The Challenge Grants provide funding ranging between USD 50,000 and USD 100,000 per approved project, supporting research activities for a period of up to five years. This flexible funding allows researchers to pursue long-term studies that can lead to significant discoveries in wild animal welfare science.

Selected projects will receive comprehensive support for direct research expenses, including equipment, data collection, and personnel costs. In addition to funding, grantees join a growing community of scientists dedicated to advancing the understanding and protection of wild animals. Some recipients may also receive mentorship or opportunities for collaboration through the Wild Animal Initiative network.

To be eligible for the Wild Animal Initiative Challenge Grants, applicants must lead or be part of a research project based at a university, government institution, or registered research organization. The Principal Investigator (PI) must demonstrate sufficient experience to manage the proposed project, and collaborations with students or early-career researchers are encouraged.

Projects may be independent or may add a new wild animal welfare component to an existing project that is not currently funded by Wild Animal Initiative. For field-based research, applicants must ensure collaboration with local researchers or residents in every country where fieldwork is conducted. NGOs must be legally registered in the country where the field research takes place.

Applicants from all disciplines relevant to animal welfare, ecology, and environmental science are encouraged to apply. However, projects focused solely on traditional conservation goals (such as protecting endangered species without welfare focus) or single-domain studies like disease-only research are not eligible.

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Click the official link below to apply for this opportunity