade effects - Welfare interventions - Juvenile, invertebrate, or fish welfare - Ethical research practices and equitable international collaboration are emphasized. - Preference is given to projects unlikely to attract funding from mainstream conservation or scientific funders. --- ## External Links - [Seed Grants program page](https://www.wildanimalinitiative.org/grants/seed-grants) - [Eligibility information](https://www.wildanimalinitiative.org/grants/seed-grants/#eligibility) - [Proposal guidelines](https://www.wildanimalinitiative.org/grants/seed-grants/#proposal-guidelines) - [Application process details](https://www.wildanimalinitiative.org/grants/seed-grants/#application-process) - [FAQs](https://www.wildanimalinitiative.org/grants/grants-faq) - [Wild Animal Initiative homepage](https://www.wildanimalinitiative.org/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |--------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Program Page | [Seed Grants at Wild Animal Initiative](https://www.wildanimalinitiative.org/grants/seed-grants) | | General Info | [Wild Animal Initiative Grants](https://www.wildanimalinitiative.org/grants) | If you have specific questions about eligibility or project fit, refer to the program's [FAQs](https://www.wildanimalinitiative.org/grants/grants-faq) or reach out via the contact links on their website.

Seed Grants - Wild Animal Initiative

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