£50,000 for Grassroots Conservation Leaders – Whitley Awards 2027

The Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) is offering £50,000 in project funding to support grassroots conservation leaders protecting wildlife, restoring ecosystems and tackling biodiversity loss.

The 2027 Whitley Awards recognise experienced conservationists working directly with local communities to deliver practical, science-based environmental solutions.

Each award provides funding over one year, alongside international recognition, professional development and opportunities to access additional conservation funding.

Applications are currently open and close on 30 October 2026 at 11:59pm GMT.

Here's what you can expect:

• £50,000 in project funding

• Financial support over one year

• International recognition for conservation achievements

• Professional communications and media support

• Training and professional development opportunities

• Networking with international conservation leaders

• Peer learning and collaboration

• Access to a global conservation network

• Potential eligibility for future Continuation Funding

• Opportunities to be considered for the Whitley Gold Award

What projects can be funded?

The programme supports established conservation projects demonstrating measurable environmental benefits.

1. Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation

Projects protecting threatened species and ecosystems.

Examples include:

• Protecting endangered wildlife

• Reducing threats to biodiversity

• Improving habitat management

• Supporting ecosystem recovery

2. Community-Led Conservation

Initiatives involving local communities in environmental protection.

Examples include:

• Community-managed conservation areas

• Indigenous-led environmental protection

• Collaborative wildlife management

• Local conservation leadership

3. Habitat and Ecosystem Protection

Projects protecting or restoring important landscapes and seascapes.

Examples include:

• Forest conservation

• Wetland protection

• Marine ecosystem conservation

• Landscape restoration

4. Human-Wildlife Coexistence

Projects addressing challenges between communities and wildlife.

Examples include:

• Reducing human-wildlife conflict

• Supporting coexistence strategies

• Developing community-based conservation approaches

5. Scaling Successful Conservation Projects

Initiatives expanding established conservation work.

Examples include:

• Replicating successful conservation approaches

• Strengthening local conservation partnerships

• Expanding protection across landscapes

• Developing long-term conservation strategies

Projects must demonstrate direct, measurable biodiversity benefits and meaningful community involvement.

Who can apply?

The Whitley Awards are designed for mid-career conservation leaders working in eligible countries.

Applicants must:

• Be nationals of the country where they work.

• Lead an established conservation project.

• Work in an eligible country, generally a low- or middle-income economy.

• Be embedded in local communities.

• Work for a locally incorporated NGO, charity, nonprofit organisation or university.

• Demonstrate previous conservation achievements.

• Lead or work with an experienced project team.

• Show how their project benefits biodiversity and local communities.

• Demonstrate potential to expand successful conservation work.

• Be able to communicate verbally in English without a translator.

Applicants do not need to be nominated or invited.

Geographic eligibility

The programme primarily supports conservation leaders in eligible countries outside high-income economies.

Applicants should consult the official country eligibility list before applying.

Important: UK-based conservation projects are generally not eligible, despite the Whitley Fund for Nature being a UK charity.

What cannot be funded?

The programme does not support:

• New or untested pilot projects

• Pure academic research

• MSc or PhD fieldwork undertaken primarily for qualifications

• Expeditions

• Land purchases

• Building construction

• Animal welfare projects without wider conservation outcomes

• General rural or economic development without measurable biodiversity benefits

• Projects led by expatriates

• Individuals working without an established team

• Joint applications

• Projects lacking meaningful community involvement

Government employees are generally ineligible, although some university-based conservationists may qualify.

How much funding is available?

Award Amount: £50,000

Funding Duration: One year

Each successful applicant receives £50,000 to support their conservation project.

Additional benefits include professional communications support, training, international visibility and networking opportunities.

Award winners may also become eligible for further support through WFN's Continuation Funding programme.

How does the application process work?

Step 1 – Check Eligibility

Applicants should review the eligibility criteria and confirm that their project operates in an eligible country.

Step 2 – Register Online

Create an account through the Whitley Fund for Nature's application portal.

Step 3 – Complete the Application

Applicants must provide information about:

• Their conservation experience

• The environmental challenge being addressed

• Evidence of previous project success

• Community participation

• Proposed conservation activities

• Expected environmental outcomes

• Project sustainability

Step 4 – Prepare Supporting Documents

Applicants must complete:

• A project logical framework and timeline

• A detailed project budget

The official templates must be downloaded from the application portal.

Step 5 – Nominate Three Referees

Applicants must nominate three referees to support their application.

All three references must be submitted before the deadline.

Step 6 – Submit the Application

Applications must be submitted through the official online portal by 30 October 2026.

Key dates

Application Deadline: Friday 30 October 2026

Closing Time: 11:59pm GMT

Award Winners Announced: Spring 2027

Awards Ceremony: London, Spring 2027

Funding information

Funding Amount: £50,000

Funding Duration: One year

Funding Type: Conservation grants and awards

Location: Eligible low- and middle-income countries

Target Audience: Established grassroots conservation leaders

Application Deadline: 30 October 2026 at 11:59pm GMT