Below is a selection of typical queries raised during an application. If you cannot find an answer to your question, use the Contact Form and a member of staff will respond.
What is “early career”?
Applicants should be in the early stages of their conservation careers. Our priority is funding those undertaking an MSc or PhD (or equivalent) or who have graduated from such studies in the past 3 years. We will only consider project costs e.g. fieldwork costs – we cannot cover academic fees. However, if you are studying for a MSc or PhD having already developed an extensive track-record in conservation, it is unlikely you will be funded.
Though not a priority, we consider applications from others if they fit the additional General Criteria. However, we do not fund students studying for a BSc or equivalent.
We will consider applicants who have made a career change to conservation later in life.
If you are applying for a follow-up grant (2nd RSG, Booster or Completion), the above criteria are less important as we understand you will, of course, be developing your conservation career and already be known to the foundation. However, if there is a long gap (5+ years) between applications, this may count against you.
How do I apply for funding?
Applications are only accepted online. You can only make one funding application in any 12-month period. The application and references must be submitted in English.
Before submitting an application for the first time, you MUST create a User Account with a valid email address. You will be then sent a password by email to allow you to log in. Once you are logged in you can change your password if required. You can also request a new password if you have forgotten your original one.
Are there countries where you will not provide funding?
Yes, please check the list of eligible countries.
Can I download a copy of the application form?
Yes, you can download a copy of the form questions in Word format.
How much can I apply for?
There are four stages of funding. You can apply for up to £7,000 at stage 1 (1st Rufford Small Grant), up to £8,000 at stage 2 (2nd Rufford Small Grant), up to £12,000 at stage 3 (Booster Grant) and up to £18,000 at stage 4 (Completion Grant). For more details see General Criteria and Grants Available.
What are the deadlines?
There are no deadlines, you can apply at any time of year.
Is there a minimum or maximum duration for projects supported by Rufford?
Most projects last for 12-18 months. You can only apply for funding once in any 12-month period.
If I am part of a team on a Rufford funded project, can I also apply for funding in my own right?
Provided you have the time to undertake both projects, yes you can apply.
How long does the application process take?
Applications are considered in a two-stage process. All applications are reviewed initially by The Rufford Foundation office. Those that do not meet our basic criteria will be rejected at this first stage so you may have a decision within days of submission. Those considered for further processing pass to the second stage, review by external experts. In this case you should receive a decision within 2 months of submission. You can check the progress of your application on the website.
If I am rejected, can I apply again?
Yes, but you must wait 12 months before making another application.
Will I receive feedback if my application is rejected?
Yes, if you are rejected at the first stage you will receive general feedback highlighting the funding criteria that you did not meet. If you are rejected after external review, you will receive more detailed feedback. You may be asked to respond to specific reviewer questions, which will assist with our decision-making. After this stage, it may not be possible to provide further feedback if your project is rejected.
Can I apply if my project has already started?
No, the Foundation will not fund projects that have already begun. Please bear in mind that the review process can take up to 2 months.
Can I change projects between applications?
If you receive a 1st RSG, you can change to a different project if you subsequently apply for a 2nd RSG but if you then apply for a Booster or Completion Grant it must be for the same work.
Is there a time limit between applications?
There is no time limit on when you can reapply for additional funding but if this is an extended period (5+ years), it may reduce your chances of success.
Can funds be paid into my personal account?
No, funds will only be paid to an organisation such as a nature conservation NGO or university. You need to ensure that you have arranged for an organisation to receive and manage the funds before you make your application.
Do I have to work for the organisation that would receive the funds?
No, it is not necessary for you to work for the organisation, just that it is happy to accept and manage the funds on your behalf. We will ask about your relationship with this organisation and why you chose it to receive the funds.
Does the organisation receiving the funds have to be in the country where I am working?
No, it can be based in another country, but you must check it is happy to accept and manage the funds on your behalf. It must also have any necessary permissions to receive funds from a foreign donor, if applicable.
Will I need references?
Yes, you need to provide three references - applications cannot be processed until these have been received. This is the main reason for delay in reviewing applications. You must ensure that all references are sent promptly. You receive an automated response 4 weeks after submission if some or all of your references are outstanding. If all references have not been received 12 weeks after submission, your application will be rejected, and you will not be eligible to reapply for at least 12 months.
Any reference is a confidential document provided by the referee directly to The Rufford Foundation. It is an impartial assessment of you and your project. It is NOT acceptable for you to draft a reference for a referee to sign and submit. It is ONLY acceptable for you to provide background information on the project to the referee. If we suspect that a reference or references have been drafted by you, the application will be rejected.
Who should I choose to be referees?
Referees must know you personally. They must know your project and have read your application. Ideally, you should choose people that you have met in person. One must be based at a well-established institution such as a major conservation NGO, university or government body. One must be from the country where you will be working and one from outside that country. If you are studying for an MSc, PhD or equivalent, one must be your supervisor. You should not use more than one person from the same institution.
Can I request funding for salaries?
Generally, we do not fund salaries but will consider costs relating to subsistence, travel and accommodation as you deliver the project (e.g., field and living costs). We also consider essential payments to individuals (e.g., drivers, porters or guides) who might assist with your project.
Can I request funding for publication costs?
The foundation does not generally cover publication costs. Some well-known peer-reviewed journals do provide waivers or reductions in charges for authors from emerging or developing economy countries.
Can I request funding for international travel?
The foundation does not normally consider international travel costs.
Can I request funding for overheads?
We understand that organisations may need to charge management fees to cover indirect costs (overheads). Given the nature and size of the grants, we prefer all funds to be directed towards conservation activities, but we may accept a management fee/overhead of up to 10% of the overall value of the grant. If an organisation requests a management fee in excess of 10%, we will require you to find an alternative organisation to receive the funds.
Do I have to provide reports?
Yes, you will have a webpage and need to provide regular updates that will be included here. Also, you must submit a final evaluation report using the Final Report template. If you don’t submit a final evaluation report, you will be unable to apply for further funding.
Can I make changes to my project once it has begun?
If you need to make key changes to your project design or budget, you must contact the foundation to discuss this before going ahead. If you do not, the foundation could ask for the return of the grant in full. If in doubt, ask!