What is the primary objective of the Biodiv'Sport Grant Programme?

The program aims to support civil society organizations (CSOs) globally that use sport as an innovative tool to raise awareness and foster engagement in biodiversity conservation, specifically targeting species and ecosystems listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

What is the funding amount offered?

Grants range from €5,000 ( ₹4.5 lakh) to €15,000 ( ₹13.5 lakh) per project. Typically, 14 grants of €5,000 and 2 grants of €15,000 are awarded per cycle. All funding is equity-free.

Which organizations are eligible to apply?

The program is open to civil society organizations worldwide whose primary mission is biodiversity conservation. Applicants must have been legally established for at least three years prior to applying. The project must focus on a species or ecosystem listed on the IUCN Red List.

Does the applicant organization need to be a sports organization?

No, the applicant organization itself does not need to already run a sports program. However, the proposed project design must incorporate sport as an awareness-raising tool to engage people with biodiversity protection.

Can organizations that received a grant in previous years apply again?

Yes, organizations that have previously received a grant from Play for Nature are eligible and encouraged to apply again for the Biodiv'Sport Grant Programme.

When does the application process open and close?

The call for proposals opens on 15 July 2026 and closes on 16 August 2026. Winners for projects to run in 2027 are typically announced in late October 2026.

Biodiv'Sport Grant Programme 2026 (Play for Nature) – Up to ₹13.5 Lakhs

The Biodiv'Sport Grant Programme 2026, launched by Play for Nature, a France-based endowment fund, is dedicated to advancing biodiversity conservation worldwide. Established in 2013, Play for Nature operates on three core pillars: Biodiv'World for in-situ conservation, Biodiv'Educ for environmental education, and Biodiv'Sport, the focus of this particular call.

This program specifically targets civil society organizations (CSOs) that leverage sport as an innovative and engaging tool to raise awareness and foster community involvement in biodiversity protection efforts. The initiative recognizes the powerful role of sport in connecting people with nature and inspiring action to protect endangered species and their vital ecosystems. By integrating sporting activities with conservation messaging, the program aims to create impactful projects that educate the public and generate support for critical environmental issues.

Play for Nature is committed to supporting projects that demonstrate a clear strategy for using sport to engage diverse audiences, from local communities to wider public spheres. The goal is to facilitate tangible conservation outcomes for species and ecosystems explicitly listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This program provides crucial financial support to organizations on the frontline of environmental protection, enabling them to implement creative and effective solutions for safeguarding our planet's natural heritage.

Applications for the Biodiv'Sport Grant Programme are reviewed through a multi-stage process. Initially, submitted proposals undergo a thorough screening to ensure they meet all stipulated eligibility criteria, including organizational status, primary mission, project focus on IUCN Red List species/ecosystems, and the integration of sport. Following this, a selection committee comprising experts from Play for Nature and potentially external conservation specialists evaluates the shortlisted proposals. This evaluation focuses on the project's potential impact on biodiversity conservation, the innovativeness and effectiveness of using sport as an awareness tool, the feasibility of the project plan, the capacity of the applicant organization, and the clarity and realism of the budget. Final selections are made based on these comprehensive assessments, with winners announced in late October for projects to be implemented in the subsequent year.

Biodiv'Sport Grant Programme 2026 (Play for Nature)

Biodiv'Sport Grant Programme 2026 (Play for Nature)

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