The Habitats Trust Grants Overview
The Ecosystems Trust Grants identify and support conservation organisations and people working to protect India’s natural ecosystems and native species of flora and wildlife, particularly lesser-known species and neglected environments. The grants are intended to encourage holistic, innovative, and reproducible conservation programs.
Grants for Organisations and Individuals:
THT Conservation Grant (1,000,000.00)
The THT Conservation Grant funds organizations that address India’s conservation concerns, particularly for lesser-known species and crucial habitats.
The awards are meant to promote holistically designed conservation projects. The grant is solely available to organisations. It will last three years and be awarded to two shortlisted applicants.
THT Action Grant (25,000,000)
The THT Action Grant assists people and organisations working on on-the-ground conservation projects focusing on lesser-known species and/or ecosystems that require immediate conservation intervention.
The funding is offered to both organizations and individuals. It will last two years and be awarded to three shortlisted applicants.
THT Seed Grant (up to 3,000,000)
The THT Seed Grant aims to fill an urgent and crucial vacuum in conservation action, with a focus on lesser-known species and critical habitats. The award will be available for up to a year.
Eligibility of the Habitats Trust Grants
THT Conservation Grants:
- This funding is exclusively available to organisations.
- The organization must have completed 5 years of functional existence (as per registration certificate) in India by March 31, 2024.
- The organization must also have at least three years of experience carrying out direct on-the-ground operations to conserve India’s natural habitats and threatened species.
- The average expenditure incurred by the organisation over the last three fiscal years (FY 2012-21, FY 2021-22, and FY 2022-23) must be greater than or equivalent to INR 50 lakh.
- The organisation must be a recognized not-for-profit entity in India, such as a society, trust, Section 8 (formerly Section 25) business, or a registered institute under Section 35(1)(ii) of the Income-Tax Act, 1961. The organisation must be registered under Section 12AB of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
- The organization must hold an 80G certificate. If the 80G certificate is not relevant to an institute, the Central Government’s approval under Section 35(1)(ii) of the Income-Tax Act of 1961 would be considered.
- The organisation must hold a CSR-1 certificate.
- Depending on the type of funding/donations received, the organization should have registration documents, audited financials, tax certificates, bylaws, FCRA (if applicable), and/or comparable documentation. If shortlisted, organisations must be prepared to deliver the aforementioned documentation.
THT Actions Taken Grants
This grant is offered to both organizations and individuals.
Organisations –
On or before March 31, 2024, the organization must have completed two years of effective existence in India (as stated on the registration certificate).
The organization must also have at least two years of experience carrying out direct on-the-ground operations to conserve India’s natural habitats and threatened species.
The organisation must be a recognized not-for-profit entity in India, such as a society, trust, Section 8 (formerly Section 25) business, or a registered institute under Section 35(1)(Ii) of the Income-Tax Act, 1961.
The organisation must be registered under Section 12AB of the Income-Tax Act, 1961.
The organization must hold an 80G certificate. If an 80G certificate is not relevant to an institute, the Central Government’s approval under Section 35(1)(ii) of the Income-Tax Act of 1961 would be considered.
The organisation must hold a CSR-1 certificate.
Depending on the type of funding/donations received, the organization should have registration documents, audited financials, tax certificates, bylaws, FCRA (if applicable), and/or comparable documentation.
If shortlisted, organisations must be prepared to deliver the aforementioned documentation.
Everybody
- Applicants must be based in India for the duration of the project, preferably full-time and near the planned project site.
- This funding is intended to support grassroots conservationists who are not currently full-time employees of any recognized not-for-profit business in India, such as a society, trust, or Section 8 (formerly Section 25) firm.
- Applicants must be based in India for the duration of the project, preferably full-time and near the planned project site.
- This funding is intended to support grassroots conservationists who are not currently full-time employees of any recognized not-for-profit business in India, such as a society, trust, or Section 8 (formerly Section 25) firm.
- Applicants must not serve on the Board of Trustees or Management Committee of any registered not-for-profit entity in India, including a society, trust, or Section 8 (formerly Section 25) business.
- Individuals must have a valid bank account in India, proof of tax payment, and a valid PAN and Aadhaar card.
- Successful grant winners are unable to pursue full-time academic studies during the project duration.
Note: The Habitats Trust Grants Applications for the Conservation and Action Grants are now available. The deadline to apply is July 1, 2024. The THT Seed Grant is open on a rolling basis.
For further information, please click to apply.
