2025 EMA Small Grant Program For Conservation Projects In Africa And Asia: Apply Now!

About the EMA Small Grant Program

The Elephant Managers Association (EMA) is inviting applications for its 2025 Small Grant Program, which provides funding for field-based elephant conservation projects in Africa and Asia. This initiative is part of EMA’s ongoing commitment to supporting innovative conservation efforts aimed at protecting elephant populations, improving their welfare, and fostering sustainable coexistence between humans and elephants.

For the 2025 cycle, the EMA Board of Directors will award two grants of $3,000 each to outstanding projects that demonstrate a significant contribution to elephant conservation. The program is open to individuals and organizations engaged in elephant research, welfare, and conservation, including zookeepers, conservationists, researchers, and wildlife professionals.

While all proposals that align with EMA’s conservation mission will be considered, priority will be given to projects that meet one or more of the following criteria:

Education and Community Outreach: Projects that raise awareness about elephant conservation among local communities, schools, or broader audiences.
Capacity Building in Local Communities: Initiatives that train and empower local stakeholders, conservation professionals, or community members in sustainable elephant conservation practices.

Improving Captive Elephant Management and Welfare: Projects aimed at enhancing the well-being of elephants in managed care through better husbandry practices, enrichment programs, or veterinary care.

Key Considerations for Grant Funding

The EMA Small Grant Program seeks to maximize impact by supporting projects that:

Introduce new or innovative conservation approaches: The funding should support a project that is new, unique, or represents a fresh initiative within an existing program. The goal is to encourage creativity and forward-thinking solutions in elephant conservation.

Have scalable and transferable outcomes: The knowledge, practices, or methodologies developed through the project should be applicable to other conservation settings and benefit a large number of elephants, people, or conservation initiatives. Projects that can create a wider ripple effect in the conservation community will be prioritized.
Provide clear conservation benefits: Applicants should outline the expected impact of their project and demonstrate how EMA funding will contribute to tangible conservation results.

Eligibility Criteria

The grant is open to applicants worldwide, as long as the proposed project focuses on elephant conservation in Africa or Asia. Eligible applicants include:

Zookeepers and wildlife professionals working with elephants in accredited facilities.
Independent researchers and conservationists are conducting fieldwork on elephant populations.
Non-profit organizations and local conservation groups engaged in elephant protection and habitat preservation.

Veterinarians and animal welfare specialists focused on improving the health and well-being of elephants in managed care.

Benefits of the EMA Small Grant Program

Each selected project will receive a grant of $3,000 to support research, conservation efforts, and field-based initiatives. In addition to financial support, recipients will gain:

Recognition from the Elephant Managers Association, an internationally respected organization dedicated to elephant conservation and welfare.

Potential networking opportunities with other conservation professionals, researchers, and elephant specialists.
The chance to present findings or share project updates with the EMA community.

How to Apply

Download the application form: The official application form, which includes detailed instructions on how to apply, can be downloaded from the EMA website via the link below.

Complete the application: Fill out all required sections, ensuring that you provide;
- A detailed project proposal outlining objectives, expected outcomes, and methodology.
- A clear budget breakdown showing how the grant funds will be utilized.
- Information on the applicant’s background, expertise, and affiliations.
Submit the proposal: Send the completed application to grants@elephantmanagers.com before the deadline.

Application Deadline

Submission Deadline: April 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.

Grant recipients announced: August 2025.

Conclusion

The EMA Small Grant Program offers a unique opportunity for conservationists to secure funding for meaningful projects that contribute to elephant protection and welfare. With growing environmental challenges, elephant populations in Africa and Asia face increasing threats, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. By investing in community-driven conservation efforts, innovative research, and sustainable management practices, the EMA aims to make a lasting impact on elephant conservation.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to develop well-structured, impactful proposals that demonstrate clear conservation goals, measurable outcomes, and long-term benefits. If you are passionate about elephant conservation and have a project that aligns with EMA’s mission, don’t miss this opportunity!

CLICK HERE TO APPLY