Publishing Support Grant

About this grant programme

Across Southeast Asia, many independent researchers, conservationists, and practitioners are generating valuable knowledge about marine and coastal ecosystems. Yet much of this work never reaches the global scientific literature—not because of quality, but because of cost. Publishing fees, known as article processing charges (APCs), can range from US$1,500 to over $5,000 per paper, which is often prohibitive for those working outside major institutions.

To help close this gap, the Publishing Support Grant Programme enables independent researchers and small organisations to share their work with the wider scientific community. By supporting publication costs, the programme aims to increase the visibility of local research and ensure that knowledge generated in the region can inform conservation policy, practice, and funding. By reducing financial barriers to publishing, this grant seeks to amplify underrepresented voices, strengthen local scientific leadership, and ensure that Southeast Asian perspectives and data are reflected in global conservation discourse.

Areas of grant support

Our grant provides targeted support to independent researchers, community groups, and registered local NGOs across Southeast Asia. Grants may cover:

  • Article Processing Charges (APCs) – fees required for publishing in open-access or hybrid academic journals.

  • Manuscript Preparation Costs – essential editing, translation, or formatting services to meet journal requirements.

  • Open-Access Fees – costs to make published research publicly accessible, increasing its visibility and reach.

This programme is not intended to cover fieldwork or research costs (please see our Community Conservation Grant Programme for support with those activities).

Grant size and duration

  • Grant amount: Approved applicants may receive up to USD 3,000 per paper.

  • Timing: Grants may cover pre-acceptance preparation costs as well as post-acceptance publication fees. Disbursement will be timed according to the specific cost — for example, manuscript preparation support may be provided upon submission, while Article Processing Charges (APCs) will be released once the paper is accepted and invoiced by the journal.

Our funding approach

We provide small, flexible grants that directly remove the financial barrier to publishing for independent or locally-based researchers. By supporting publication costs, we aim to strengthen local voices, promote equitable access to knowledge-sharing, and build the credibility of emerging conservation professionals. Funding is prioritised for individuals and small NGOs that lack institutional backing or access to existing publication funds. By supporting their work, we help ensure that vital local data and insights contribute to global understanding and decision-making around marine conservation.

Eligibility

Grants are open to independent researchers, unaffiliated practitioners, and staff of registered local NGOs. Applicants must:

  • Have a completed or near-final manuscript that is ready for submission or has been submitted/accepted by a recognised journal.

  • Be based in or conducting research that contributes to marine conservation outcomes in the Southeast Asia.

  • Articles must be published as open access, meaning the full text is freely available to read without a subscription (including open access articles in hybrid journals).

  • Journals should be recognised for their quality and not listed or flagged as predatory (i.e. journals that prioritise profit over publication standards).

Contact details

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