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Conservation International Foundation

Annual Giving
$62.5M
Grant Range
$100K - $0.6M

Conservation International Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $62,512,776 (2023)
  • Number of Grants: 468 awards (2023)
  • Grant Range: $100,000 - $620,000 (varies by program)
  • Geographic Focus: Global (36 biodiversity hotspots, with offices in 29 countries)
  • Total Annual Budget: Over $300 million

Contact Details

Headquarters:

  • Address: 2011 Crystal Drive, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22202
  • Phone: 703-341-2400 or toll-free 1-800-429-5660
  • Website: www.conservation.org
  • EIN: 52-1497470

Overview

Conservation International Foundation (CI) was established in 1987 with a mission to "spotlight and secure the critical benefits that nature provides to humanity." The organization pioneered the biodiversity hotspots approach in 1989, adopting it as a guiding principle for conservation investments. With an annual budget exceeding $300 million and offices in 29 countries, CI has committed to regranting one-third of the funds they raise to support other organizations' conservation efforts. In 2023, CI awarded $62.5 million in grants across 468 awards. The organization works through science-based partnerships and field demonstration to empower societies to protect nature sustainably. Under the leadership of Dr. M. Sanjayan (CEO 2017-2025, now succeeded by Interim CEO Dr. Daniela Raik), CI undertook two landmark capital campaigns totaling $2.7 billion and pioneered innovative conservation finance mechanisms. Dr. Sanjayan was named to the inaugural TIME100 Climate list in 2023, recognizing the 100 most innovative leaders driving business climate action.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. Regenerative Fund for Nature

  • Grant Range: $120,000 - $620,000 (USD) or €100,000 - €500,000 (EUR)
  • Duration: 3-5 years
  • Focus: Raw material supply chains (cotton, leather, cashmere, wool)
  • Application Method: Letter of Inquiry (LOI) followed by full application if invited
  • Geographic Eligibility: Argentina, Mexico, Peru, United States, Turkey, Uganda, India, Tanzania, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Greece, Morocco, South Africa, New Zealand, Uruguay, China (Inner Mongolia), and Mongolia

2. Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)

  • Focus: Civil society conservation in biodiversity hotspots
  • Partnership: Joint initiative with French Development Agency, European Union, Global Environment Facility, Government of Japan, MacArthur Foundation, and World Bank
  • Application Method: Applications submitted through regional implementation teams

3. Indigenous Leaders Conservation Fellowship

  • Type: Fellowship program (not traditional grants)
  • Tracks: Indigenous Women's Fellowship, Emerging Indigenous Leaders Fellowship, Southern Cone Fellowship
  • Focus Areas: Climate change impacts, ecosystem threats, biodiversity conservation
  • Application Method: Calls for proposals posted periodically with specific themes and eligibility criteria
  • Contact: lideresindigenas@conservation.org

4. Conservation Stewards Program

  • Application Method: Letters of intent (LOIs) made available through program website
  • Focus: Community-based conservation leadership

Note on CI Ventures (formerly Verde Ventures): This program provides loans and debt financing ($100,000 - $500,000) rather than grants, using a revolving fund model where repaid loans enable additional investments in nature-positive small and medium-sized enterprises.

Priority Areas

Conservation International focuses on:

  • Biodiversity Hotspots: Protection of 36 critical regions globally
  • Climate and Nature: Nature-based climate solutions, carbon sequestration
  • Regenerative Agriculture: Soil health, biodiversity enhancement, reduced agrochemicals
  • Indigenous and Community Leadership: Supporting local conservation leaders
  • Marine and Ocean Conservation: High seas protection, coastal ecosystems
  • Forest Conservation: Tropical forest protection and restoration
  • Sustainable Supply Chains: Working with the private sector on conservation-friendly production
  • Conservation Finance Innovation: Debt-for-nature swaps, endowments, innovative funding mechanisms

Core Regenerative Principles (for Regenerative Fund)

  • Increasing lands' capacity to sequester carbon, hold and filter water
  • Protecting, restoring and enhancing biodiversity on farms and surrounding lands
  • Supporting livelihoods of farmers and local communities
  • Reducing and eliminating synthetic agrochemicals
  • Enhancing welfare of farmed livestock and surrounding wildlife

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions were not documented in publicly available materials. Applicants should consult individual program guidelines for eligibility restrictions.

Governance and Leadership

Interim Leadership (as of 2025):

  • Interim CEO: Dr. Daniela Raik (former Executive Vice President and Chief Conservation Officer)
  • Interim Board Chair: Robert J. Fisher (Chair of Gap Inc.)

Previous CEO: Dr. M. Sanjayan (2017-2025) - Led historic expansion including $2.7 billion in capital campaigns and innovative conservation finance mechanisms. Named to TIME100 Climate Leaders list in 2023.

Board Members:

  • Wes Bush (Former Chairman and CEO, Northrop Grumman Corporation)
  • Kevin Vilkin (Co-founder, Emergent Strategic Partners) - Appointed April 2025
  • The board comprises 111 individuals, with significant representation from finance sector

Leadership Philosophy:

Dr. Sanjayan described his leadership approach: "I function as a leader more like a coach, perhaps a basketball coach, rather than as the star player. My job is to help make perfect plays possible through relentless teamwork, cooperation and practice."

Key Quote on Mission: "Conservation International's mission has never seemed more important: To protect nature so that people and the planet thrive together." - Dr. M. Sanjayan

"We cannot plant and restore our way out of the climate crisis, but we also cannot afford to ignore nature." - Dr. M. Sanjayan

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Regenerative Fund for Nature:

  1. Submit Letter of Inquiry (LOI) - Brief overview including organization details, partners, geography, production volumes, project rationale, approach, impact, and scale
  2. If invited, complete full application package containing:
    • Completed application form in Word (organization overview, proposed project, KPIs, workplan)
    • Budget projections in Excel
  3. Submit electronically through designated platform

Indigenous Leaders Conservation Fellowship:

  • Monitor CI's website for calls for proposals
  • Calls identify specific themes, eligibility criteria, and application instructions
  • Contact: lideresindigenas@conservation.org

Conservation Stewards Program:

  • Letters of Intent (LOIs) available through program website when calls are open

Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF):

  • Applications managed through regional implementation teams
  • Contact regional teams for specific hotspot areas

General Inquiries: For information about partnerships and program-specific applications, contact responsible officers listed on individual program pages.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines vary by program and were not consistently documented across CI's grant programs. Given the organization's scale and complexity, applicants should anticipate standard foundation timelines.

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. In 2023, CI made 468 grant awards from total giving of $62.5 million, suggesting selective but active grantmaking.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies were not documented in publicly available materials. Contact individual program officers for guidance on unsuccessful applications.

Application Success Factors

Based on Conservation International's documented priorities and leadership guidance:

1. Alignment with Biodiversity Hotspots and Strategic Focus CI's investments are guided by the biodiversity hotspots concept, targeting 36 critical regions. Proposals should demonstrate direct impact on these priority geographies or alignment with CI's strategic conservation areas.

2. Science-Based Approaches CI builds upon science, partnerships, and field demonstration. Successful proposals integrate rigorous scientific methodology with practical conservation application.

3. Community and Indigenous Leadership CI emphasizes empowering local communities and indigenous peoples. Dr. Sanjayan emphasized the need for "creativity, skills, decency, and commitment to healing our planet" from diverse partners. Projects that center local leadership and knowledge demonstrate strong alignment.

4. Innovation in Conservation Finance CI has pioneered innovative mechanisms including debt-for-nature swaps and endowments. Proposals that demonstrate financial sustainability or innovative funding approaches align with CI's strategic direction.

5. Nature-Based Climate Solutions As Dr. Sanjayan stated, "We cannot plant and restore our way out of the climate crisis, but we also cannot afford to ignore nature." Successful proposals integrate climate mitigation and adaptation with biodiversity conservation.

6. Partnership and Collaboration Approach CI functions through partnerships and has committed to regranting one-third of funds raised. Demonstrate how your project complements CI's existing work and builds collaborative relationships.

7. Measurable Impact and KPIs Applications require clear KPIs and workplans. Successful proposals articulate specific, measurable outcomes for biodiversity, climate, and community benefit.

8. Values-Based Alignment Dr. Sanjayan identified "having a clear sense of values" as the first essential trait for leadership at CI. Organizations should demonstrate alignment with CI's core values of protecting nature for human well-being.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Scale and Commitment: CI is a major funder with $62.5 million in annual grantmaking across 468 awards - they actively seek partnerships and have committed to regranting one-third of funds raised
  • Biodiversity Hotspots Focus: Proposals must align with CI's 36 priority biodiversity hotspots or strategic geographic focus areas
  • Two-Stage Process for Major Programs: The Regenerative Fund uses LOIs before full applications - invest time in a compelling initial inquiry
  • Science Meets Community: Successful proposals balance scientific rigor with community empowerment and indigenous leadership
  • Innovation Valued: CI pioneered conservation finance mechanisms - proposals demonstrating financial innovation or sustainability receive favorable consideration
  • Climate-Nature Integration: Connect biodiversity goals with climate solutions; CI recognizes nature's role in climate action while avoiding oversimplified approaches
  • Program Diversity: CI offers multiple pathways including grants (Regenerative Fund, CEPF, fellowships) and loans (CI Ventures) - ensure you're applying to the appropriate mechanism
  • Patient Capital Approach: The Regenerative Fund offers 3-5 year grants up to $620,000 for systemic change in supply chains - long-term transformation projects are welcomed

References

  1. Conservation International Foundation | Instrumentl 990 Report - 2023 grantmaking data
  2. Conservation International | Cause IQ Profile - Organizational overview and financial data
  3. How to Apply to the Regenerative Fund for Nature | Conservation International - Application process and requirements
  4. Regenerative Fund for Nature | Conservation International - Program details and principles
  5. Call for Applications: Regenerative Fund for Nature | fundsforNGOs - Grant amounts and eligibility
  6. Conservation International - Wikipedia - Organizational history and mission
  7. What Are Biodiversity Hotspots? | Conservation International - Strategic conservation approach
  8. An open letter from our CEO, Dr. M. Sanjayan | Conservation International - Leadership vision and quotes
  9. Conservation International Announces Leadership Transition | Conservation International - Current leadership information
  10. Believe in Your Vision: Interview with M. Sanjayan | Adam Mendler - Leadership philosophy
  11. Conservation International CEO Named TIME Climate Leader | Conservation International - Recognition and achievements
  12. Indigenous Leaders Conservation Fellowship | Conservation International - Fellowship program details
  13. Indigenous Leaders Conservation Fellowship | fundsforNGOs - Application process and themes
  14. Conservation International Ventures | Conservation International - CI Ventures loan program information
  15. What is the application process for Verde Ventures funding? | fundsforNGOs - Verde Ventures details
  16. Board of Directors | Conservation International - Governance information
  17. Kevin Vilkin Joins Conservation International Board | Globe Newswire - Board appointments
  18. A Paradigm Shift 2023 Annual Report | Conservation International - Annual report data

Information accessed December 2025

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