The Amphibian Conservation Fund, managed by Stiftung Artenschutz (Species Conservation Foundation), is now accepting applications for its 2026 Open Grant Call. The fund supports impactful projects dedicated to protecting threatened amphibian species worldwide through conservation, research, habitat restoration, conservation breeding, education, and capacity-building initiatives.

Created in response to the alarming global decline of amphibian populations, the Amphibian Conservation Fund brings together zoos, conservation organizations, and wildlife associations from the German-speaking region to invest in projects that deliver measurable conservation outcomes for some of the world’s most threatened amphibian species.

Organizations and researchers working to safeguard amphibians are encouraged to submit their proposals before the application deadline.

Application Deadline

Deadline: 31 July 2026 (23:59 CET / UTC+2)

Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered.

About the Amphibian Conservation Fund

Amphibians are among the most threatened groups of vertebrates on Earth, facing growing pressures from habitat destruction, climate change, disease outbreaks, pollution, and invasive species.

The Amphibian Conservation Fund was established to provide financial support for projects that directly or indirectly improve the conservation status of threatened amphibian species.

The fund is held in trust and administered by Stiftung Artenschutz on behalf of a consortium of conservation partners, ensuring that resources are allocated to projects with strong scientific foundations and measurable conservation impact.

Funding Objective

The primary objective of the grant is to support initiatives that contribute to the long-term survival of threatened amphibian species.

Projects must clearly demonstrate how their activities will positively influence amphibian conservation and contribute to improved outcomes for species at risk.

Successful proposals should be evidence-based, practical, and aligned with internationally recognized conservation standards.

Eligible Project Activities

The Amphibian Conservation Fund supports a wide range of conservation initiatives, including:

Direct Amphibian Conservation

Projects that directly protect threatened amphibian populations through field conservation and species recovery activities.

Scientific Research

Research that generates critical knowledge to improve amphibian conservation, species management, and long-term survival.

Conservation Breeding

Establishment or expansion of ex-situ breeding programmes that help secure endangered amphibian populations.

Species Reintroduction

Carefully planned reintroduction programmes that restore threatened amphibian species to suitable natural habitats.

Habitat Restoration

Projects focused on restoring degraded ecosystems that are essential for amphibian survival.

Capacity Building

Training programmes that strengthen local conservation skills, institutional capacity, and technical expertise.

Education and Public Awareness

Community outreach, environmental education, and awareness campaigns that promote amphibian conservation and biodiversity protection.

Species Eligible for Funding

The grant primarily supports projects focusing on amphibian species classified on the IUCN Red List as:

• Critically Endangered (CR)
• Endangered (EN)
• Vulnerable (VU)

However, proposals involving species classified as:

• Data Deficient (DD)
• Not Evaluated (NE)
• Other conservation categories

may also be considered where there is a clearly demonstrated conservation concern or where surveys are needed to determine the species’ conservation status.

Conservation Standards

The Amphibian Conservation Fund follows internationally recognized conservation principles, including guidance developed by:

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• The IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC)

Applicants are encouraged to design projects that reflect these internationally accepted conservation best practices.

Who Should Apply?

The grant is suitable for organizations and professionals working in biodiversity conservation, wildlife management, ecological research, and species recovery.

Potential applicants include:

• Conservation NGOs
• Universities
• Research institutes
• Wildlife conservation organizations
• Zoological institutions
• Amphibian specialists
• Environmental organizations
• Conservation practitioners
• Breeding and reintroduction programmes

Collaborative projects involving multiple institutions are also encouraged where appropriate.

Supporting Organizations

The Amphibian Conservation Fund is supported by a network of respected conservation institutions and zoological organizations, including:

• Aquazoo Düsseldorf
• German Zoo Keeper Association (BdZ)
• German Society for Herpetology and Herpetoculture (DGHT)
• German Association of Animal Parks (DTG)
• German Association of Wildlife Parks (DWV)
• Tierpark Hellabrunn Munich
• Association of Zoological Gardens (VdZ)
• Association of German-speaking Zoo Educators (VZP)
• Zoo Dresden
• Zoo Heidelberg
• Zoo Leipzig

Their collective commitment strengthens global efforts to protect amphibian biodiversity.

Why This Grant Matters

Amphibians play an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by controlling insect populations, serving as indicators of environmental health, and contributing to ecological balance.

Yet they are experiencing one of the fastest rates of decline among vertebrate groups worldwide.

By funding innovative conservation projects, the Amphibian Conservation Fund helps safeguard biodiversity while supporting practical, science-based solutions that benefit both wildlife and local communities.

Apply Here 

Why You Should Apply

If your organization is working to conserve threatened amphibians through research, habitat restoration, conservation breeding, education, or species recovery, this grant offers valuable support to expand your impact.

Projects that demonstrate measurable conservation outcomes, strong scientific justification, and alignment with international conservation standards are well positioned for consideration.

For more information on this grant opportunity, visit here

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