The IUCN SOS African Wildlife initiative, launched in 2017 and financed by the European Commission’s DG DEVCO, aims primarily to halt the decline of large carnivores in Africa, particularly lions (Panthera leo), leopards (Panthera pardus), cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), and Ethiopian wolves (Canis simensis), as well as other African species increasingly threatened by poaching, habitat fragmentation and human encroachment on wild habitats. The objectives of this initiative are (i) to demonstrate impact of conservation actions on threatened species and their habitats in Africa and (ii) to empower and strengthen civil society organisations which are committed to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

IUCN SOS is now issuing a call to Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to submit proposals targeting the conservation of any of the target species mentioned above, and/or other African species, particularly equids, bovids, and giraffes. 

If you are interested in applying for an IUCN SOS grant, please visit the SOS Online Portal where you will find all the necessary information and documentation required, including the eligibility criteria for proposals. Please carefully read all the announcements, information and the documents that are available on the Online Portal. Applications must comply with all the IUCN SOS requirements in order to be judged eligible and be reviewed. Please note that application instructions and templates are available in English and French only. Applications must be submitted in English or French.

Each application will need to consist of: 

• Application templates duly filled in (including technical and financial documents). 
• Certificate of registration or bylaws. 
• Confirmation letters from subcontractors. 
• CVs of key staff. 
• Due diligence questionnaire.
• The application declaration form.

There are also funding opportunities available through our Rapid Action Grants facility. Please visit the Rapid Action Grants page to learn more.