Apply for Whitley Award 2027 for Grassroots Conservation Leaders
Application Deadline:
30 October 2026
About Organisation
The Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) is a UK-based charity that supports grassroots conservation leaders working to protect wildlife and biodiversity, particularly across the Global South. WFN provides funding, training, international recognition and professional support to conservationists implementing practical solutions in partnership with local communities. Through the Whitley Awards, the organisation helps established conservation leaders expand projects that are based on sound scientific evidence and have demonstrated positive results for both people and nature. WFN aims to strengthen locally led conservation efforts and support approaches that can deliver long-term benefits for threatened species, ecosystems and communities.
About the Grant
The Whitley Award 2027 provides project funding to grassroots conservation leaders in the Global South who are working on proven, science-based conservation initiatives. The award is designed to help dynamic, mid-career conservationists scale up projects that are already delivering practical results and are embedded within local communities. Successful applicants receive £50,000 in project funding over one year, alongside training, profile-building opportunities and international support. Projects should address important conservation challenges while involving communities at the grassroots level. The programme seeks initiatives that demonstrate a clear connection between scientific evidence, practical conservation action and lasting benefits for both biodiversity and local communities.
Who can Apply?
The Whitley Award is intended for mid-career conservationists and grassroots conservation leaders working in the Global South. Applicants must be nationals of the country where they are carrying out their conservation work and should be leading an established project that has demonstrated results and would benefit from additional funding and international support. Projects must involve local communities at the grassroots level and use practical conservation approaches founded on scientific evidence. Applicants should demonstrate that their work can be scaled up and deliver lasting benefits for people and nature. Applicants do not need to be invited or nominated to apply for the award.
How to Apply?
Review the Whitley Award eligibility requirements and ensure that your conservation project meets the programme’s focus on grassroots community involvement and science-based action. Prepare information demonstrating your conservation experience, project achievements, community involvement and plans for scaling up the work. Submit the application through the Whitley Fund for Nature’s official application process before 30 October 2026. Applicants do not require an invitation or nomination to apply.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 30 October 2026.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
