The World Wildlife Fund is investing in innovative projects to protect fragile Arctic ecosystems. On the most recent episode of GrantTalk, Libby Hikind, founder and CEO of GrantWatch, author of The Queen of Grants, and host of this podcast, spoke with Elisabeth Kruger, Manager of Arctic Wildlife at the World Wildlife Fund. Their conversation revealed how grants can help communities and researchers preserve wildlife while empowering local voices.
Meet Elisabeth Kruger From World Wildlife Fund
Elisabeth Kruger, manages Arctic Wildlife programs at the World Wildlife Fund. Based in Anchorage, Alaska, Kruger focuses on species like polar bears, walrus, bowhead whales, belugas, ice seals, and seabirds in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas. She travels throughout Alaska to work directly with local communities.
New Arctic Conservation Grant Program
Kruger shared that the World Wildlife Fund has launched a new competitive grant program. These grants support community-led projects and scientific studies related to Arctic wildlife. Each award averages $25,000. Applicants must represent an organization, though individuals within those organizations lead the projects.
One project funded villagers in Kotlik, Alaska, to study beluga whales traveling upriver from the Bering Sea. They used hydrophones to track whale movement without disturbing the animals. This project combined modern technology with traditional knowledge from Indigenous communities, showing how collaboration can strengthen conservation efforts.
Tips for Applying to Grants
Kruger encourages anyone with a strong idea to contact the organization before applying. Building relationships matters. She and her team help applicants shape their proposals, even offering guidance on how to outline project goals. Unlike many large institutions, their process is designed to be simple and supportive.
Hikind agrees, noting that personal outreach is far more effective than sending out mass emails or AI-generated proposals. She encourages grant seekers to use AI only to refine their writing, not to replace their own voices. Real passion and clear project plans help proposals stand out.
How GrantWatch Helps
GrantWatch features funding opportunities from thousands of sources, including the World Wildlife Fund. Hikind hopes showcasing these grants will inspire more applicants to protect wildlife and the environment. Click the link to see the current World Wildlife Fund grant listed on GrantWatch: Research Projects Related to the Arctic.
Inspired by this conversation, GrantWatch has introduced a new AI Grant Writing Tool. This innovative tool helps users draft proposal content, offering structure and guidance while encouraging them to add their own passion and organizational details. It’s designed to make the process less intimidating and more accessible, especially for first-time grant seekers.
Get Involved
Organizations interested in Arctic conservation can learn more at worldwildlife.org. If you are researching Arctic species or working in an Alaskan community, consider applying for funding and contacting Elisabeth Kruger for guidance.
To explore more grants, visit GrantWatch.com, and check out Libby Hikind’s book, The Queen of Grants. You can also subscribe to the GrantTalk podcast to hear more interviews with funders and grant experts.
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About GrantWatch
Libby Hikind, author of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, founded GrantWatch.com, the largest advanced grant search engine in the United States. The platform features over 10,000 active, verified, and human-curated grant opportunities in more than 60 funding categories. Additionally, it serves nonprofits, small businesses, government agencies, tribal governments, and individuals seeking grant funding.
GrantWatch also offers innovative funding tools like the AI Grant Writing Tool, AI Grant Searching Tool, and My Grant Calendar, making it easier to find grants, track deadlines, and draft proposals. Members can upgrade to MemberPlus+ for complete grant details, eligibility criteria, and application information. With 21 powerful features, live customer support, and weekly GrantTalk podcast episodes, GrantWatch is the go-to resource for finding grants and turning funding opportunities into awarded grants
