The PTES Conservation Insight Grant 2026 is a competitive research funding opportunity offered by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, awarding between £3,000 and £10,000 annually – up to a maximum total of £20,000 – for projects of up to two years focused on generating scientific evidence to facilitate the conservation of endangered species. Open to researchers and conservationists established in the UK, UK overseas territories, or any non-high-income country as classified by the World Bank, the pre-application deadline is 23:59 UK time on 28 May 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Conservation Research Grant |
| Organising Body | People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) |
| Mode | Project-based (Field and Research) |
| Funding Amount | £3,000 – £10,000 per annum (maximum £20,000 total) |
| Project Duration | Up to 2 years |
| Pre-Application Deadline | 28 May 2026 (23:59 UK time) |
About the Program
The PTES Conservation Insight Grant 2026 is part of the People’s Trust for Endangered Species’ longstanding commitment to funding evidence-based conservation of endangered wildlife worldwide. The grant specifically targets projects that generate robust scientific evidence capable of directly informing conservation action – whether by testing new interventions, answering critical conservation questions, or developing innovative monitoring methodologies for threatened species. Consequently, recently funded projects have included testing acoustic reflectors to reduce dolphin by-catch, trialling orchid translocation to secondary forests, testing wildlife bridge designs, and restoring grassland habitats in partnership with local communities. Furthermore, PTES operates as an Evidence Champion of Conservation Evidence – a University of Cambridge initiative – actively encouraging grantees to publish their findings and contribute to the global body of conservation science, ensuring that funded work advances not just individual projects but the wider field of evidence-based conservation practice.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Open to scientific researchers and conservationists with demonstrated experience in relevant conservation fields
- Applicants must be already working and established in the UK, UK overseas territories, or any country not classified by the World Bank as high-income
- Applications must focus on non-bird species; bird species projects are explicitly excluded from consideration
Experience & Other Conditions
- Priority is given to native project leaders working in their own country
- Projects must focus on endangered species, with highest priority for species classified as Endangered, Critically Endangered, or Extinct in the Wild by the IUCN
- The proposed work must aim to generate scientific evidence that will directly facilitate conservation action
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the Conservation Evidence website before applying to demonstrate awareness of existing evidence on their proposed interventions
Benefits & Funding
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual Grant Amount | £3,000 to £10,000 per year |
| Maximum Total Grant | £20,000 over the full project duration |
| Project Duration | Up to 2 years |
| Conservation Evidence Training | Invited Stage 2 applicants attend an online Conservation Evidence training session in July |
Topics / Themes Covered
High-priority projects include work that addresses the following areas:
- Gathering scientific evidence needed to undertake necessary species mitigation work
- Using evidence to drive changes in local, national, or international conservation policy
- Devising and testing new methodologies for monitoring endangered species or species groups
- Testing conservation interventions to address specific threats to endangered species
- Experimental conservation work that generates publishable results in Conservation Evidence’s journal
- Community-partnered conservation and habitat restoration projects for threatened species
Selection Process
Stage 1 — Pre-Application
- Short standardised pre-application form submitted online by 28 May 2026 (23:59 UK time)
- Forms from eligible organisations reviewed by PTES staff
- Up to 20 applications invited to proceed to Stage 2; applicants notified in July 2026
- Individual feedback is not provided at Stage 1 due to anticipated high application volume
Stage 2 — Full Project Proposal
- Invited applicants attend an online Conservation Evidence training session in late July before submitting their full proposal
- Full online application form completed with detailed project methodology, evidence base, and conservation rationale
- Full proposals assessed by PTES trustees at a meeting in October 2026
- Approximately 5 to 6 applications awarded funding following trustee review
How to Apply
- Read the official Grant Guidance for Applicants and the Feedback from 2025 Pre-Applications — both available to download on the PTES grants page — before beginning your application.
- Download the Word document version of the pre-application form to draft and refine your answers before submitting online.
- Consult the Conservation Evidence website to review existing scientific evidence relevant to your proposed conservation intervention or methodology.
- Complete and submit the online pre-application form by 23:59 UK time on 28 May 2026.
- If invited to Stage 2, attend the online Conservation Evidence training session in late July and complete the full project proposal form with detailed methodology, evidence references, and conservation rationale.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| All Applicants | No application fee required |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Pre-Application Deadline (Stage 1) | 28 May 2026 (23:59 UK time) |
| Stage 1 Outcome Notification | July 2026 |
| Conservation Evidence Training (Stage 2) | Late July 2026 |
| Trustee Assessment Meeting | October 2026 |
| Funded Projects Start | January 2027 |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Pre-Application Form (Online) | Click Here |
| Pre-Application Form (Word) | Click Here |
| Official Website | https://ptes.org |
Contact
For eligibility queries, email grants@ptes.org before applying; PTES staff are available to discuss eligibility questions ahead of the pre-application deadline. For general enquiries, contact enquiries@ptes.org or call 020 7498 4533.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the PTES Conservation Insight Grant 2026?
Researchers and conservationists already established and working in the UK, UK overseas territories, or any country not classified by the World Bank as high-income are eligible; notably, priority is given to native project leaders working in their own countries, and bird species projects are explicitly excluded.
How much funding does the PTES Conservation Insight Grant 2026 provide?
The grant awards between £3,000 and £10,000 per year for up to two years, with a maximum total grant of £20,000 per project across the full duration.
What is the two-stage application process for the PTES Conservation Insight Grant?
Stage 1 requires a short standardised pre-application form submitted by 28 May 2026; up to 20 shortlisted applicants are then invited to Stage 2, which involves a Conservation Evidence training session and a full project proposal assessed by PTES trustees in October 2026.
Why does PTES emphasise Conservation Evidence in its grant process?
As an Evidence Champion of Conservation Evidence — a University of Cambridge initiative —-PTES prioritises experimental conservation work that tests interventions and contributes publishable findings to the global conservation science base, consequently improving the effectiveness of conservation action worldwide.
How many projects are funded through the PTES Conservation Insight Grant each year?
Approximately 5 to 6 projects are awarded funding annually following trustee assessment at the October meeting, from a shortlist of up to 20 Stage 2 applicants.