Play for Nature is a French not-for-profit environmental organisation that supports global biodiversity conservation. Originally founded in 2012, the organisation specialises in evaluating and funding wildlife conservation programs and raising funds through partnerships with zoos, outdoor activities, and sporting events
Its Biodiv’Sport Grant Programme 2026 is a global competition that is currently seeking applications from biodiversity conservation organisations for projects that combine sport and biodiversity awareness.
The deadline for applications is Sunday 16th August 2026. The application window opened on Wednesday 15th July with successful applicants expected to be announced in late October 2026 for projects starting in 2027.
The focus areas of the programme are:
o Biodiversity conservation.
o Protection of endangered species and their ecosystems.
o In situ conservation programmes.
o Scientific studies.
o Sport-based biodiversity awareness, and
o Environmental education.
The programme is open to biodiversity conservation organisations seeking financial support for their projects under the Biodiv’Sport category. Organisations that have previously received a grant are also eligible to apply.
Eligible organisations must be civil society organisations whose primary mission is biodiversity conservation. They must have been legally established for at least 3 years and have a record of actions demonstrating their commitment to biodiversity conservation.
Projects must involve at least one threatened species listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species with a status of Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered.
For first-time partnerships, grants are capped at €5,000 (£4,238). The requested amount must represent no more than 50% of the applying organisation’s annual budget and at least 10% of the total project cost.
The programme does not fund sports projects without a clear biodiversity conservation objective, organisational overhead costs alone, or rescue and rehabilitation centres without a reintroduction component.
For further information and details about how to apply, please visit the Play For nature website.
