Call for SMM Conservation Grant Proposals

The 2026 call for proposals is now open! To submit an proposal, click HERE to access the Member’s Room. If you’re not already signed in, you’ll be prompted to log in. Once inside, select “Sign in to the page for SMM nominations and scholarships/grants applications” to begin.

 

1. Introduction

The Society for Marine Mammalogy (SMM) invites proposals for the 2026 Conservation Fund Grant Program. This biennial opportunity supports impactful research and education initiatives aimed at catalyzing real conservation action for the world’s most endangered marine mammals.

The call for proposals opens on July 1, 2026, with submissions due by July 31, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

2. About the Conservation Fund

Established in 2017, the SMM Conservation Fund supports projects that advance the protection of endangered marine mammal species and populations. Funded projects are selected through a competitive review process led by the SMM Conservation Committee and Committee of Scientific Advisors, with final approval by the SMM Board of Governors.

Awards are announced at the subsequent SMM Biennial Conference, SMM2026, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

3. Funding Overview

  • Maximum award: $25,000 USD
  • Project duration: Up to 2 years
  • Funding structure:
    • 50% initial payment
    • 40% upon approved progress report
    • 10% upon approved final report

Recipients presenting SMM-funded research at a Biennial Conference are eligible for an additional $500 travel award.

4. Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be current members of the Society for Marine Mammalogy
  • Not serve as elected SMM Board members or Committee Chairs

Awardees must maintain active membership throughout the grant period.

5. Scope of Work

Proposals must:

  • Focus on Threatened species, subspecies, or populations based on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
  • Demonstrate clear potential to drive tangible conservation outcomes
  • Include community outreach and training, if the project is conducted outside the applicant’s home country

6. Proposal Requirements

Applications must include:

  • Completed online application form
  • Detailed project description (per template word limits)
  • Budget with full justification (overhead capped at 10%)
  • 1–2 page CV or résumé
  • Two letters of recommendation (one from an SMM member)

Additional requirements:

  • Salary costs must not exceed 50% of the total budget
  • Mentorship is encouraged for early-career applicants (mentors are unpaid)

7. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be assessed based on:

  • Significance – the importance of the project in catalyzing real conservation action to protect the world’s most endangered marine mammals;
  • Approach – the appropriateness of the methods to acquire the information and the techniques to analyze the collected data;
  • Probability – the likelihood of this project meeting its objectives; and
  • Qualification – the ability of the applicant to conduct the project.

8. Timeline

  • Call for Proposals Opens: July 1, 2026
  • Submission Deadline: July 31, 2026 (11:59 PM, Eastern Time)
  • Review Period: August 1 – September 30, 2026
  • Award Announcement: At the next SMM Biennial Conference, SMM2026, in San Juan, Puerto Rico

9. Reporting Requirements

Awardees must submit:

  • A 600-word project summary report within one year
  • A detailed financial report

The project summary report will be published on the SMM website.

10. Submission Instructions

Applications must be submitted via the official online form (available to current SMM members only). All materials must be uploaded by the deadline – July 31, 2026.

To submit an proposal, click HERE to access the Member’s Room. If you’re not already signed in, you’ll be prompted to log in. Once inside, select “Sign in to the page for SMM nominations and scholarships/grants applications” to begin.

PLEASE NOTE: You must be signed in to your SMM member profile to view and submit an application through the new online system. Not a member yet? Click HERE to learn more about joining the Society.

11. Terms and Conditions

  • Awards are competitive and not guaranteed
  • Budget adjustments may be requested for highly ranked proposals
  • Previous recipients may reapply, though priority is given to new applicants

12. Contact Information

The SMM Conservation Fund development, review and distribution process is overseen by the SMM Board and led by the Conservation Committee Chair, the Scientific Committee Chair and the Conservation Fund Coordinator. 

For questions regarding the Conservation Fund or application process, please contact Frances Gulland: conservationfund@marinemammalscience.org