Application Open for Play for Nature Biodiv’Sport Grant Opportunity 2026, Established in 2013 by Julien Pierre, President of Fair Play for Planet, and Pascal Damois, President of the Parc Animalier d’Auvergne, the Play for Nature Endowment Fund is dedicated to safeguarding endangered wildlife and preserving natural ecosystems both in France and across the globe. Over the years, the organization has earned recognition for its expertise in identifying, assessing, and supporting in situ conservation initiatives that effectively combine biodiversity protection with the active participation of local communities.

The Fund carries out its mission through three key areas of action:

• Biodiv’World: Provides financial assistance to biodiversity conservation projects and scientific research initiatives operating across five continents.
• Biodiv’Sport: Offers technical expertise and funding to projects that leverage sports as a means to promote awareness and action for biodiversity conservation.
• Biodiv’Educ: Focuses on environmental education by organizing innovative workshops in schools that use technology and video games to inspire young people to protect nature.

As part of its ongoing commitment to biodiversity conservation, Play for Nature has launched its annual Call for Proposals. The funding opportunity is open to organizations seeking financial support for projects that contribute to the preservation of biodiversity.

Under the Biodiv’Sport category, applications are welcomed from all eligible organizations, including those that have previously received funding from the Fund. Each proposal will be reviewed by an independent Evaluation Committee.

Applicants, whether first-time participants or previous beneficiaries, are encouraged to prepare their submissions with clarity and completeness. Since every project is assessed independently, proposals should be written in a way that is easily understood by reviewers who may not be familiar with the organization or its past work.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full details and submit their applications before the specified deadline to seize this grant opportunity.

Last Date of Submission: 16^th July 2026

Grants Available Under the Application Open for Play for Nature Biodiv’Sport Grant Opportunity 2026

For organizations applying to Play for Nature for the first time, the maximum grant amount is €5,000. However, organizations with an established partnership and a proven track record may be considered for larger grants or multi-year funding arrangements, depending on the project’s impact and the strength of previous collaborations.

The competition for funding is significant. Every year, the Fund receives more than 300 applications, but only around 20 organizations have been supported annually over the last three years. Play for Nature aims to increase the number of supported projects as its funding programme continues to expand.

For the 2027 funding cycle, all grants will be dedicated exclusively to projects submitted under the Biodiv’Sport pillar. In addition to financial assistance, selected organizations may also receive technical support, particularly for planning and implementing biodiversity awareness campaigns through sporting activities and events.

Eligible Project Types for Application Open for Play for Nature Biodiv’Sport Grant Opportunity 2026

Projects proposed under this call must be scheduled for implementation during 2027 and should focus on biodiversity conservation while integrating sport as a key component of awareness and engagement.

The project must aim to protect at least one endangered species while simultaneously raising awareness about biodiversity conservation through sporting activities or sports-based events. Eligible endangered species are those listed on the IUCN Red List under one of the following categories:

• Vulnerable (VU)
• Endangered (EN)
• Critically Endangered (CR)

Projects that do not directly contribute to the conservation of an endangered species will not be considered for funding.

The conservation objective should remain at the center of the project design, with clearly defined actions for species protection. In addition, applicants are expected to involve local communities through education initiatives, awareness campaigns, or active participation in conservation-related activities.

Sport should serve as a tool to strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts and encourage wider public engagement. Eligible activities may include:

• Organizing new or existing sporting events led by the applicant organization.
• Collaborating with an existing sports event organized by a sports association or sporting body to support conservation objectives.
• Conducting educational and awareness campaigns focused on biodiversity and endangered species protection.

Projects are encouraged to engage diverse audiences, including students, local communities, citizens, public authorities, and volunteers participating in ecosystem restoration or conservation initiatives.

Both annual and multi-year projects are eligible. Multi-year initiatives will be assessed as a single project during the evaluation process.

Eligibility Criteria for Application Open for Play for Nature Biodiv’Sport Grant Opportunity 2026

To be considered for funding, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

• The applicant must be a civil society organization dedicated to the conservation of endangered species and ecosystems, either independently or in partnership with a sports organization.
• The project must focus on the conservation of, or awareness-raising for, at least one species classified as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
• The organization must have been legally established for a minimum of three years.
• The requested grant amount must not exceed 50% of the organization’s annual budget and should represent at least 10% of the total project budget.
• The project should not include re-granting or transferring funds to another organization.
• Preference is given to organizations that are locally based in the country where the project will be implemented. If an organization has a local office or branch, that entity is encouraged to submit the application directly.
• Projects located in armed conflict areas are not eligible for funding. In some countries, this restriction may apply only to specific regions.
• Applicants must submit all mandatory supporting documents along with the application form.

Organizations meeting these criteria and demonstrating a strong connection between biodiversity conservation and sports-based awareness initiatives are encouraged to apply for the Play for Nature Biodiv’Sport grants for 2027.

How to apply?

Opening of the call for projects and receipt of applications: from July 15, 2026 to

August 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (Paris time, GMT +2).

• Project Selection Committee: October 16.
• Announcement of results: within one month following the Selection Committee meeting.

If you encounter any difficulties, you may send us a message via the platform’s Messaging

tool, or by email at conservation@playfornature.org.

Note: For more comprehensive details click the link below

Get full access to the grant information, visit the Official Website Link

FAQs – Play for Nature Biodiv’Sport Grants 2027

1. How much funding can an organization receive under the Play for Nature Biodiv’Sport Grants?

First-time applicants can receive grants of up to €5,000. Organizations with an established partnership and a successful track record may be considered for larger amounts or multi-year funding based on the project’s impact and the quality of previous collaboration.

2. What types of projects are eligible for funding?

Eligible projects must focus on biodiversity conservation and the protection of at least one endangered species listed as Vulnerable (VU), Endangered (EN), or Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List. The project must also use sports or sporting events as a tool to raise awareness about biodiversity conservation.

3. Who can apply for the Biodiv’Sport Call for Proposals?

Civil society organizations dedicated to conserving endangered species and ecosystems are eligible to apply. They may apply independently or in partnership with a sports organization. The applicant organization must have been legally established for at least three years.

4. Can an organization apply if it has already received funding from Play for Nature?

Yes. Organizations that have previously received grants from Play for Nature are welcome to apply again. However, each application is assessed independently and should be prepared as though it is being reviewed for the first time.

5. Are projects located in conflict-affected areas eligible for funding?

No. Projects implemented in armed conflict zones are generally not eligible for funding. In some countries, this restriction may apply only to specific regions, and applicants are encouraged to contact Play for Nature if they are uncertain about their project’s eligibility.

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