Community Conservation Grants

About this grant programme

Few regions rely on coastal ecosystems as heavily as Southeast Asia. From coral reefs to mangroves, these habitats sustain millions of people while supporting some of the planet’s richest biodiversity. Yet they are increasingly at risk from climate change, overfishing, and pollution—making community-driven conservation more urgent than ever. To help address these challenges, the Community Conservation Grant Programme supports conservation work that is led by or engages local communities to protect and restore these vital ecosystems, as well as the animals that depend on them. By prioritising grassroots leadership, the programme aims to safeguard biodiversity, as well as strengthen domestic conservation capacity and build long-term resilience. The grant programme was established by Rumah Foundation in 2023, with The Moh Family Foundation joining as a co-funding partner in February 2025. Together, the two organisations are working to scale the programme’s impact and expand its reach across Southeast Asia. Rumah Foundation will administer this grant on behalf of both organisations. 

Areas of grant support

Our grant provides flexible support to individuals, community groups and registered local NGOs across Southeast Asia.

Grants may cover:

  • People & Operations – salaries, stipends, and essential overheads that allow conservationists and organisations to focus on their work.

  • Conservation Activities – project-specific costs that protect and restore coastal ecosystems (coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves) and the species that depend on them.

  • Capacity Strengthening – training, tools, or other forms of support that build long-term effectiveness and resilience.

Given the interconnected nature of ecosystems, we support efforts addressing habitats, species, and key threats, always with an emphasis on engaging local communities in protection and restoration.

Grant size and duration

  • First-time grants: Approved partners typically receive up to USD 20,000. These grants do not need to be annual; the duration can vary depending on the needs of the partner and project.

  • Renewals: Strong-performing partners will be considered for larger follow-on grants as their capacity and impact grow.

  • Multi-year funding: Over time, we aim to provide multi-year, flexible support to trusted partners, recognising that sustained impact requires consistent investment.

Our funding approach

We provide foundational support at the earliest stages, funding unregistered groups, small NGOs, and individuals with flexible small grants. By assuming higher risk at the grassroots level, we enable promising actors to demonstrate impact, establish credibility, and position themselves for sustained investment. Our goal is to build long-term partnerships, while carefully managing risks associated with new or less established individuals and organisations. By starting with smaller grants, we provide a practical and responsive entry point that helps partners strengthen operations, engage local communities, demonstrate impact, and position themselves for larger opportunities. We view our grant partners as an extension of our own team, and seek to build genuine relationships that foster trust and enhance capacity.

Eligibility

Grants are open to individuals, informal community groups, and registered non-profit organisations. Applicants should demonstrate a clear pathway toward a conservation or policy goal. Priority will be given to local organisations and initiatives that minimise harm to animals.

Contact details

If you have any questions about the grant or would like to submit a grant proposal, please email us at communitygrants@rumahfoundation.org.