CROPS research highlights that securing funding for citizen science is an ongoing, strategic process rather than a one-off activity tied to project cycles. Citizen science initiatives often depend heavily on short-term public grants, which can make long-term continuity and impact challenging.

To address this, the CROPS Protocol for Mobilising Funding encourages practitioners to:

• diversify funding sources (public, private, community, and hybrid);

• align project goals with funder priorities while maintaining core mission and values;

• clearly articulate their social mission and value proposition;

• develop sustainable business models that extend beyond single projects;

• build partnerships and networks that support long-term growth.

Projects may therefore experience:

• evolving funding strategies over time;

• shifts between funding sources;

• increasing reliance on hybrid or diversified models;

• new opportunities through partnerships or revenue-generating activities.

Practitioners are encouraged to use the CROPS funding protocol as a living resource by revisiting and adapting their funding approach as their project matures, scales, and engages new stakeholders.

Useful CROPS resource: CROPS Protocol for Mobilising Funding and Ensuring Sustainability

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