Fondation Segre - Conservation Action Fund

Enriched Private · Found: 2026-03-10 14:35

Swiss foundation with direct marine conservation impact through Conservation Action Fund (2021-2026). Grants EUR 7,000-50,000 for projects up to 12 months. Pledged USD 60.8 million for Mediterranean Sea protection. Supports threatened species and habitats through direct projects and partner organizations.

Source: https://fondationsegre.org

Funding Details

Funder

Fondation Segré

Funding Goal

Active conservation of threatened species and their habitats, restoration of degraded ecosystems, and biodiversity protection globally. Supports long-term viability of wild populations, habitat maintenance and restoration, captive breeding and reintroduction, sustainable natural resource use, and biodiversity legislation implementation.

Funding Amount

EUR 7,000–50,000 per project for projects up to 12 months (Conservation Action Fund; currently paused) (7.000 € – 50.000 €)

Deadline

Unknown — currently not accepting unsolicited proposals until further notice (Unknown)

How to Apply

Currently NOT accepting unsolicited concept notes or proposals until further notice. Normal process: (1) Submit preliminary concept of max 2,000 words (objectives, activities, rough budget, timeframe); (2) If approved, submit full proposal using Foundation templates; (3) External review by 2+ independent experts; (4) Board approval and contract. Total process normally takes up to two months. Contact: applications@fondationsegre.org

Target Region

Global — projects in Africa, Americas & Caribbean, Asia & Australasia, Europe & Middle East

Contact

applications@fondationsegre.org | +41 22 716 09 35 | Geneva, Switzerland

Last Checked

2026-03-15 14:12

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Individuals supported by an organisation preferred over solo applicants

Project Scope

• Project must focus on active conservation of threatened species or habitats (not pure research or education standalone)
• Awareness-raising and alternative livelihoods activities only accepted as part of a broader conservation project

Required Documents

• Submit preliminary concept of max 2,000 words including objectives, activities, rough budget and timeframe
• Full proposal must use Foundation templates (project description, budget, logical framework)
• External review by at least 2 independent experts required before Board approval

Constraints

• Currently NOT accepting unsolicited proposals — check website for reopening
• PhD projects and standalone research projects are not eligible

Summary

Fondation Segré is a Swiss private foundation established in 1996, initially based in Geneva, with a mission to protect biodiversity through active conservation of threatened species and habitat restoration. After broadening its scope early on, it narrowed its focus to species and habitat conservation to maximise tangible impact. The foundation's strategic priorities include supporting wild population viability, habitat maintenance and restoration, captive breeding and reintroduction programmes, sustainable use of natural resources (forests, water, rangelands), improving biodiversity legislation, training of conservation technical staff, and combating illegal wildlife trade. The foundation either directly implements conservation projects or provides financial support to partner organisations, typically in multi-year arrangements. The Conservation Action Fund previously offered grants of EUR 7,000–50,000 for projects up to 12 months, with a global geographic scope covering Africa, the Americas, Asia & Australasia, and Europe & Middle East. The foundation also contributes to the Mediterranean Sea protection through pledges alongside other funders. Eligible applicants are conservation organisations; individuals may also apply, though those affiliated with an organisation are preferred. Pure research and PhD projects are not funded. Awareness-raising and education activities are only eligible as components of a broader conservation project. As of the latest update, Fondation Segré is NOT currently accepting unsolicited concept notes or proposals until further notice. When open, applications follow a two-phase process: preliminary concept (max 2,000 words) followed by a full proposal with independent expert review and Board approval. The process typically takes up to two months. The foundation has supported over 250 projects worldwide. It maintains partnerships including the Whitley-Segré Conservation Fund and has pledged to Mediterranean Sea protection programmes.

Historical Context

Founded in 1996 in Switzerland; originally broad scope (humanitarian, scientific, artistic), narrowed focus to biodiversity conservation after ~10 years. Has supported over 250 projects worldwide. Conservation Action Fund 2021-2026 (previously active). Part of group of funders that pledged USD 60.8 million for Mediterranean Sea protection in April 2024. Partnered with Whitley Award (Whitley-Segré Conservation Fund).

Why it was added

Swiss foundation with major direct marine conservation funding including USD 60.8M Mediterranean pledge and Conservation Action Fund grants

Sources

• https://fondationsegre.org
• https://www.fondationsegre.org/how-to-apply/
• https://www.fondationsegre.org/about-fondation-segre/

Similar Programs

← Back to list