The Reverse the Red Accelerator Award is back for 2026!
Pre-applications open on March 2nd, 2026.
More than 46,000 species are known to be threatened with extinction, and with many species still unknown, this number could be as high as two million. With 57% of known threatened species requiring additional Urgent Management Actions (GBF Target 4) beyond protected areas and climate solutions, we have the opportunity to catalyze strategic actions for species.
The Reverse the Red Accelerator Award has been developed to mobilise innovation, refine recovery-focused strategy, increase collaboration, and support the acceleration of action foundational to recovering species and creating positive impact on wildlife and biodiversity.
Accelerator Award recipients will receive:
Up to USD $15,000 to implement a 12-month project
Eligibility for future learning, capacity-building, and networking opportunities
Strategic, technical, and storytelling support, including collaboration opportunities through the Reverse the Red network and IUCN Species Survival Commission members
International visibility, with projects showcased on Reverse the Red Day and other global platforms
Who should apply
This competitive opportunity is open to organisations and individuals who have submitted a Reverse the Red Species Pledge for an endangered, critically endangered, extinct in the wild, or data deficient animal, plant, or fungus.
Awards will be dedicated across each species kingdom.
The Accelerator Award supports projects that present a clear 12-month plan to accelerate recovery-focused impact for a single species. Funded projects must clearly demonstrate how the proposed activities directly address the key threats to the recovery of the identified species.
Examples of projects include but are not limited to:
Wild populations are decreasing, and ex-situ propagation is recommended. The award could be used to start or expand a species propagation strategy.
A species translocation may be necessary to start a new population in a recently protected area. The award could be used to hire an intern to assess the new habitat for suitability.
A potential new eDNA or audio monitoring tool could benefit the area and the species. The award can be used to contract and develop a tool to track species range and habitat.
Human-wildlife conflict issues are the most significant threat to this species. The award can be used to introduce a new deterrent or launch a behavior change campaign.
The award could be used to create a behavior change campaign initiative designed to reduce illegal trade.
See the 2025 winning projects here.
Applications
To be eligible, all candidates must submit a pre-application by the deadline of April 3, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Applicants whose pre-applications are successful will be invited to submit a full application. All candidates will receive a decision on their pre-application by June 1, 2026.
You may submit only one proposal per organisation. Organisations may reapply with a previously submitted project; however, previous Accelerator Award recipients may not apply again for the same species until two years after their award. For example, a 2025 award recipient may reapply in 2026 for a different species or in 2027 for the same species as their 2025 winning project.
This award supports a 12-month project focused on the recovery of a single species.
Applications are accepted only through the official submission form. Applications sent by email or mail will not be reviewed.
We encourage all applicants to attend an information session:
In 2025, we also hosted a session with the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group:
Planning for Species Recovery | April 9, 2025 — Recording
Additional 2026 planning and strategy sessions may be added. Please check this page regularly for updates and registration links.
If you have questions not answered here or on the application page, please email us at caitlin.brant@reversethered.org with “Reverse the Red Accelerator Award” in the subject line.
Organisations that have made approved species pledges have received application information and a link to the application form in the email of the point of contact.