Whitley Awards 2027 Open Applications for Grassroots Conservation Leaders Worldwide — conservation leaders working with communities can apply for £50,000 in one-year project funding, international recognition and professional support.
Background & Award Description
The Whitley Awards 2027 support grassroots conservation leaders developing science-based projects that protect wildlife, biodiversity and landscapes while benefiting local communities.
Each successful recipient receives £50,000 in project funding for one year, together with communications support, international publicity, training and peer-learning opportunities.
The Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) has supported more than 230 conservation leaders across over 80 countries.
Tasks
Award-supported projects may focus on areas such as:
- Wildlife and biodiversity conservation
- Threatened ecosystems and habitats
- Community-led conservation
- Human-wildlife conflict
- Anti-poaching initiatives
- Conservation linked to sustainable livelihoods
- Landscape and seascape conservation
- Protection of endangered species
Projects should demonstrate measurable results, community involvement and potential to scale or continue beyond the award period.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
Applicants do not necessarily need formal scientific qualifications. However, conservation projects must be supported by appropriate scientific evidence and expertise where required.
Applicants must work through an eligible locally incorporated NGO, charity, nonprofit or university.
Experience
WFN is seeking mid-career conservation leaders with an established record of successful conservation work.
Applicants should:
- Be nationals of the country where they work.
- Be embedded in local communities.
- Lead an established conservation project.
- Demonstrate previous measurable success.
- Have a strong team or organisation supporting the work.
- Show how the proposed project can be scaled or replicated.
New pilot projects, purely academic research and projects primarily supporting MSc/PhD fieldwork are not eligible.
Additional Information
The 2027 Whitley Awards deadline is 30 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Successful winners will also join WFN’s international network and may become eligible for future funding opportunities, including Continuation Funding and the Whitley Gold Award.
Applicants must nominate three referees, and all references must be submitted before the deadline.
WFN also states that applications should represent the applicant’s own original work and accurately reflect the project.
How to Apply
Applicants should register through the official Whitley Fund for Nature application portal, complete the online application, and upload the required project, timeline, and budget documents.
Official application: https://whitleyaward.org/apply-for-conservation-funding/apply-for-a-whitley-award/
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does the Whitley Award provide?
Each Whitley Award provides £50,000 in project funding over one year.
Who can apply?
The programme is aimed at mid-career conservation leaders who are nationals of the country where they work and are leading locally embedded, evidence-based conservation projects.
Is the Whitley Award available worldwide?
It supports conservation work in eligible countries, particularly countries that are not classified as high-income economies by the World Bank, subject to WFN’s country eligibility list.
Can students apply for funding?
WFN does not fund projects that are primarily MSc or PhD fieldwork.
When is the deadline?
Applications close on 30 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Final Thoughts
The Whitley Awards 2027 provide an opportunity for established grassroots conservation leaders to secure substantial project funding while gaining international visibility, professional support and access to a global conservation network.
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