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"Aspire Grant Program" is currently closed and not accepting applications.
Aspire Grant Program is sponsored by Congo Basin Wetlands Conservation Initiative (CARN). The Aspire Grant Program provides funding to support early-career African researchers working on biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability in the Congo Basin, which includes the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Aspire Grant Program – CARN The Aspire Grant Program application period is now closed . Check back in May 2027 . La période de candidature pour le programme de bourses Aspire est maintenant terminée.
Revenez en Mai 2027. The Aspire Grant Program provides competitive research grants of up to $5,000 USD for African graduate students and early career professionals working in the areas of biodiversity, conservation and environmental sustainability in the Congo Basin region.
Be a resident of one of the following countries: Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Rwanda Uganda and São Tomé and Príncipe Be a graduate student or early career professional To help applicants submit more competitive applications, CARN partnered with the Congo Basin Institute to develop this video series on how to write grants .
The Congo Basin rainforests comprise one of the most important centers of biodiversity in the world and harbor an estimated 20% of all known species of plants and animals. While efforts are underway to implement conservation projects, habitat conversion, mineral extraction, forest degradation and deforestation continue at accelerating rates.
Exacerbating these threats, the African continent, and the Congo Basin in particular, is predicted as one of the regions to be most severely affected by climate change. Recent projections suggest rainfall patterns will change dramatically and 50% of African mammals are at risk of extinction if the rise in mean global temperature exceeds 3°C, an increase predicted to occur by the end of the century (IPCC 2014).
Furthermore, impacts from severe water and food scarcity, environmental deterioration, agricultural pests, emerging human diseases, and climate change impede the development of constructive and sustainable conservation solutions. Central Africa desperately needs a new generation of environmental and conservation experts to meet these challenges. Why the Aspire Grant Program?
CARN established the Aspire Grant Program in 2014 to support and encourage young African scientists to conduct novel conservation research and management activities that address the critical challenges facing wildlife, biodiversity and ecosystem health in the Congo Basin.
Critically, these small grants can build the foundation for young African researchers to become independent, providing “bridge funding” that allows them to compete in larger international arenas. Most importantly, small research grants will encourage and provide a means for young Africans to remain engaged in their research and stay in their native countries to practice their trades.
Be a resident of one of the following countries: Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Rwanda Uganda and São Tomé and Príncipe Be a graduate student or early career professional The ASPIRE Grant Program is sponsored by several foundations, including the JRS Biodiversity Foundation and other private foundations committed to conservation and research.
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Applicants must be residents of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Rwanda, Uganda, or São Tomé and Príncipe. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows up to $5,000 USD. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
The published deadline was July 6, 2026, which has passed. Check the official notice for any future application windows before investing time in a proposal.
Aspire Grant Program is funded by Congo Basin Wetlands Conservation Initiative (CARN). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
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