WCT-Biodiversity, Ecosystems, and Endangered Species Grants Programme (WCT-BEES Grants)

The Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT) established the WCT-BEES Grants Programme to support conservation efforts across India. It offers two types of grants: Wildlife Research Small Grant and Grassroots Conservation Small Grant. These grants fund projects focused on endangered species and high-biodiversity landscapes. The program also encourages projects that incorporate social dimensions like nature awareness, environmental education, and sustainable livelihoods. The goal is to strengthen India's conservation landscape by supporting researchers, conservationists, and organizations.

• Grant funding up to ₹3.5 lakh
• Focus on wildlife research and grassroots conservation
• Open to individuals and organizations across India
• Project duration up to 10 months
• Supports endangered species and biodiversity

Eligibility: Indian citizens or organizations registered in India. The applicant must hold at least a graduate degree from a recognized university. Projects must focus on endangered species or landscapes of exceptional biodiversity value in India and must not exceed 10 months. Prior funding is allowed but must be disclosed. Overhead costs and expensive equipment (DSLRs, laptops, vehicles) are not funded; essential fieldwork equipment may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

WCT-Biodiversity, Ecosystems, and Endangered Species Grants Programme (WCT-BEES Grants) is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

Applications for WCT-Biodiversity, Ecosystems, and Endangered Species Grants Programme (WCT-BEES Grants) are open and the current deadline is Closes in 5d (20 Jul 2026). Applications are closing soon, so prepare your documents early. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.

Grants range from ₹3,00,000 to ₹3,50,000 per grantee. Funding supports wildlife research and grassroots conservation. Essential fieldwork equipment (e.g., GPS, rangefinders) may be covered on a case-by-case basis. Grantees also gain access to WCT's network and recognition, which can amplify their conservation efforts.

WCT-Biodiversity, Ecosystems, and Endangered Species Grants Programme (WCT-BEES Grants) is offered by Wildlife Conservation Trust, a non-profit foundation. It is delivered directly by Wildlife Conservation Trust as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

A dedicated selection committee appointed under the WCT-BEES Grants programme appraises all proposals. Evaluation criteria include alignment with programme objectives, scientific merit, and conservation significance. Referees provided by applicants may be contacted if the project is shortlisted. The committee's decisions are final and binding. Grantees are announced by September 30, 2026.

Before you apply to WCT-Biodiversity, Ecosystems, and Endangered Species Grants Programme (WCT-BEES Grants), keep the following documents ready:

• A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
• Company registration documents and PAN
• Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
• Recent financial statements or projections
• Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available

Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.

WCT-Biodiversity, Ecosystems, and Endangered Species Grants Programme (WCT-BEES Grants) is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹3L – ₹3.5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.