Oklahoma City Zoo Conservation Action Now Grants 2026

Applications are open for the Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden Conservation Action Now Grants 2026, a small grant opportunity supporting early career professionals working to conserve imperiled species and habitats. The programme is designed to support practical conservation through research, education and species preservation.

In 2026, the Conservation Action Now programme is specifically supporting projects involving the research and conservation of invertebrates. The grants are intended for early career professionals whose work can contribute to the protection of imperiled invertebrate species or their habitats.

The Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden operates the Conservation Action Now programme as part of its broader commitment to supporting conservation efforts around the world. The Zoo states that its CAN grants support researchers working on imperiled species, habitats and surrounding communities through species preservation, research and education.

Successful applicants can receive a competitive small grant of up to $2,500. Projects will be assessed on the merit of the proposal and their contribution to conservation education, scientific research or species preservation.

About the Conservation Action Now Grants

The Conservation Action Now Grants are designed to provide targeted financial support for conservation initiatives addressing threats to imperiled wildlife and habitats. The programme has previously supported projects involving species and ecosystems in different parts of the world, demonstrating its international conservation focus.

For the 2026 funding cycle, the programme is focused exclusively on invertebrates. Proposed activities should contribute directly to the conservation of invertebrate species or their habitats.

Projects may fall under one or more of three main purposes:

• Conservation education that builds awareness of a conservation programme capable of creating positive change for invertebrates or their habitats

• Scientific research conducted in situ or ex situ that has a direct impact on the conservation of an imperiled invertebrate species or its habitat in its native location

• Species preservation involving direct care or work with an imperiled invertebrate species that improves the ability to preserve the species in its native habitat

Grant Benefits

• Competitive grant of up to $2,500

• Financial support for eligible invertebrate conservation projects

• Support for conservation education activities

• Support for scientific research

• Support for species preservation initiatives

• Opportunity to contribute to international wildlife conservation

• Recognition through association with the Oklahoma City Zoo conservation programme

Programme Areas

The 2026 Conservation Action Now Grants support projects in the following areas:

Conservation Education

Projects that increase awareness and understanding of conservation programmes capable of benefiting invertebrate species or their habitats.

Scientific Research

Research conducted in natural settings or controlled environments that directly contributes to the conservation of imperiled invertebrate species or their native habitats.

Species Preservation

Practical work involving an imperiled invertebrate species that improves conservation and preservation efforts in its native environment.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the programme's early career requirement.

• Currently enrolled in a graduate programme such as an MSc, PhD or DVM

• Or awarded a graduate degree no earlier than 2021

• Project must involve the research and or conservation of invertebrates

• Proposed activities must contribute to conservation of an imperiled invertebrate species or habitat

• Individuals and institutions or organisations may apply

• Previous applicants may reapply annually after submitting a required project update

• Previous funding does not guarantee additional funding

The programme is open to early career professionals working on relevant conservation activities. The published call does not restrict eligibility to a particular nationality or country.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare:

• Completed Conservation Action Now application form

• Letter of commitment

• Application documents submitted in PDF format

• Project information demonstrating the conservation value of the proposed work

Applicants should ensure that all required documents are complete before submission. The Zoo advises applicants to submit before the deadline because late applications will not be considered. Applicants should receive a confirmation email within 48 hours after the application has been received.

Funding Restrictions

Applicants should take the programme's funding conditions into account when developing their budgets.

• Salaries are generally not eligible, except for locally hired support staff

• No more than 20 percent of awarded funds may be used for travel expenses

• Funds cannot be used for indirect costs

• Funds cannot be used for direct mail solicitations

• Funds cannot be used for reimbursement of funds or annual campaigns

• Grant checks are not made payable directly to individuals

• The Oklahoma City Zoo must be recognised in project publications

• A copy of relevant publications must be submitted to the Zoo

The Zoo also requires a project update within one year after funds are distributed and a final report when the project is completed.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on the merit of the proposed project and its alignment with the Conservation Action Now programme objectives.

Projects should demonstrate:

• Clear relevance to invertebrate conservation

• A meaningful conservation objective

• Strong scientific or practical justification

• Potential contribution to conservation education, scientific research or species preservation

• A clear connection between the proposed activities and conservation outcomes

The strongest proposals should clearly explain the conservation problem being addressed, the proposed approach and how the work can contribute to the protection of an imperiled species or habitat.

How to Apply

1. Review the 2026 Conservation Action Now Grant requirements and confirm that your project focuses on invertebrate research or conservation.
2. Confirm that you meet the early career eligibility requirement by being enrolled in a graduate programme or having received a graduate degree in 2021 or later.
3. Develop a clear project proposal addressing conservation education, scientific research or species preservation.
4. Complete the official Conservation Action Now application form.
5. Prepare the required letter of commitment.
6. Save the completed application materials in PDF format.
7. Upload the completed application and letter of commitment through the Oklahoma City Zoo application system.
8. Submit the application no later than 11:59 PM CST on November 13, 2026.
9. Keep the submission confirmation email for your records.