The Thin Green Line Foundation provides vital support to Rangers on the frontline of conservation. Being a Ranger is, arguably, the most dangerous conservation job on the planet. They regularly risk and lose their lives defending that which we all know and understand needs defending. The flow-on effects of having unsupported and at-risk Rangers are considerable and often dire – for wildlife, for fragile ecosystems, for the families of Fallen Rangers and for the communities in which they live.

The Thin Green Line Foundation understands the critical role Rangers play. They are a key piece of the global conservation puzzle. We are firmly focused on supporting their many needs through a variety of on-the-ground projects and programs, with a strong focus on Rangers in low-income countries and conflict zones, and Indigenous Rangers in Australia and abroad. In the sad circumstance that a Rangers loses his or her life in the line of duty, we endeavour to provide a financial lifeline to the families of Fallen Rangers.

The war on wildlife has many terrible outcomes, not least of which is the toll on Rangers and their families. Approximately 1,000 Rangers have been killed in the past 10 years, many of them murdered by commercial poachers. Invariably, the families of the fallen are left with nothing. The Thin Green Line Foundation is often their only hope. Our organisation provides a financial lifeline to the families of Rangers who have died or been killed in the line of duty. We are working towards ensuring that 100% of the families of the fallen are supported into the future.

This Fallen Ranger Fund includes:

• Addressing basic human needs such as food, water, shelter and security;
• Paying school fees so children can continue to receive an education (mandatory for all school aged children);
• The set up of small business ventures, driven by the needs of each family, their personal aspirations, skill sets and cultural context.

Our support is targeted where other support is not available, aiming to provide long-term, sustainable benefits to families and communities. Below, you will find just some of their stories.

To apply for assistance from The Thin Green Line Foundation, please complete and submit an Application Form (pdf). Please refer to the Fallen Ranger Fund Application Guidelines for eligibility.

The Thin Green Line Foundation provides critical funding to a wide range of frontline projects and programs worldwide. When Rangers are adequately trained, equipped and supported, positive conservation outcomes will follow and less deaths will occur (for both Rangers and Poachers).

The program/project areas of focus include:

• Anti-poaching training programs to protect endangered species
• Patrol technique training, focusing on safety patrols, violence avoidance, and community engagement
• Providing security camps and medical assistance for Rangers in conflict zones
• Paying salary supplements
• Supplying mosquito nets for patrols and families
• Distribution of water filtration kits and patrol ration packs
• Supplying uniforms and patrol equipment

Please note:

Due to a number of operational changes since the beginning of the year, we are still reviewing our application process and timeframes to ensure that we are in the best possible financial position to support projects on the ground. At this stage, it’s unlikely that we will open an application window before the end of this financial year (June 30), but we are looking instead, to open one sometime in the first half of the next financial year (July to December 2018).

At present, we are registering all interest in the next round of grants, and the new application forms will be sent to those who have registered as well as made available through our website and usual channels.

Please register your interest by sending an email to [email protected].