SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund invites applications for grants

The SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is working for the past 40 years to support wildlife conservation, research, and education in different parts of the world. The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund was created in 2003 to provide an easy way to guests to involve themselves with the wildlife conservation projects and support these projects to make a difference in the world. This non-profit, private foundation keeps its focus mainly on four main areas: Species Research, Habitat Protection, Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation, and Conservation Education. The fund gets grants from different sources including global organizations such as World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, etc.

The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund is inviting proposals for award of grants for the projects related to wildlife conservation and research.

Grant amounts

The Fund has no set minimum or maximum grant amount. In the past, however, the Fund has supported projects ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 for a one-year term. Organizations are encouraged to simultaneously seek additional funding from other sources if necessary to complete the objectives of the project. The Fund will consider multi-year proposals, as many worthy conservation and research efforts require multiple years to achieve results and positive impact. All projects receiving a grant award should expect a site visit by a Fund representative. Grant awards must be accepted and funded by April 1 of the following year.

Capital expenditures

The value/utility of major capital investments such as construction of a new facility and computer network infrastructures is long-term. The Fund is unable to support such investments that would outlive the specific project/initiative that the Fund is being asked to support.

Who Should Apply

The Fund accepts online applications from 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations based in the U.S., non-U.S. based non-profit organizations and NGOs, governmental entities, accredited universities and research centers, and AZA- or AMMPA-accredited institutions. Applications from individuals not affiliated with any of the entities listed above will not be accepted. In addition, applications are discouraged from university/college students working on projects as part of a degree (e.g., research for a thesis). As with all proposals receiving Fund support, the project must have broad community/constituency support and be based on legitimate scientific and conservation principals.

Support of in-situ and ex-situ conservation projects

While the Fund recognizes and supports the critical importance of ex-situ efforts such as endangered species breeding programs and conservation awareness/education, its primary focus is to support conservation efforts directly benefiting wildlife in their native ranges (in-situ). For this reason, the Fund is unable to help underwrite the captive breeding efforts of other animal management facilities. However, the Fund will consider ex-situ conservation education proposals that demonstrate significant positive and sustainable impact.

Last date for submitting the applications is December 1, 2011.

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