Ejido Grant Program

The Biophilia Foundation's Ejido Grant Program offers funding between $5,000 and $10,000 for projects aimed at enhancing the financial and ecological sustainability of ejidos in northern Mexico's drylands. Emphasizing a 'people and nature' approach, the program seeks innovative proposals that improve the quality of life for ejido residents while promoting wildlife conservation. Eligible projects include grazing management changes, training workshops, and participatory governance models, fostering collaboration among local communities.

Our Mission & Approach
The Biophilia Foundation is dedicated to advancing biodiversity conservation on private lands by fostering systemic change through people, their communities, and direct action. We approach our mission by offering grants to nonprofit organizations, administering in-house programs, and serving as a strategic partner and fiscal sponsor for organizations with which we collaborate.
Sustainability on Ejidos in Northern Mexico
The Biophilia Foundation is seeking proposals for small projects to improve the financial and ecological sustainability of ejidos in the drylands of northern Mexico. Grants of USD $5,000-10,000 are available for projects that increase the financial viability of sustainable land management, thus improving quality of life for ejido residents and improving the health of the ecosystem. All qualified projects must adopt a “people and nature” approach to simultaneously improve conditions for people and wildlife.
Examples include:
Changes to grazing management practices (e.g., introduction of rotational grazing)Workshops, training, and technical assistanceDevelopment of producer-producer and producer-consumer networksDryland permacultureNew approaches to participatory decision making and governance
We are requesting proposals for innovative ideas to create healthier and more productive environments for people and wildlife on ejidos. The examples above are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to convey the full range of options for funding.
Grant awards in this program are grounded in the following values and assumptions:
Environmental sustainability and wildlife conservation are very difficult to achieve unless people’s basic needs are first met.Small-scale, communal landowners are to be treated as equal partners and valued for their experience and expertise.Solutions must be culturally appropriate and contextually relevant.

Eligibility

Projects must take place in arid or semi-arid regions of northern Mexico. Target states include Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Nuevo León, but innovative projects other parts of northern Mexico will also be considered. Projects must take place within ejidos, indigenous communities, or other communally owned land.Proposals must be submitted by nonprofit, civil society organizations. Ejidos that are interested in grant funds but not connected to a civil society organization should contact the Biophilia Foundation.