The SCI Foundation (SCIF) has initiated a new matching grant program to assist SCI with international conservation work. This summer, SCIF approved 13 grants representing work that is over $100,000 in conservation worldwide. The grants require a 50% percent match by an individual SCI Chapter and combining SCIF’s funding of over $51,000, these grants will positively impact wildlife habitat, research and species survival.
The approved grants include purchase and acquisition of drones for conservation, water development for wildlife, moose habitat restoration and scientific research of iconic species like cougar and grizzly bear. Wildlife in Canada, Europe as well as the U.S. will see positive impacts from the grants. “We are very pleased to have the SCIF Board’s support for this critical conservation work around the world,” said Conservation Department Director, Dr. Christopher Comer, adding, “being able to assist the SCI Chapters is a mission multiplier for us, as we are partnering, to accomplish conservation work at home and aboard that wouldn’t get done without our new grant program.” The grants have been issued to wildlife work in Alaska to Africa and encompass modern wildlife management techniques to improve knowledge of local wildlife populations, help in wildlife enforcement and improve habitat.
The next grant period will be open March 1, 2026, and individual Chapters may apply for up to $5,000 annually in matching funds to support projects for wildlife conservation. Eligible projects could include wildlife population surveys, implementation of wildlife management plans, purchase of equipment for state agencies to conduct conservation projects, reintroduction and translocation of species, and habitat restoration or improvement projects. Proposals must include a project description and estimated budget, as well as an explanation of how it will benefit sustainable use conservation.
Our hat goes off to all SCI Chapters that participate and support conservation work. They are doing a great job on this locally and aboard and we are happy to partner with them. For further information on the SCIF Conservation Matching Grant program, contact Dan Brooks at [email protected].
