Biodiv'Sport Grant Programme 2026 (Play for Nature) — Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

The program is open to any civil society organization worldwide whose primary mission is biodiversity conservation. The organization must have been legally established for at least three years. The project must focus on a species or ecosystem listed on the IUCN Red List and must incorporate sport as an awareness tool.

No, the organization itself does not need to already run a sports program. However, the proposed project design must include sport as a component for raising awareness and engaging people in biodiversity protection.

Yes, organizations that have received a grant from Play for Nature in previous years are eligible and encouraged to reapply for the Biodiv'Sport Grant Programme.

The application period runs from 15 July 2026 to 16 August 2026. Winners are announced in late October 2026, and projects are scheduled to start in 2027.

Projects must focus on biodiversity conservation of species or ecosystems on the IUCN Red List. They must creatively integrate sport to raise awareness and engage communities. The sport component can be any physical activity or game that connects people with nature and inspires conservation action.

No, the grant is non-repayable and equity-free. Successful organizations retain full ownership and control over their projects and intellectual property.

Applications are submitted through the official Play for Nature website at https://playfornature.org/en/submit-a-proposal/. You need to complete the online form and upload required documents, including legal registration proof (showing at least three years of establishment), organization profile, project proposal with methodology, outcomes, timeline, and budget.

After the deadline, proposals are screened for eligibility. Shortlisted projects are evaluated by a selection committee based on conservation impact, effectiveness of using sport, feasibility, organizational capacity, and budget clarity. Winners are announced in late October.

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Biodiv'Sport Grant Programme 2026 (Play for Nature), though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

Biodiv'Sport Grant Programme 2026 (Play for Nature) is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

Biodiv'Sport Grant Programme 2026 (Play for Nature) is offered by Play for Nature, a non-profit foundation. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.