Biodiv'Sport Grant Programme 2026 (Play for Nature)
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Quick Answer
Grants of up to ₹13.5 lakh for civil society organizations globally, using sport as a tool for biodiversity conservation projects focused on IUCN Red List species or ecosystems.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Play for Nature
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 16 August 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Play for Nature. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
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.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Play for Nature is a French endowment fund created in 2013 and recognised as being of general and humanitarian interest, working on the protection of endangered species and their ecosystems across five continents. It is presided over by Julien Pierre, and works with an ethical…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Successful applicants will receive non-repayable grants ranging from ** ₹4.5 lakh (€5,000)** to ** ₹13.5 lakh (€15,000)**. This funding is entirely equity-free, ensuring organizations retain full ownership and control over their initiatives. The grants are intended to directly support the implementation of biodiversity conservation projects that creatively integrate sport for public engagement and awareness. While direct mentorship or incubation is not explicitly part of the offering, the financial support enables CSOs to execute critical projects, acquire necessary resources, and amplify their impact in protecting endangered species and ecosystems.
- Cohort size
- 16 startups
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
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.
Application Process
- 1
Prepare Proposal
Develop a detailed project proposal outlining the conservation challenge, sports integration, and budget.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
