ICFC strives to achieve lasting conservation gains, with good value in relation to cost and risk.

We specialize in direct conservation action, rather than research or sustainable development projects. Science is vital for conservation, yet in many cases, conservation action lags behind the science needed to undertake it.

By "direct conservation action" we mean measures that reduce threats to species or ecosystems. We do also support some in-country science capacity building, as this yields a longer term conservation benefit.

We work with local partner NGOs, who carry out project activities through an independent contractor agreement. (Canadian charity regulations prevent us from making grants or donations to foreign organizations.) 

Our Project Selection Criteria

Conservation projects or actions must:

• have biodiversity conservation as a primary goal
• provide lasting conservation gains that are ecologically sustainable
• represent good value in relation to cost and risk
• take human interests into consideration, especially those of local communities, and involve and engage local communities
• not have scientific or other research as a primary purpose
• not be sustainable development projects with conservation as a secondary component.

Conservation projects or actions may:

• involve terrestrial, wetland, freshwater or marine habitats
• include an educational component if that is expected to yield conservation benefits
• involve purchase of land as a nature reserve, provided that (i) legal protections are in place and (ii) there is existing or prospective connectivity over a large enough area to provide for ecological sustainability
• entail providing long-term finance through a conservation trust fund
• involve urgent funding or bridge financing.

For Prospective Partners

We suggest that before sending us a detailed proposal, you could send us enquiry with a brief description of the work, why it’s important, total budget and timeframe.

Note that ICFC has a small and busy staff and limited unallocated funds.  So while we are interested to learn about conservation opportunities around the globe and welcome inquiries, we can’t always respond immediately.  We do try to respond to all inquiries but if you have not heard from us in a month, it is unlikely we will be able to fund your project.

You may send your enquiry to projects@ICFCanada.org.

Key information we like to have in a project proposal:

• the problem being addressed and its biodiversity significance
• the proposed solution and goal
• the precise location and description of the project area
• specific project objectives
• planned project actions and timeframe
• expected outcomes (including environmental and social co-benefits) and risks
• an indication of what further actions, if any, will be needed after completion of the project
• budget, and information on any co-finance
• the party carrying out the work and their relevant experience (who can vouch for your work and/or capabilities?)
• any further info useful for evaluation, (e.g. has something like this been done successfully before? does the project entail an important innovation that will be tested out?  Are local communities in favour? Are they involved? Might the project spur similar action beyond the project area?)