The alarming global decline of species diversity concerns conservation NGOs as well as the regional zoo associations, such as the Association of Zoological Gardens (VdZ) in the German-speaking region. This is why Stiftung Artenschutz (Species Conservation Foundation) and VdZ started a unique partnership to engage for the conservation of threatened species.

The Small Grants programme supports a range of activities including direct amphibian conservation and applied research projects, conservation breeding and reintroduction, capacity building, training and capacity building, habitat restoration, and education and awareness activities.