Several organisations and individuals all over India are involved in conservation of or research on endangered species and habitats. While their efforts are commendable, limited availability of resources often restricts the potential and impact of their efforts which could prove crucial for addressing some of the key conservation challenges. Through the WCT-Biodiversity, Ecosystems and Endangered Species Grants Programme (WCT-BEES Grants), we aim to support critical conservation research and grassroots projects by awarding small grants to promising researchers, conservationists, and conservation organisations.
We are no longer accepting applications for the WCT-BEES Grants Programme 2024-25. We will invite applications for 2025-26 next year.
Shashank Ladekar
Grassroots Conservation Small Grantee
Project:
Rejuvenating Biodiversity Committees and Monitoring to Conserve Gondia’s Last Sarus Population
Usha Ravindra
Grassroots Conservation Small Grantee
Project:
Conservation of Critically Endangered Hammerhead sharks of India via Participatory Science
Grant provided to Zoo Outreach Organisation
Gautam Kadam
Wildlife Research Small Grantee
Project:
Safeguarding India’s Threatened Tarantulas: Conservation and ecological insights for Peacock tarantula and Salem ornamental tarantula in Tamil Nadu’s Eastern Ghats
Samrat Chakraborty
Wildlife Research Small Grantee
Project:
Mangrove Menace: The Silent Threat of Heavy Metals and Microplastics to Fishing Cats in the Sundarban Mangroves, West Bengal, India
To provide opportunities to budding as well as practicing wildlife conservationists and researchers to pursue their passion of conserving endangered species and threatened habitats, WCT instituted the WCT-Small Grants Programme in March 2017. During the COVID-19 pandemic, WCT had to briefly discontinue the Small Grants Programme. After a hiatus of three years (2020-2023), WCT is back with its small grants programme with a broader vision, and a refined set of objectives, and goals. We are calling the 2.0 version the ‘WCT-Biodiversity, Ecosystems, and Endangered Species Grants Programme (WCT-BEES Grants Programme)’.
The objective of our small grants programme is to encourage and strengthen on-ground nature conservation work in India.
Two types of grants will be provided under the WCT-BEES Grants programme:
- Wildlife Research Small Grant
- Grassroots Conservation Small Grant
Both the Wildlife Research Small Grant and the Grassroots Conservation Small Grant have been curated to provide funding support to Indian wildlife researchers, grassroots conservationists and conservation organisations.
The small grants are not restricted to specific states/locations and are open to all Indian citizens and organisations with a valid registration certificate of India operations.
Download the application form, fill it up, and email it to us at smallgrants@wctindia.org.
(Note: Applications received without two reference letters will not be considered. The reference letters are to be sent by the referees directly to WCT at smallgrants@wctindia.org. The letters of recommendation should detail why the proposed project is critical for conservation in India and should also state why the applicant is qualified to execute the proposed project).
The Wildlife Research Small Grant has been specially curated for providing funding support to wildlife researchers whose work is focused on endangered species and/or landscapes of exceptional biodiversity value in India. Projects with conservation as a core component will be preferred.
Please read the general guidelines carefully before applying.
(Note: Applications received without two reference letters will not be considered. The reference letters are to be sent by the referees directly to WCT at smallgrants@wctindia.org. The letters of recommendation should detail why the proposed project is critical for conservation in India and should also state why the applicant is qualified to execute the proposed project).
The Grassroots Conservation Small Grant has been specially curated for providing funding support to conservationists and conservation organisations whose work is focused on endangered species and/or landscapes of exceptional biodiversity value in India.
Please read the general guidelines carefully before applying.
(Note: Applications received without two reference letters will not be considered. The reference letters are to be sent by the referees directly to WCT at smallgrants@wctindia.org. The letters of recommendation should detail why the proposed project is critical for conservation in India and should also state why the applicant is qualified to execute the proposed project).
Project Submission Details:
Applicants should send their application to smallgrants@wctindia.org.
Deadline for sending duly completed applications for WCT-BEES Grants programme 2024-25 is August 10, 2024 (23:59 hours).
Announcement of grantees will be made on or before September 10, 2024.
Criteria for applying for the WCT-BEES Grants:
- The WCT-BEES grant amount will be between Rs. 3,50,000/- to 4,00,000/- per grantee.
- Only one project should be applied for by any individual or organisation.
- Grants under the programme are only applicable for Indian citizens and organisations with a valid registration certificate of India operations.
- Applicant needs to hold a minimum of a graduate degree from a recognised university. In case of organisations/educational institutions, this condition will apply to the lead applicant.
- Projects should focus on conservation of endangered species and/or landscapes of exceptional biodiversity value. Projects focusing on species/habitats outside India will not be eligible.
- Projects that have been pitched to WCT cannot exceed a duration of 10 months.
- Projects may also have a social dimension as WCT recognises that nature awareness, education, and sustainable livelihood options for local communities are important ingredients for long-term conservation action.
- Significant proportion of funds must be used for project activities.
- WCT-BEES Grants will not fund any overheads of the organisation.
- WCT may permit purchase of essential equipment for carrying out fieldwork such as GPS, rangefinder, etc., on case-to-case basis. However, purchase of equipment such as DSLR camera, laptop or vehicle will not be allowed.
- The project must have long lasting and measurable outcomes that lead to tangible conservation benefits.
- Master’s dissertation work is eligible for WCT-BEES Grants programme.
- Individuals and organisations which have been previously rejected or supported may reapply for new projects during successive grant cycles and will be evaluated independent of previous applications.
- Applicants are encouraged to have other matching grants. This grant may be used in conjunction with other small grants that the project proponent has obtained. However, there should be complete disclosure of the amount taken from elsewhere.
- Selection of grantees rests squarely on the selection committee appointed under the WCT-BEES Grants programme. All decisions taken by the selection committee are final and binding.
- Two reference letters are to be sent by the referees directly to WCT at smallgrants@wctindia.org and should mention the applicant’s name in the subject line.
General Exclusions for Grants:
- WCT-BEES Grants will not be provided to projects spanning over ten months.
- WCT-BEES Grants will not provide funds for national or international travel for
- attending conferences/seminars or
- carrying out laboratory analysis
- WCT-BEES Grants cannot not be utilised for building permanent infrastructure.
- WCT-BEES Grants will not be applicable for undercover/enforcement work.
- WCT-BEES Grants cannot be used for expenses related to litigation.
Branding and Acknowledgements:
- Project grantees must acknowledge the funding support received from WCT in all peer-reviewed publications, reports, websites, media, etc.
- The WCT logo must be used appropriately on all project reports, posters, and collaterals.
- Project grantees shall not portray themselves as part of WCT in any way that is detrimental to or harms the reputation of the organisation.
Permissions:
Project grantees are expected to understand all applicable Indian laws and secure permits before the commencement of the project. Any project activity involving entry into protected areas, sample collection or invasive research shall be carried out only after acquiring requisite permits from relevant competent authority/ies.
Underspends/Overspends:
Grantees are required to return unspent funds at the end of the project along with a detailed explanation. Overspending by applicants will not be reimbursed by WCT.
Intellectual Property Rights:
All intellectual property generated during WCT-BEES Grants cycle will remain the property of the concerned individual/organisation to whom the grant has been awarded.
The data collected under WCT-BEES Grants will be the property of the grantee. The grantee is free to use the data generated for her/his professional use (including scientific and popular publications). The grantee acknowledges/agrees to share relevant data/inferences with WCT on request. WCT may use such data, in consultation with the grantee, for furthering the cause of conservation and spreading awareness, when required. WCT will acknowledge the grantee when such data is used.
All intellectual properties generated will be governed by the laws of the Union of India.
Programme Themes And Activities
What is WCT-BEES Grants Programme?
WCT-BEES Grants is a small grants programme started with an objective to encourage and strengthen on-ground conservation and research in India.
Two types of grants will be provided under the WCT-BEES Grants Programme:
- Wildlife Research Small Grant
- Grassroots Conservation Small Grant
Both the Wildlife Research Small Grant and Grassroots Conservation Small Grant have been curated to provide funding support to Indian wildlife researchers and grassroots conservationists and conservation organisations.
What is the maximum grant amount?
The WCT-BEES grant amount will be between Rs. 3,50,000/- to 4,00,000/- per grantee.
What kinds of projects are eligible for WCT-BEES Grants?
The programme will support research and conservation work on endangered species and/or landscape of exceptional biodiversity value. Projects with conservation as a core component and those that encompass building evidence-based policy recommendations in their plans will be preferred.
What is the expected duration of the project?
Projects that have been pitched to WCT cannot exceed a duration of 10 months.
What are the permitted inclusions and what cannot be included in project budgets?
Budgets may include:
- Activities (interviews, research etc.)
- Purchase of essential equipment for carrying out fieldwork
- Lodging and boarding
- Staff stipend
Budgets may not include:
- Any overhead costs of the organisation
- Travel for attending workshops, conferences etc.
- Undercover/enforcement work
- Expenses related to litigation
- Purchase of equipment such as DSLR camera/lenses, laptop or vehicle etc.
Does the grant allow for a stipend/salary/per diem for the staff?
A nominal stipend may become part of the proposal. The grant is meant to further on-ground conservation and a large salary/stipend component may be counterproductive to the overall outcome of the project.
Can I apply if I have previously benefitted from WCT’s small grants programme?
Yes, if the project under the earlier received grant is completed, you may apply.
Do I need reference letters?
Yes, you will need two letters of recommendation detailing why the proposed project is critical for conservation in India. The letter should also state why the applicant is qualified to execute the proposed project.
(Note: Applications received without reference letters will not be considered.)
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Individuals as well as organisations are eligible to apply.
(Note: The principle investigator/project lead of the proposed project will be considered as the ‘applicant’ when more than one individual is involved in the project or in the case of an organisation.)
What is the role of the principal investigator/project lead?
A principal investigator/project lead is the primary contact person who would be responsible for the preparation, usage and administration of a grant in compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing the conduct of the sponsored project.
What is the required educational qualification?
The applicant needs to hold at least a graduate degree from a recognised university.
Is Master’s dissertation work eligible?
Yes, it is eligible.
I am an individual applicant. Am I eligible to apply if I am not an Indian citizen?
No, only Indian citizens may apply.
Am I eligible to apply if my organisation is not registered in India?
No, only organisations with a valid registration certificate for India operations may apply.
Can I combine WCT-BEES Grants in conjunction with another matching grant for a project which has not been initiated?
Applicants are encouraged to have other matching grants. This grant may be used in conjunction with other small grants that the project proponent has obtained. However, there should be complete disclosure of the amount taken from elsewhere.
Do I need to furnish a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the other grantor if I am using WCT-BEES Grants in conjunction with another matching grant?
Yes, the applicant will have to furnish an NOC from the other grantor.
What should be the format of the budget?
The budget should be provided in the given format with a detailed breakup of costs along with a description.
- Eg 1: Field assistant salary @ INR 300/- per day for 45 days = INR 13,500/-
- Eg 2: Travel – Mumbai to Nagpur @ INR 2,500/- per round trip for two round trips = INR 5,000/-
If WCT-BEES Grants is going to be used in conjunction with another matching grant, please include a budget breakup of how you intend to spend the other grant.
Can a project have multiple principal investigators?
No, there should only be one principal investigator.
Can I make any changes after submission of the application?
No changes are acceptable after the submission of the application.
Application Deadlines
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for WCT-BEES Grants Programme is August 10, 2024 (23:59 hrs). Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Is there any deadline for sending reference letters? If yes, what is the deadline?
Yes. The referees should submit their letters no later than August 10, 2024 (23:59 hrs). References received after the deadline will not be considered.
Selection Process & Grant Disbursement
How will the Selection Committee make its decision?
The Selection Committee will consider applications based on the relevance to the project theme, proposal completeness, concept and approach, budget, and its implication on conservation.
When can I expect to receive a decision on my application?
The results will be announced on or before September 10, 2024, on the WCT website.
What Intellectual Property Rights do I have?
All data collected and intellectual property generated under WCT-BEES Grants will remain the property of the concerned grantee. The grantee is free to use the data collected for her/his professional use (including scientific and popular publications). The grantee acknowledges/agrees to share relevant data, photos and videos with WCT. Both parties will have the rights to use the materials outlined above without violating any party’s rights and copyright of such materials will remain with and be credited to the grantee. All intellectual properties generated will be governed by the laws of the Union of India.
Whom can I contact for more information on WCT-BEES Grants?
The WCT-BEES Grants Programme team via email at smallgrants@wctindia.org.
In its previous avatar, the WCT-Small Grants Programme supported 20 conservation and research projects impacting 14 threatened species.
Read about some of our deserving past Small Grants awardees and learn about their important conservation projects here:
Phase I
Detection of Jerdon’s courser
Creating and testing a methodological framework for the detection of the critically endangered Jerdon’s courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus) using Automated Recording Units
Facilitating wild felid conservation
Facilitating wild felid conservation through community participation in eastern Nagaland, India
The Unique Case of Narcondam Hornbill
Conservation in Partnerships: The Unique Case of Narcondam Hornbill
Status of humpback dolphins and finless porpoises
Assessing the status of humpback dolphins and finless porpoises in a marine biodiversity hotspot off the west coast of India
Phase I
Pakkam Malai Reserve Forest
Assessing the landscape to notify the Reserve Forest into Wild Life Sanctuary for the conservation of disjunctly distributed endemic, endangered plants and animals
Non-palatable alternative medicinal crops
Development of Manual for Non-palatable alternative medicinal crops – as a solution for long term conflict management for fringes of protected areas
Phase II
Coastal plateaus in Ratnagiri
Participatory assessment of coastal plateaus in Ratnagiri district to designate “Biodiversity Heritage Sites” as per Biodiversity Act, 2002
Phase 1
Human Elephant Conflict Mitigation
Evaluating the efficacy of human elephant conflict (HEC) mitigation strategies in reducing negative interactions in a biodiversity hotspot
King Cobras of the Western Himalayas
King Cobras of the Western Himalayas: Nest Ecology & Conservation
Effects of Road Network on Gaur
Investigating the Effects of Road Network on Genetic Connectivity and Population Structure of Gaur (Bos gaurus) in Central Indian Landscape
Survey of Smooth-coated Otters
Conservation Status Survey of Smooth-coated Otters in the Krishna River Delta of Andhra Pradesh
Livestock Loss Due to Wolves
Assessing Patterns of Livestock Loss Due to Wolves in an Arid Human Use Landscape of North Karnataka, India
Preserving the White-bellied Heron and the White-winged Duck
Engaging the local community to understand and preserve the critically endangered White-bellied Heron (Arden insignis) and the endangered White-winged Duck (Asarcornis scutulata) along the Brahmaputra river basin.
Header image credit: Dr. Anish Andheria