The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation (the foundation) are continuing their partnership to support this program, to be administered by NSF, supporting conservation science and science-informed conservation practice in the United States. The objective of the PACSP Program is to support conservation research that investigates organismal biology, ecology, and/or evolution and is designed to contribute to the development and implementation of evidence-based activities and/or technology solutions to advance biodiversity conservation. We seek proposals that involve the implementation of conservation activities based on conservation science principles via academic-conservation organization partnerships. The strongest projects will involve ongoing assessment of biodiversity outcomes, for instance via an adaptive management framework, that inform both scientific understanding and conservation actions. A significant distinction between the PACSP program and other NSF programs is that proposals to this program must make clear and well-defined connections between basic research questions and the implementation of conservation focused actions.

The Program's focus is on conservation goal-related research that will directly translate to on-the-ground biodiversity conservation efforts. Proposals that adopt a convergent approach between climate and/or other anthropogenic environmental change, conservation, and the health of ecosystems and the organisms therein are especially encouraged. Proposals are also expected to incorporate project outcomes within the context of broader societal impacts and, as appropriate for the research proposed, engage non-academic partners in collaboration.

For proposals recommended for funding, NSF will fund the proposed research scope and the foundation will fund the proposed conservation component of the project.