The Van Tienhoven Foundation makes small grants available for the protection of threatened species and key ecosystems across the globe
Applications open January 1, 2026.
For the 2025 application round, only countries on the DAC list from Asia and Latin America were eligible. Additional requirements regarding region/purpose may be decided for the next round. These will be announced by November 1 at the latest.
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We counter human-induced causes of threats to species and ecosystems. By supporting practical and hands-on solutions with maximum protection impact. Owned or widely supported by local stakeholders to generate sustainable change.
We consider protecting species essential for safeguarding our living environment.
Species protection
Animal and plant species are a key part of our planet’s biodiversity. Some species are “flagship species”. Other species can profit from their protection. Species can play a crucial role in the balance of a natural system: if these species disappear, that system may collapse.
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We regard ecosystems as crucial in enabling life on earth to thrive.
Ecosystem protection
Key ecosystems, such as forests, coral reefs or wetlands, provide the living conditions for groups of species. These systems are under pressure, threatened and may require protection to prevent them from disappearing or deteriorating in a for living organisms less functional state.
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We view direct community-led action vital for sustainable change.
Community managed nature protection
Involving communities in conserving biodiversity is essential if we want to succeed in safeguarding our environment. Only when communities see the benefit of stable species populations and ecosystems, we may achieve a world where humans live in harmony with nature, without threatening species, ecosystems, or local livelihoods.
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The Cave Squeaker (Arthroleptis troglodytes) is a critically endangered frog species endemic to the western slopes of the Chimanimani Mountains, at elevations around 1,500 meters. This region forms part of the Eastern Afromontane biodiversity hotspot and is the only known habitat for the species. First discovered in 1961, the initial specimens were deposited in […]
In efforts to protect Tanzania’s vibrant coral reef ecosystems, Aqua-Farms Organization is spearheading a community based project within the Pepokibukwa Collaborative Fisheries Management Area (CFMA) which seeks to halt the destructive impact of illegal fishing and overfishing that threaten this vital ecosystem. The project focuses on the villages of Buyuni, KwaMoris, Puna, and PembaMnazi, where […]
The Utcubamba Valley in northern Peru is a threatened biodiversity hotspot and the only known home of the Marvelous Spatuletail hummingbird, alongside numerous other endemic species. Despite its ecological importance, much of the original forest has been lost, and natural regeneration is hampered by recurring wildfires. Conservation in the region faces significant challenges, including low […]
The Rights of Table Mountain / Hoerikwaggo is an initiative that seeks to secure legal recognition for the rights of Table Mountain as a living ecological entity. By reimagining the relationship between people and nature, the project aims to catalyse a paradigm shift in environmental conservation across Africa. Central to this vision is a campaign […]
The Critically Endangered Ridgway’s Hawk (Buteo ridgwayi) is endemic to the island of Hispaniola. For over three decades, there were no confirmed reports of the species in Haiti, suggesting it had been extirpated from the country—until its rediscovery on August 19, 2019, on Petites Cayemites Island. Since then, researchers from Action pour la Sauvegarde […]
Snake Patrol Suriname (SPS) is dedicated to the conservation of snakes in Suriname, a region within the Guiana Shield that is home to over 100 different snake species. These include iconic species such as the Emerald Tree Boa, the Green Anaconda, and venomous snakes like the Bushmaster and the Fer-de-Lance—the latter frequently coming into conflict […]
Mitigating Bycatch Of Endangered Shark And Ray Species Through Electronic Monitoring Cameras In Sarawak Malaysia. The Marine Research Foundation (MRF) is a non-profit research and conservation agency based in Sabah, Malaysia. The Foundation aims to advance the understanding of marine ecosystems and their diverse flora and fauna, across Malaysia, and extends its efforts to Southeast […]
BIOCOOP
“We wish to tell you that you were very helpful in supporting BIOCOOP to get grants from your good Foundation and without your support a number of indigenous tree species and animals in Nyungwe National Park could not be healthy! But now more than 35 hectares were restored and biodiversity conservation was taught to many folks in Rwanda.”
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