Whitley Award 2027: Conservation Funding Opportunity With an October 30 Deadline. The Whitley Fund for Nature is inviting grassroots conservation leaders to apply for £50,000 in funding to scale up proven, science-based projects that benefit wildlife, ecosystems and local communities.
Background & Job Description
The Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) has opened applications for the 2027 Whitley Awards, an international conservation funding opportunity supporting grassroots leaders in the Global South.
Each award provides £50,000 in project funding over one year to help conservationists expand proven initiatives that protect biodiversity and deliver lasting benefits for people and nature. Winners also receive international recognition, communications support and opportunities for professional development and collaboration. <Cite refs={[“turn715543search0″,”turn715543search2”]}/>
Tasks
Proposed projects should demonstrate practical, science-based conservation action and meaningful community involvement. Relevant initiatives may focus on protecting threatened species, conserving habitats, restoring ecosystems or improving how communities coexist with wildlife.
The fund prioritises established projects with evidence of success and potential to achieve greater impact through additional funding and visibility. Applicants should show measurable outcomes, long-term sustainability and value for money. <Cite refs={[“turn715543search2″,”turn715543search10”]}/>
Qualifications
Education and Certification
The Whitley Award is designed for individual conservation leaders rather than organisations applying in their own name. Applicants should be nationals of the country where their conservation work takes place and lead projects embedded in local communities.
The official application guidance should be consulted for the complete eligibility criteria and any additional requirements.
Experience
Applicants should be dynamic, mid-career conservationists with a track record of leading effective conservation projects. Their work must involve local communities and apply practical, science-based approaches to address biodiversity challenges.
Projects should already demonstrate progress and be ready to scale up, rather than consist solely of an untested idea. <Cite refs={[“turn715543search0″,”turn715543search9”]}/>
Additional Information
- Funder: Whitley Fund for Nature
- Award: 2027 Whitley Award
- Funding amount: £50,000
- Funding period: One year
- Eligible applicants: Grassroots conservation leaders meeting the official criteria
- Application deadline: 30 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT
- Winners announced: Spring 2027
Successful applicants join an international network of conservation leaders and may become eligible for future Continuation Funding and the Whitley Gold Award. <Cite refs={[“turn715543search0″,”turn715543search2”]}/>
How to Apply
Interested conservationists should:
- Review the official eligibility criteria and application guidelines.
- Register for an account on the Whitley Fund for Nature application portal.
- Complete the online application and download the current project logical framework, timeline and budget templates.
- Nominate three referees and ensure their references are submitted before the deadline.
Applications must be submitted online by 30 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Applicants should use the current application templates because previous years’ forms will not be accepted. <Cite refs={[“turn715543search0”]}/>
Official application link: Apply for a 2027 Whitley Award
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much funding does the Whitley Award provide?
Each award provides £50,000 in project funding for one year.
2. Who can apply?
Eligible applicants are grassroots conservation leaders, particularly mid-career practitioners leading established, community-based conservation projects in the Global South.
3. Can an organisation apply directly?
The award recognises individual conservation leaders. Applicants should check the official guidelines regarding their relationship with a locally incorporated organisation and other eligibility conditions.
4. What types of conservation projects are supported?
The programme supports proven, science-based projects that protect biodiversity and deliver lasting benefits for wildlife, landscapes and local communities.
5. What is the deadline?
Applications close on 30 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
6. Can conservationists from Zimbabwe apply?
Zimbabwean conservationists may be eligible if they meet the award’s nationality, project-location and other criteria. Review the official guidance before applying.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares funding information for public awareness and is not affiliated with the Whitley Fund for Nature or responsible for award selection. Applicants should rely on the official website for final eligibility and application requirements.
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