More than 46,000 species are known to be threatened with extinction, and with many species still unknown, this number could be as high as two million. With 57% of known threatened species requiring additional Urgent Management Actions (GBF Target 4) beyond protected areas and climate solutions, we have the opportunity to catalyze strategic actions for species.

The Reverse the Red Accelerator Award has been developed to mobilise innovation, refine recovery-focused strategy, increase collaboration, and support the acceleration of action foundational to recovering species and creating positive impact on wildlife and biodiversity. 

Who should apply

This competitive opportunity is best suited for organizations or that have submitted a Reverse the Red Species Pledge for an endangered, critically endangered, or extinct wild species: Animal, Fungi, or Plant. There will be awards dedicated to each species kingdom. The Accelerator Award is designed to provide an entire suite of support, financial, technical, strategic, storytelling, and exposure to at least six projects that demonstrate a 12-month plan to accelerate recovery-focused impact.

Reverse the Red will award grants of up to USD 15,000 to cover project-related costs, including travel, equipment, or temporary staffing to select recovery-focused projects.

The Reverse the Red Accelerator Award aims to support the implementation of projects that clearly explain how the project directly address threats to the recovery of the species identified. 

Examples of projects include but are not limited to: 

  • Wild populations are decreasing, and ex-situ propagation is recommended. The award could be used to start or expand a species propagation strategy. 

  • A species translocation may be necessary to start a new population in a recently protected area. The award could be used to hire an intern to assess the new habitat for suitability.

  • A potential new eDNA or audio monitoring tool could benefit the area and the species. The award can be used to contract and develop a tool to track species range and habitat. 

  • Human-wildlife conflict issues are the most significant threat to this species. The award can be used to introduce a new deterrent or launch a behavior change campaign.

  • The award could be used to create a behavior change campaign initiative designed to reduce illegal trade. 

Benefits

  • Receive up to $15,000 USD to implement the project within 1 year of receipt of funding.

  • Grant recipients will be eligible for future learning, capacity building, and networking opportunities

  • Grant recipients will receive strategic, collaboration, amplification/storytelling, and technical support from the Reverse the Red network and IUCN Species Survival Commission members.

  • Recipients’ work will be showcased internationally on Reverse the Red Day and in other forums.

Applications

To be eligible, all candidates must submit a pre-application by the deadline of April 25, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EDT. Applicants whose pre-applications are successful will be invited to submit a full application. All candidates will receive a decision on their pre-application by end of May, 2025.

You may submit only one proposal per species that you've pledged. If you have pledged 5 species, you may submit a separate proposal for each species. We only accept applications that are submitted through our submission form. Please do not mail or email your application.

If you have questions, please attend one of our Information Sessions:

For additional planning and strategic support, we also hosted a session prepared by the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group:

  • Planning for Species Recovery | April 9, 2025 | Recording

If you have questions not answered here or on the applications page, please email us at megan.joyce@reversethered.org with “Reverse the Red Accelerator Award” in the subject line.

For more information on eligibility and criteria, and to submit your application: