Brevard Zoo is proud to offer grants to conservation organizations through its Quarters for Conservation and Wildlife Emergency Fund programs. Please carefully review the criteria below to determine which grant best suits your project. 

WILDLIFE EMERGENCY FUND (WEF)

OVERVIEW

WEF is a small grant offered by East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF). This grant is intended to provide rapid financial support to conservation-based organizations that are responding to sudden, episodic and unpredictable threats impacting wildlife.

WEF defines an emergency as: An unforeseen and unavoidable event causing a direct and negative impact on wildlife. Ongoing, recurring or long-term threats are not considered to be an immediate emergency.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year or until funds are depleted. We aim to respond to applicants within 48 hours of receiving the application. Funding requests up to $2,500 are anticipated, though larger requests may be considered or partially funded. Recipients must use the funds within 60 days and submit a brief report within 6 months.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants from 501(c)3 non-profits (or equivalent), governmental and non-governmental organizations that focus on direct in-situ conservation action are eligible to apply. Unspecified overhead, administrative costs, monitoring/survey equipment, outreach supplies and signage are not eligible. Salaries and vehicles will be considered on a case-by case basis.

SUBMISSION

Only fully completed applications will be considered. Documentation proving charitable status such as registration certificates or government-issued approval is required. All questions and proposals should be submitted to Alyssa Rice, Conservation Coordinator, at arice@brevardzoo.org.

Growth, Engagement and Resources (GEAR)

SUBMISSIONS FOR THIS GRANT ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED.

OVERVIEW

GEAR is a small grant offered by East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF). This grant is intended to be a catalyst for growth and development of conservation-based organizations by supporting operational costs essential for in-situ fieldwork. GEAR addresses the financial challenges organizations face when their needs fall outside large-scale project-based funding.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis from April 1, 2025 to November 30, 2025 or until funds are depleted. We aim to respond to applicants within 4 weeks of receiving the application. Funding requests up to $1,000 are anticipated, though larger requests may be considered or partially funded. Recipients must use the funds within 12 months and submit a brief report by the end of that period.

CATEGORIES

Proposals should fall within one of the three categories defined below:

1. Field equipment: supplies required to monitor, survey, and assess species and habitats including, but not limited to, technology, software, tools, clothing, PPE and transport.

2. Outreach: supplies needed for public engagement through schools, awareness campaigns, and activities including, but not limited to, pamphlets, books, stickers, digital content creation and signage.

3. Professional development: training needed for organizational growth and greater capacity. Opportunities may include, but are not limited to, symposiums, workshops, conferences and training. Additional associated costs such as travel and housing can be included and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants from 501(c)3 non-profits (or equivalent), governmental and non-governmental organizations that focus on direct in-situ conservation action are eligible to apply. Organizations may only apply for one category at a time: equipment, outreach or professional development. Recipients are not eligible again in the same calendar year.

Unspecified overhead, administrative costs, salaries and vehicles are not eligible. Off-road vehicles will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Requested items must be justified with a clear purpose and tie to the organization’s activities and mission and how it will contribute to the growth of the organization.

Priority will be given to applicants who can demonstrate organizational growth and self-reliance.