AZA Conservation Grants Fund

Established in 1984, the Conservation Grants Fund (previously called the Conservation Endowment Fund, or CEF) supports the cooperative conservation-related scientific and educational initiatives of AZA, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, and their collaborators.

Since 1991, the CGF has provided more than $7 million to nearly 390 projects worldwide. This is made possible through the generous donations of members and institutions. View the list of contributors from last year. AZA extends a special thank you to the Walt Disney World Company and the Disney Conservation Fund, which has provided significant financial support to the CGF since 1999, nearly doubling the number of proposals funded annually. 

CGF grants are awarded in six categories:

Animal Health

Animal Welfare

Conservation Education

Field Conservation

Management / Captive Breeding

Research

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums of all sizes have received CGF grants. Many grants have been awarded to collaborations among AZA-accredited institutions; state, federal and international wildlife agencies; academia; and major conservation NGOs.

Annual disbursement amounts are determined by the AZA Board of Directors. Selections are made on the basis of a competitive review and approximately one-quarter of the proposals received every year are funded. The average project award is approximately $18,000. View the complete list of previously funded projects. Application materials will be available in January, with submissions due in mid-March.