Eligibility

Proposals are invited for exceptional applied conservation research and/or community-based conservation projects. Graduate students, early-career professionals, collaborative partnerships, and non-governmental organizations are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Dr. Abigail Ross Foundation for Applied Conservation (TDARFAC) operates primarily in Madagascar, where its field-based projects are implemented. However, the Foundation’s grant program has a global reach, supporting scientists who habitually reside in primate range countries and advancing research and conservation across all primate habitats worldwide.

Our Annual Grants Program is open to conservationists residing in primate range countries who are engaged in applied biodiversity research, public or environmental health, or locally rooted conservation action. Applicants must demonstrate a clear and direct connection to non-human primate conservation through fieldwork, education, policy engagement, community collaboration, or related activities that align with our mission and at least one of our three core objectives:

1. Building capacity

2. Amplifying voices

3. Partnering with local communities

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the following sections for detailed information regarding proposal guidelines, submission instructions, and funding levels. We strongly encourage you to explore the writing resources provided at the bottom of this page to help refine and strengthen your proposal.

Proposal Review Process

All proposals will undergo a double-blind review process, and funding will be awarded directly to individuals rather than institutions. To promote academic transparency and support applicant development, reviewer feedback will be shared with all applicants.

Following the review and notification process, selected grant recipients will be publicly recognized on our website and social media platforms.

TDARFAC conducts outcome evaluations after each project concludes. Evaluations include a researcher self-assessment and a decision matrix used by the Advisory Council and selection committee to measure project achievements (see example here).

Funding opportunities are subject to change. Please review this webpage prior to submission to ensure you have the most current information.

How Do I Apply for a Grant?

1. Prepare Your Project Proposal Using the TDARFAC Template.

   (Malagasy language version available here)

   • Proposals must follow the word counts specified for each section, excluding the title, references, and budget.

   • Figures, maps, and other visuals may be included directly in the proposal and are encouraged.

   • Documents must be submitted in English.

   • Files may be submitted as either a Word document or PDF.

   • The maximum file size is 1 GB.

2. Complete the Online Application Form.

   • A Google Account is required for the submission process.

   • Student Principal Investigators must submit two letters of support. Letters are required only for student applications.

   • Applicants must upload their project proposal and, if applicable, letters of support at the end of the online application form.

3. Please ensure the following before submitting your application::

   • All questions on the online application have been completed.

   • Your project proposal uses the TDARFAC template, adheres to our guidelines, is attached to your online application as a document or PDF, and is less than 1 GB in size.

   • Your project proposal does not include any personal identifying information (PII). Examples of PII include your name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, or any other information that could personally identify you.

4. Applications that fail to follow these instructions will be excluded from consideration.

   What Do We Look for in Proposals?

   TDARFAC seeks proposals that demonstrate scientific rigor, clear alignment with our mission, and meaningful conservation impact. Strong proposals will:

   • Adhere fully to submission guidelines and application requirements.

   • Align with TDARFAC’s mission and address at least one of our three core objectives.

   • Focus specifically on non-human primates, their habitats, and their conservation, including associated species that share and influence the same landscape(s).

   • Present clear, specific, and scientifically measurable outcomes that meaningfully advance conservation goals.

   What Are My Obligations as a Grant Recipient?

   Measure Progress (in progress — starting 2027 cycle)

   • Complete KPI (Key Performance Indicators) Targets.

   • Complete Issue Tracker.

   • Complete Risk Assessment.

   • These tools are currently in development and we look forward to rolling them out beginning in 2027.

     • These customizable tracking tools help project owners monitor progress towards key milestones.

     • Designed to ensure that projects stay on schedule and achieve their goals, these tools highlights areas where additional support may be needed.

     • Recipients can adapt the tool based on specific project needs, with TDARFAC providing guidance on the most relevant KPIs to track.

     Prepare and Submit Final Reports

     • Grant recipients must submit a final report in English within six (6) months of project completion. Final reports may be either:

       • A written report (800–1,300 words), or

       • A visual report (2–4-minute video)

     • Video reports are encouraged and preferred. All final reports must include a minimum of three (3) high-resolution photographs with captions.

     • Recipients are also required to complete a self-assessment as part of TDARFAC’s independent project outcome evaluation. These assessments are used to strengthen our grant application and review process with the goal of improving future project outcomes. We ask that you respond candidly and transparently so we can learn from your experience and more effectively fulfill our mission.

     • Any publications, conference papers, posters, or other media formats that use data or information obtained with the support of a TDARFAC grant must include the following acknowledgment:

       • “This research was supported by an Applied Conservation Grant from the Dr. Abigail Ross Foundation for Applied Conservation.”