Conservation Challenge 0 - Groundwork For Collaboration Fund 2026

Purpose: Supports critical early engagement work between Wise Ancestors and potential community partners, particularly Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), during the initial exploration phase before full Conservation Challenge development.

Focus Areas:

• Community conservation priorities identification
• Species selection for Conservation Challenges
• Project scope and nature definition
• Free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) processes
• Governance of genomic data, samples, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)

Geographic Scope: Global

Eligibility:

• Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities interested in Wise Ancestors' model
• Communities exploring co-creation of Conservation Challenges with Wise Ancestors

What They Fund:

• Compensation for community partners' time and expertise during initial engagement
• Community expenses during discussion and planning phases
• Dialogue on conservation priorities and project alignment

Background: Recognizes that traditional funding models place unreasonable burden on community partners by requiring them to bear costs of initial engagement and typically only fund fully developed projects, favoring well-resourced institutions and creating imbalances that can lead to extractive practices.

How to Apply

1. Express Interest: Fill out brief form on website or email info@wiseancestors.org
2. Consultation: Wise Ancestors team will contact you to discuss your community's interests and needs
3. Donation-Based: Fund is supported through contributions/donations to Wise Ancestors

Required Information:

• Community background and conservation priorities
• Species of focus (if known)
• Project scope and proposed work

Contact: info@wiseancestors.org