Galápagos Conservancy

Galápagos Conservancy Launches Seventh Round of Community Grants

Galápagos Conservancy Launches Seventh Round of Community Grants
Women entrepreneurs from Isabela share experiences with Amy Doherty, Vice President of Operations at Galápagos Conservancy, during a follow-up visit to women-led initiatives. ©Galápagos Conservancy

In Galápagos, great ideas are born every day, often from the people who know these islands better than anyone, those who call them home. That is why Galápagos Conservancy is proud to open its seventh call for community grants, reaffirming our commitment to the people and biodiversity that make this place so unique. 

Galápagos Conservancy Launches Seventh Round of Community Grants
Patricio Benavídez leads a workshop where young people with special abilities create souvenirs from recycled materials, promoting inclusion, creativity, and environmental awareness. ©Galápagos Conservancy

Galápagos faces urgent and complex conservation challenges that threaten its remarkable biodiversity. For over four decades, we have invested more than 50 million dollars addressing them to protect these extraordinary islands, working alongside research institutions and government agencies to address these threats effectively. Building on that solid foundation, we saw the opportunity to broaden our impact by directly empowering local communities. Since 2021, our grants program has focused on community-led conservation, investing around 5 million dollars in 198 local projects.

This program ensures that even those without formal institutional backing can access the resources they need to turn their ideas into action. Today, residents, entrepreneurs, teachers, and researchers see this program as a real path to supporting the sustainability of the islands.

One of these initiatives comes from Mayra Hernández, an entrepreneur from Santa Cruz Island and a recipient of the WISE program Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship. She has turned the collection of microplastics into a tool for social and environmental transformation.

"I saw an opportunity where others only saw trash. Galápagos Conservancy helped me turn that idea into a business that raises awareness and generates income. Now, every souvenir I create shares a story of conservation, and that gives my work real purpose." –Mayra Hernández, WISE Grant Recipient

Stories like Mayra’s confirm our deeply believe that local leadership is essential for conservation. By making funding accessible, we help residents create solutions for challenges like regenerative agriculture, waste management, environmental education, and sustainable business development. This approach creates opportunities, promotes equity, and strengthens the resilience of Galápagos communities.

What Kind of Support Are We Offering in This Call?

  1. WISE Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship, supported in part by private-sector partners like Goldman Sachs, offers 500 to 5000 dollars up to 10000 in exceptional cases to help women start and grow sustainable businesses.
  2. Small Grants for Conservation Actions, offering 500 to 10000 dollars to residents and local organizations for sustainability and conservation projects.
Galápagos Conservancy Launches Seventh Round of Community Grants
Luis Sánchez studies the diversity of fungi across various altitudes in Galápagos National Park. His research sheds light on lesser-known ecosystems in Santa Cruz. ©Galápagos Conservancy

A Track Record of Impact Across the Archipelago

Since 2021, a new generation of local leaders has found momentum through Galápagos Conservancy grants, sparking a wave of local innovation and conservation commitment.

Galápagos Conservancy Launches Seventh Round of Community Grants
Emilia Bravo grows hydroponic vegetables in Santa Cruz, opening new opportunities for local food security with the support of a conservation grant. ©Galápagos Conservancy

Women-led projects have taught children to turn plastic waste into art and toys, reforested school grounds with native species, and strengthened environmental education, all while advancing women’s economic mobility and leadership in their communities.

At the same time, our conservation grants have helped protect some of the islands most iconic and threatened wildlife. Local researchers and organizations have received vital resources to study and safeguard whale sharks, penguins, and blue-footed boobies, while also carrying out critical efforts to save highly endangered species like the mangrove finch and vermilion flycatcher from extinction.

By supporting projects on individual islands and archipelago-wide initiatives alike, we are delivering tangible, lasting benefits for both nature and local communities, building a future where conservation and sustainable development go hand in hand.

"Seeing the incredible work of local women in Galápagos, supported through our WISE grants, is truly inspiring. It is a powerful reminder of the essential role women play in driving conservation and building a sustainable future for these islands." – Estefanía Játiva, Grants Manager at Galápagos Conservancy

Share the Word!

We warmly invite residents, researchers, organizations, and entrepreneurs to apply for this new round of funding. Applications are open until July 4th. If you know someone with a great idea for conservation or sustainability in Galápagos, please help us share this opportunity.

Together, we are building a future where every resident of the Galápagos Islands has the chance to lead in protecting and caring for this extraordinary place.

If you would like to help us keep expanding our impact and supporting local conservation leaders, please consider supporting Galápagos Conservancy today. Your partnership is essential to protecting Galápagos for generations to come.

Galápagos Conservancy Launches Seventh Round of Community Grants
With artistic vision and a strong environmental message, Vanesa Enrique transforms discarded materials into striking works of art, turning waste into beauty. ©Galápagos Conservancy

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