Community Conservation Grant
About this grant
Coastal ecosystems—including coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves—play a vital role in sustaining life both on land and in the sea. However, these ecosystems and the species they support are increasingly threatened by pollution, overfishing, climate change and other pressures, putting the well-being of communities that rely on the ocean for food, livelihoods and coastal protection at risk. To address these challenges, our Community Conservation Grant Programme supports conservation work that is led by or engages local communities to protect and restore these vital ecosystems, as well as the animals that depend on them. The grant programme was established by Rumah Foundation in 2023, with =DREAMS Asia joining as a co-funding partner in February 2025. Together, the two organisations are working to scale the programme’s impact and expand its reach across Southeast Asia. Rumah Foundation will administer this grant on behalf of both organisations.
Our funding approach
Approved grant partners typically receive up to USD20,000 for first-time grants. Our goal is to build long-term partnerships and increase funding amounts over time, while managing risks associated with new or less established organisations. By starting with small grants, we offer a practical and responsive entry point, minimising administrative burden while helping partners strengthen operations, demonstrate impact, and position themselves for larger opportunities. We view our grant partners as an extension of our own team, and seek to build genuine relationships that foster trust and enhance capacity together. Ultimately, we aim to grow towards multi-year flexible funding, recognising the importance of supporting operating costs for sustained impact.
Areas of grant support
Effective conservation requires dedicated people, yet career opportunities and funding in this field remain limited. This grant provides flexible support for ocean conservationists across Southeast Asia, covering salaries, stipends, overheads and project-specific costs. We also welcome requests for other forms of support that enable impactful conservation work. Given the interconnected nature of ecosystems, we fund efforts focused on habitats, species and key threats to ecosystems, with an emphasis on engaging local communities in protection and restoration.
Eligibility criteria
Grants are open to individuals, community groups and registered non-profit organisations engaged in conservation work that involves local communities in protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems. Applicants should demonstrate a clear pathway toward a conservation or policy goal. Priority will be given to initiatives that minimise harm to animals.
Contact details
If you have any questions about the grant and/or would like to submit a grant proposal, please contact Naomi Clark-Shen, Ocean Science Lead at naomi@rumahfoundation.org.