Taronga Field Conservation Grant Program

Since launching Field Conservation Grants in 2008, Taronga has given over $1.1million to 105 projects worldwide, from 72 different organisations. Projects that have benefited from a Taronga Field Conservation Grant have helped to protect and regenerate habitats, stop poaching and trafficking of wildlife and reduce conflict between communities and wildlife living side by side.

Projects are selected by a panel of reviewers from across the organisation, with each project being reviewed by 6 panel members and scores averaged out and calculated to determine conservation efficiency (CE), assessing conservation outcome and project costs. Projects are ranked and the highest scoring projects are selected for funding.

Taronga is for the wild. As a not-for-profit, Taronga has an absolute commitment to the conservation and securing a shared future for wildlife and people. Taronga Field Conservation Grants are one more way Taronga is working to achieve that vision.

Taronga Field Conservation Grants are open to NGOs, community groups and individuals who have a new or established conservation project that could benefit from funding and expert support.

Funding Information

• Taronga will support the best in-the-field conservation programs with grants of up to $20,000 from a total of $200,000.
• Duration
  • Successful projects will be funded over a defined period commencing January 2024 – December 2026, with reporting requirements at 12 months and at the completion of the funding period.

Project Eligibility Criteria

• Field Projects will be chosen based on the listed criteria below, but only after ensuring that the following principles have been accepted; if any one of these principles cannot be met, the institution should carefully reconsider whether the project should proceed at all.
  • Only projects that demonstrate measurable conservation outcomes in the field will be supported. Projects with an education component are strongly encouraged but measurable outcomes must relate to the species/habitat impact expected rather than community impact alone.
  • Projects must consider alignment to applicable IUCN Sustainable Development Goals.
  • It is understood that in situ conservation projects do not need to have captive breeding/management components, nor that the focal/target species need to necessarily be held in zoos.
  • Where in situ conservation projects involve reintroduction or relocation, such processes must be endorsed by relevant government bodies (evidence required) and adhere to all relevant policies and conventions governing the movement and reintroduction of animals and plants, and their component parts established by the IUCN (Reintroduction Guidelines and Position Statement on Translocation of Living Organisms), CITES and IATA.
  • Humane treatment must be a priority for all animals impacted as part of this project and captive populations must be held in conditions considered acceptable by ZAA. Taronga recognises the importance of sensitive integration of wildlife conservation goals and human needs in successful in situ conservation programs.
  • No project should present an unreasonable level of risk to participant safety, project financial stability or reputation.
  • Projects and their personnel must adhere to all laws of the country in which the project is undertaken.
  • Organisations must not have any convictions related to fraud, corruption, wildlife trade, inhumane treatment of animals or other criminal charges to be eligible for funding. A declaration is required to be signed acknowledging this and further background checks will be undertaken for shortlisted applicants.
  • Organisations located in countries listed in the Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Sanctions List may not be eligible for funding.

Selection Criteria

• Clear and defined SMART goals and conservation benefits
• Demonstrated alignment to relevant IUCN Sustainable Development Goals
• Consideration of 360degree approach to conservation, connecting wildlife, habitat and communities.
• Clear modular budget (using template provided) that aligns with project goals within the defined period of funding.

For more information, visit Taronga Zoo Sydney.