Advancing Plant-Based Alternatives to Endangered Wildlife Products in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Application Deadline: 1 April 2026
Grant Awards: Two (2) research grants
Grant Amount: 5,000 USD per grant
Project Period: 12 months from award
About the Initiative
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) [for purposes of this Call, this encompasses Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (TVM) and Traditional Medicine (TM)] has a rich history rooted in balance, harmony, and respect for nature. Yet, the continued use of endangered wildlife products threatens biodiversity and contradicts these core principles.
To help accelerate the transition toward sustainable practice, we are awarding two research grants to TCM/TVM/TM practitioners to investigate, test, and validate plant-based alternatives to endangered wildlife-derived ingredients.
The goal of this initiative is to identify viable botanical substitutes, build clinical experience and confidence in their use, and strengthen trust among practitioners and patients—ultimately encouraging adoption across Asia and helping protect endangered species worldwide.
Objectives
Funded projects should aim to:
- Identify and evaluate plant-based alternatives to wildlife products used in TCM
- Assess efficacy, safety, patient acceptance, and practitioner confidence
- Document clinical outcomes, case studies, or treatment protocols
- Produce practical knowledge that can support broader adoption by the TCM community
- Contribute to wildlife conservation by reducing demand for endangered species
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Be a member of the Coalition for Wildlife Protection in TCM, showing a clear commitment to sustainable, wildlife-free medicine
- Be a licensed or credentialed TCM practitioner or a practitioner in training
- Be based in Asia. Preference given for lower income countries with high use of wildlife products.
- Be affiliated with a relevant institution
- Demonstrate relevant experience in clinical practice or research
Research Focus Areas (Examples)
Proposals may focus on, but are not limited to, alternatives to:
- Pangolin scales
- Bear bile
- Rhino horn
- Tiger bone
- Saiga antelope horn
- Other threatened or protected species used in traditional formulations
Grant Details
Number of awards: 2
Funding level: 5,000 USD per grant
Project length: 12 months. If additional time is required, please contact us at info@wildlifeprotectionintcm.com
Allowable costs: research materials, clinical documentation, data analysis, translation, reporting
Costs not allowed: purchase of wildlife products, large equipment, other indirect costs
Institutional affiliation: applicant must be affiliated with an institution (ex. school, clinic, lab) that can vouch for them, provide necessary access to resources (ex. lab), and guarantee patient safety.
Matching funds: though not required, matching funds from your institution will be viewed favorably in the selection process. Please note any matching funds in your application.
Required Application Materials – English translation required
- Applicant Information
- Name, affiliation, location, qualifications, contact details
- Project Proposal (max 5 pages, single spaced, 11pt font))
- Background and problem statement
- Wildlife product(s) being replaced
- Proposed plant-based alternative(s)
- Research methods and timeline
- Expected outcomes and impact
- Supplemental Content (max 2 pages, single spaced, 11pt font)
- Ethical and environmental considerations
- Plan for sharing findings with the TCM community
- Budget and Justification
- CV or Professional Bio
- Letter of Institutional or Clinic Support
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Overall impact on wildlife protection, society at large, and scientific research field
- Relevance and significance to wildlife-free TCM
- Scientific and clinical rigor
- Feasibility and clarity of methodology
- Potential impact on practitioner behavior
- Contribution to conservation and sustainability
- Innovative approach
- Ability to disseminate results
- Achievable results within proposed timeline
- Applicant experience, institutional affiliation, access to sufficient external resources (lab, supporting personnel, etc)
- Location of applicant (factoring in need of country/region – please state such need in your application)
Reporting Requirements – English translation required
Grantees will be required to submit:
- A mid-year progress update
- A final report summarizing methods, findings, and recommendations
- At least one case study or practical resource for practitioners
- Permission to share results through professional networks and conferences
Grant Distribution
Grants will be distributed via two installments: the first 50% payment will be issued upon award notification and the second 50% payment will be made after successful completion of a mid-year progress report.
How to Apply
Please submit completed applications by April 1, 2026 to: info@wildlifeprotectionintcm.com
Use subject line: TCM Sustainable Alternatives Research Grant Application
Join the Movement
By helping to replace endangered wildlife products with trusted plant-based alternatives, you are safeguarding both traditional medicine and the natural world it depends on. Thank you for joining us!
