The focus is on the goal to improve the effectiveness of protected area management and increase public participation in biodiversity conservation. The objectives and priorities include changing attitudes and behaviors towards protected areas and the environment in a positive way, disseminating relevant knowledge, understanding and education through creative, innovative, media and public information projects, and targeting the public and local citizens, policymakers and decision-makers, and other groups. The themes supported by the grant include information and awareness campaigns such as multimedia campaigns, TV, FM radio programs, articles and interviews, and social media campaigns; innovation and creative methods of disseminating information such as virtual tours, interactive maps, AR/VR content, infographics, comics, guides, educational games, and cultural and art competitions; and research, documentation, and advocacy activities including public perception surveys, case studies, videos, infographics, articles, and other creative projects.

The program is part of the “Eternal Mongolia” Conservation Trust Fund initiative, established in April 2024 with the support of the Government of Mongolia, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, The Nature Conservancy, and the Mongolian Nature’s Legacy Foundation. The initiative supports the global 30×30 target of protecting 30% of the country’s territory by 2030 and aims to strengthen biodiversity protection, sustainable livelihoods, and community co-management of natural resources.

Eligible applicants include media organizations, NGOs, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, universities, research institutes, and consultancy firms with at least two years of experience implementing similar projects. Applications may be submitted individually or in partnership, with youth groups and creative collectives encouraged to collaborate with NGOs or civil society organizations.

The maximum grant amount per project is 40,000,000 MNT, with a minimum of 20% co-financing required. Projects will be implemented between the fourth quarter of 2025 and June 2026. Proposals must be submitted by September 21, 2025. Funding will be disbursed in installments based on performance and reporting.

Ineligible costs include permanent staff salaries, office rent, domestic or international travel unrelated to the project, construction, high-cost equipment purchases, infrastructure works, political or religious activities, financial penalties or taxes, and other expenses not aligned with the grant’s objectives.

For more information, visit Mongolian Nature’s Legacy Foundation.