In 2025, we introduced a new grant aimed at helping to grow and develop conservation-based organizations by supporting operational costs essential for fieldwork. Our East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF) has launched the Growth, Engagement and Resources (GEAR) grant to address the financial challenges organizations face when their needs fall outside large-scale project-based funding. 

While we’ve offered some small grants intermittently in the past, we wanted to create a consistent way to provide financial aid to groups doing boots-on-the-ground conservation work. Small grants are becoming increasingly difficult to access for these organizations, particularly for emerging and community-based teams.  

“Many of these groups lack the administrative capacity to manage multi thousand-dollar grants but need early support to build the foundation required to scale their work and achieve long-term conservation impact,” said ECZF conservation coordinator Alyssa. “GEAR was created to address this gap by providing targeted, one-time support for essential field equipment, outreach materials or professional development that builds organizational capacity.” 

By helping organizations establish a track record, strengthen operations and demonstrate their capability, GEAR serves as a launch point. Our financial support enables recipients to grow beyond the need for this funding and pursue larger, sustainable sources of support over time.

This past year, nine change-making organizations were granted funds to help meet their needs. Meet our incredible 2025 GEAR recipients! 

 

Indigenous Voices Uganda 

Indigenous Voices Uganda (IVU) empowers Uganda’s indigenous youth by celebrating cultural heritage, advocating for rights and advancing sustainable development through inclusive programs. Our GEAR grant supported educational and storytelling tools for their team, including art supplies, audio recording equipment and digital media kits to amplify Batwa youth voices and traditional ecological knowledge. These resources enable youth-led conservation education, strengthen cultural stewardship and promote long-term community engagement in biodiversity protection. 

 

Tapak Diversitas Hayati Nusantara (TARSIUS) 

TARSIUS conducts collaborative biodiversity research in Indonesia while building local scientific capacity and public awareness of conservation. GEAR funds supported the purchase of a professional camera and lens to document field research, species identification and conservation activities. High-quality visual data strengthens scientific credibility, training programs and public outreach, supporting long-term conservation impact. 

 

PLEASE Project 

The United Nations Office for Project Services’ (UNOPS) PLEASE Project works to reduce plastic pollution in South Asia’s rivers and seas by advancing community-driven and circular-economy solutions. The GEAR grant partially supported university student Nusrat Shaheen’s participation in University of California, Berkeley’s Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program, strengthening her environmental leadership, policy and advocacy skills. This capacity-building investment enhances her ability to design and lead resilient conservation and climate programs across Asia and Africa. 

 

AquaMarina 

AquaMarina works to preserve coastal and marine biodiversity in Argentina through applied research and conservation initiatives. GEAR funds equipped the organization’s research vessel with essential navigation and safety equipment, including a VHF radio, echosounder and bilge pump. These tools support safe and effective monitoring of threatened marine species, such as the Franciscana dolphin and leatherback sea turtle. 

 

Mattu University 

Mattu University advances academic research and community engagement with a focus on conservation and sustainable resource management. Our GEAR grant supported hands-on training workshops for Indigenous youth and community members in the Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve, building skills in forest monitoring and data collection. This investment strengthens local stewardship, improves forest governance and supports long-term conservation outcomes. 

 

RodentPlus Conservation Initiative 

RodentPlus promotes the conservation of overlooked small mammal species in Nigeria through research, education and community outreach. GEAR funds supported educational materials, school outreach logistics and EcoClub starter kits to engage more than 500 students across five secondary schools. These tools help foster ecological literacy, encourage student-led conservation action and establish a scalable outreach model. 

 

Touna Sea Cucumber Conservation Group Association 

Touna Sea Cucumber Conservation Group Association protects coastal ecosystems through community-based marine conservation. GEAR funds supported a patrol boat and engine to conduct surveillance in locally managed sea cucumber fishing zones. This equipment strengthens enforcement of customary regulations, deters illegal fishing and empowers community monitoring to protect endangered marine species. 

 

Embaka – Saving the African Golden Cat 

Embaka empowers local communities to conserve biodiversity while improving livelihoods in Uganda’s forest landscapes. Our grant supported trail cameras, batteries and security equipment for non-invasive monitoring of African golden cats across key sites. These tools enable long-term data collection, support anti-poaching efforts and strengthen evidence-based conservation planning. 

 

Nature Conservation Initiative Nepal (NCINepal) 

NCINepal is a science-driven conservation organization focused on biodiversity research and sustainable livelihoods for Himalayan communities. GEAR funds supported community education and monitoring tools, including a projector, GPS units, camera traps and batteries for Asiatic golden cat conservation in remote regions of Nepal. This equipment enhances research, expands outreach and builds local stewardship for long-term species protection. 

We’re so proud of the work each of these nine organizations are doing for their local communities and the ripple effects that their efforts will have across the planet. We hope to share more about these groups in the future and other organizations that we have the honor of funding. 

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Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.

We would like to thank the following generous donors for supporting our mission-based programs:
Flammio Financial Group · Stifel- Garvin Wealth Management Group · Artemis IT · Pepsi Bottling Company · Amazon · PCL Construction | Nassal | MEC | Heard