The Habitat Foundation (THF) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Grant Cycle, offering a vital opportunity for individuals and organisations working to advance biodiversity conservation and sustainability in Malaysia. Running from 15 July to 15 September 2025, the THF Grants are designed to support meaningful work under five key pillars: Conservation, Research, Education, Sustainability, and Training.
These grants serve to strengthen species protection, improve the management of protected areas, and build capacity in environmental education and sustainable development. The programme is open to environmental practitioners, students, researchers, academicians, trainers, and local community members aiming to contribute to impactful change in Malaysia’s natural heritage landscape.
Grant Scope and Focus
The Habitat Foundation’s support is rooted in the belief that change comes through multidisciplinary, collaborative, and community-based efforts. Projects may range from on-ground conservation work to innovative educational programming or training models that advance sustainable practices.
To qualify, projects must be:
- Carried out within Malaysia
- Designed to lead to practical applications in conservation or community benefit
- Clearly aligned with one or more of the Foundation’s five thematic pillars
- Innovative and collaborative, with the potential for strategic, long-term impact
While the programme welcomes a variety of proposals, special consideration will be given to initiatives based in or around the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, a priority area for THF.
Funding and Support
Each successful applicant may receive up to RM50,000 in funding. This allocation aims to facilitate targeted activities that can be scaled or replicated, helping drive broader environmental change. In addition to financial support, grant recipients benefit from inclusion in a growing network of conservation and sustainability practitioners across Malaysia.
Eligibility and Exclusions
Applicants must ensure that their proposals are not purely academic or theoretical in nature. THF is looking for projects with real-world relevance, particularly those that are community-driven or have clear conservation outcomes. Proposals lacking a clear pathway to tangible impact will not be considered.
Applications may be submitted in either English or Bahasa Malaysia, and both individuals and organisations are welcome to apply.
Application Process
The application consists of a four-part Concept Proposal, which must be completed and submitted via the official THF Grants Application Platform no later than 11:59 PM (MYT) on 15 September 2025.
Key details include:
- All mandatory fields (marked *) must be filled
- Attachments, such as profile and site photos, maps, or documents, must be labelled correctly and uploaded directly via the platform
- Files exceeding 5MB may be uploaded via WeTransfer, Dropbox, or Google Drive, and linked in the designated field in Section 4
- Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered
To support applicants, the Foundation has published a comprehensive Guidebook, available at:
habitatfoundation.org.my/grants/apply
The guide includes examples and tips on:
- Aligning with THF’s five pillars
- Effective community engagement
- Developing a Theory of Change
- Best practices in communication and documentation
Evaluation and Notification
Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal or attend an interview. The Habitat Foundation team encourages applicants to contact them early in the process for assistance.
The Habitat Foundation remains committed to investing in Malaysia’s environmental future through practical, inclusive, and strategic funding. This grant cycle is a valuable opportunity for those working to protect biodiversity, foster sustainable communities, and inspire change through education and innovation.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the funding organization. For any inquiries, please contact The Habitat Foundation directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
