The Habitats Trust, a non-profit organisation tackling biodiversity loss, climate crisis and water scarcity, on Wednesday opened applications for the 9th edition of the strategic Habitats Trust Grants, totalling Rs 3.5 crore.

Applications for the Habitats Trust Grants are accepted from January 10 to February 10, 2026, with recipients announced in the first week of August 2026.

India hosts 7-8% of global biodiversity, but many species and ecosystems outside protected areas remain underfunded. The grants target holistic, innovative and replicable projects focused on lesser-known species and underrepresented habitats.

“India’s conservation challenges are complex and interconnected with climate and governance issues,” said Rushikesh Chavan, Director of The Habitats Trust. “The strategic Habitats Trust Grants aim to support models that address urgent needs while ensuring sustainability and replicability, especially for overlooked species.”

The grants are divided into three categories:

• THT Conservation Grants (Rs 1 crore each, over three years): Awarded to two organisations for comprehensive efforts on critical habitats.
• THT Research Grants (Rs 40 lakh each, over two years): Awarded to two organisations for interdisciplinary research informing on-ground action.
• THT Action Grants/Action Service Projects (Rs 25 lakh each, over two years): Awarded to three organisations or individuals for urgent interventions.

A 12-member expert panel will evaluate applications based on relevance, impact, stakeholder engagement, scalability and sustainability.

Since 2018, the programme has supported 38 projects across 21 states and union territories, disbursing over Rs 16.2 crore. In 2025, eight grantees received Rs 3.8 crore, including Grameen Sahara and Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology (Conservation Grants), Coastal Conservation Foundation and Wildlife Institute of India (Research Grants), and others for Action Grants.

Founded in 2018 by Roshni Nadar Malhotra and Shikhar Malhotra, The Habitats Trust operates in 32 states and union territories, partnering with over 120 entities across more than 600,000 hectares.

Application forms and details are available at the official website: www.thehabitatstrust.org or apply directly via registrations.thehabitatstrust.org.

For inquiries, contact: grants@thehabitatstrust.org