Walt Disney Company’s Conservation Fund Inspiring Action now open to applications with grants of up to $50,000 available (application deadline: 15 October 2021)

The Walt Disney Company has launched the Disney Conservation Fund Inspiring Action: Annual Conservation Grants Program.

The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) awards grants to not-for-profit profit organisations leading comprehensive community conservation efforts and initiatives that protect species and habitats, and inspire children and families to take action for wildlife and the planet.

The Disney Conservation Fund is focused on saving wildlife for future generations through grants to leading conservation organisations working together to stabilize and increase the populations of at-risk animals including apes, butterflies, coral reefs, cranes, elephants, monkeys, rhinos, sea turtles, sharks & rays, and tigers. A Disney conservationist works with each organisation to identify where Disney expertise can also play a role in reversing the decline of these animals and their habitats.

Funding Information

o The Disney Conservation Fund will consider requests for a maximum of $50,000 to be provided over a grant period of 2 years. Overall budget may be larger and incorporate several financial partners. The budget may be allocated in whatever way makes the most sense for your program; i.e. $30,000 in the first year, $20,000 in the second year, etc.

o The Disney Conservation Fund will not award funds at less than 80 percent of the amount requested. For example, if the requested amount is $50,000, the awarded amount would be no less than $40,000. Most grants are able to be funded at the full amount requested.

o The deadline for applications is Friday 15 October 2021.

Funding Priorities

The Disney Conservation Fund gives priority consideration to holistic programs that address a significant and urgent conservation need (or projects that are part of a program) which reflect all of the following:

• Contribution to the conservation of endangered, threatened or vulnerable species and their habitats in the wild
• Applied scientific field studies on species and habitats that demonstrate scientific rigor, directly inform/advance conservation strategies, and evaluate impact.
  • The Disney Conservation Fund does not fund ex-situ projects/project components.
  • Although the fund recognizes that basic science is a critical first step in conservation initiatives, preference is given to projects that include specific conservation action components.
• Engagement of relevant communities/stakeholders through community-based education programs or support of sustainable community development projects directly connected to protecting species and habitats, including measurement of impact on attitudes and behaviours.
• Proposal of feasible activities to advance conservation outcomes for wildlife/habitats over the next two years, including evidence of adequate support through cooperative efforts with relevant partners (other non-profit organisations, government agencies, communities, etc), additional funding sources, relevant permits, etc.
• Expansion of previous work including an established commitment to a conservation program OR demonstration that proposed project is well suited to become or contribute to a long-term conservation program.
• Consideration for welfare of the animals involved in the study. Specifically, the principal investigator affirms:
  • Capture/restraint techniques minimize stress and the potential for physical injury or psychological harm
  • Immobilization/anaesthesia is done under the direct supervision of a veterinarian or other trained professional
  • Exposure to noxious stimuli and presumptive negative effects are minimized with administration of anaesthetic and/or analgesic agents where appropriate,

Eligibility Criteria