© Courtney Hunter, Disney's Animal Kingdom
AZA Conservation Endowment Fund
The AZA Conservation Endowment Fund (CEF) is now accepting applications for the 2013 grant cycle. Due on March 15, 2013, application materials are now available for download.
Established in 1984, CEF supports the cooperative conservation-related scientific and educational initiatives of AZA and AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums and their collaborators.
Since 1991, the CEF has provided more than $5.7 million to over 320 projects worldwide. Since 1999, the Walt Disney World Company and the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund have provided significant financial support to the CEF, nearly doubling the number of proposals funded annually. Browse the names of all previously funded projects.
CEF grants are awarded in six categories:
- Animal Health
- Animal Welfare
- Conservation Education
- Field Conservation and/or Reintroduction
- Management and/or Breeding
- Research
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums of all sizes have received CEF grants. Many grants have been awarded to collaborations among AZA-accredited institutions; state, federal and international wildlife agencies; academia; and major conservation NGOs.
Annual disbursement amounts are determined by the AZA Board. Selections are made on the basis of a competitive review and approximately one-quarter of the proposals received every year are funded. The average project award is $17,183.
Support for Applicants
In addition to the application materials, AZA provides support and assistance to applicants, including examples of successful proposals, answers to Frequently Asked Questions, and tips for writing successful proposals. Read more about Information for CEF Applicants.