Application Criteria

Before applying for a Grant, please read these criteria carefully to determine whether your project is eligible.You are also encouraged to review the current RSG projects to see if there is already one in your area before you apply.

 

Rufford Small Grant For Nature Conservation

What is it?

  • A grant of up to £6,000 available for nature conservation projects

Who/what is eligible?

  • Individuals or small groups
  • Projects outside the first world

Critical components of the application

  • Impact must be pragmatic, measurable and long lasting
  • The grant must make up the majority of the total budget
  • Funds must be used predominantly in the field
  • The application will not be reviewed unless the application form is filled out in full and three references are submitted
  • The project should generally be approx. 12-18 months duration

Who/what is generally not eligible?

  • Projects in first world countries
  • Pure research
  • Expeditions
  • A conference or seminar

Notes

Applications can be made at any time of the year and these are reviewed once all references have been received. The applications are assessed and decisions are usually made within three months. There are no interviews.

The official application form must be used and recipients of grants must supply updates of their project during the year and a formal report on completion, copies of these may be published on this website.

We generally look for projects of about a year's duration although each application is assessed on its own merit and the project length can be flexible.

Continuation Funding

On successful completion of a RSG, having provided satisfactory feedback and a final report, applicants are welcome to apply for a second RSG and then a Rufford Booster Grant.  The details and applications guidelines are set below:

2nd Rufford Small Grant For Nature Conservation

What is it?

  • A further grant of up to £6,000 available for nature conservation projects
  • Eligibility criteria same as for first grant
  • Application form same as for first grant

Critical components of the application further to first Rufford Small Grant

  • Must have submitted interim reports and a final report on first grant before applying for second grant
  • Must have three new references
  • Must include new budget
  • Generally a minimum of 18 months between submitting first and second application

Rufford Booster Grant

  • It is possible to apply for a Rufford Booster Grant upon successful usage of a 1st and 2nd Rufford Small Grant
  • A Booster Grant is generally up to £12,000
  • The criteria, application form and application process is the same as for a 2nd Rufford Small Grant and the impact of the work achieved with the 1st and 2nd Rufford Small Grant must be clearly reported

Read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Download the Application Form and Referee Statements.

Second RSG and Booster Grant applications will only be considered where the Foundation has received a formal report covering the work previously funded by a Rufford Small Grant.  Those seeking further funding should consider applying for a Whitley Award.