Whitley Awards 2027: Apply for £50,000 in Conservation Funding for Grassroots Conservation Projects Worldwide

Applications are now open for the 2027 Whitley Awards, a prestigious conservation funding opportunity supporting grassroots conservation leaders who are developing practical, science-based solutions to protect biodiversity, strengthen communities, and create lasting environmental impact.

Awarded annually, the Whitley Awards provide financial support and international recognition to conservationists who are already leading vital projects and need additional resources to scale up proven approaches.

For 2027, each Whitley Award provides £50,000 in project funding for one year, alongside international profile-raising opportunities, communications and media support, peer learning, training, and collaboration opportunities.

The application deadline is 23:59 GMT on Friday, 30 October 2026.

Whitley Awards 2027: Opportunity Overview

• Opportunity: 2027 Whitley Awards
• Funding: £50,000 per award
• Funding period: One year
• Focus: Grassroots conservation and biodiversity
• Target applicants: Dynamic, mid-career conservationists leading proven conservation projects
• Geographic focus: International, with winners being nationals of the countries where they work
• Application method: Online application
• Nomination required: No
• Referees required: Three
• Application deadline: 23:59 GMT, Friday, 30 October 2026
• Award ceremony: London, Spring 2027
• Additional opportunities: International recognition, communications and media support, peer learning, training, collaboration, and eligibility for future Continuation Funding and the Whitley Gold Award

What Are the Whitley Awards?

The Whitley Awards are annual conservation awards that recognise grassroots conservation leaders working to address biodiversity challenges through practical, science-based solutions.

The awards are designed to support conservationists who are already implementing projects with demonstrated potential and who need additional funding to expand or strengthen their impact.

The Whitley Awards place considerable importance on solutions that are:

• Rooted in science;
• Embedded within local communities;
• Focused on practical conservation action;
• Designed to deliver lasting impact;
• Connected to local knowledge and community engagement; and
• Capable of being scaled up with additional support.

The programme’s emphasis on grassroots conservation means that the awards are not simply intended to fund theoretical research or projects that exist only at the planning stage. Applicants are expected to demonstrate proven work and explain how additional funding can help them take their conservation efforts to the next level.

£50,000 Conservation Funding for One Year

Each successful Whitley Award provides £50,000 in project funding over one year.

This funding can provide conservation leaders with the resources needed to strengthen existing initiatives, expand successful interventions, increase community participation, and generate greater conservation impact.

For conservation projects that have already demonstrated results but require additional resources to scale, the award can represent a significant opportunity to move from successful local implementation toward broader and more sustainable impact.

Who Should Apply for the Whitley Awards?

The Whitley Awards are intended for dynamic, mid-career conservationists who are leading vital conservation projects.

The programme is particularly suited to conservation leaders who have already established practical work and are seeking additional resources to scale up their impact.

According to the eligibility information provided, applicants should be:

• Leading an established conservation project;
• Working on practical conservation action;
• Using approaches founded on science;
• Working closely with grassroots communities;
• Seeking to scale up proven work;
• Nationals of the country in which they are working; and
• Able to demonstrate that their project would benefit from additional funding, greater visibility, and international support.

Importantly, applicants do not need to be invited or nominated to apply for a Whitley Award.

What Does “Proven Work” Mean?

A central aspect of the Whitley Awards is the emphasis on proven conservation work.

The programme is looking for conservation leaders who have moved beyond simply identifying a problem and proposing a possible solution.

Applicants should instead be able to demonstrate that their conservation approach is already being implemented and has generated evidence, experience, results, or other indications that it works.

The award is then intended to help these leaders scale up or strengthen that existing work.

This makes the Whitley Awards particularly relevant to conservationists who can demonstrate:

• An established project;
• Practical field experience;
• Evidence of conservation results;
• Community involvement;
• A science-based methodology;
• A clear need for additional funding; and
• A realistic plan for expanding their impact.

Grassroots Community Engagement Is Essential

Community involvement is an important component of the Whitley Awards.

Eligible projects must involve communities at the grassroots level and deliver practical action founded on science.

This means that applicants should be able to demonstrate how local communities participate in or benefit from the conservation project.

Projects should not simply impose externally developed conservation interventions on communities. The Whitley Awards emphasise solutions rooted in local knowledge, community engagement, and long-term commitment.

Applicants should therefore clearly explain:

1. Which communities are involved.
2. How those communities participate in the project.
3. What challenges communities face.
4. How the conservation intervention addresses those challenges.
5. What benefits communities receive.
6. How local knowledge informs the project.
7. How the project will maintain long-term community engagement.

Science-Based Conservation Action

Another important requirement is that projects deliver practical conservation action that is founded on science.

Applicants should therefore be prepared to explain the scientific basis of their conservation approach.

This could include evidence, research, monitoring, data, ecological knowledge, established conservation methods, or other scientifically informed approaches that underpin the project.

The objective is to support conservation interventions that are both practical and credible, rather than initiatives that lack an evidence base.

What Conservation Challenges Can the Awards Address?

The information supplied does not provide an exhaustive list of conservation themes or species that are eligible for funding.

However, the Whitley Awards broadly focus on conservation leaders working to address the biodiversity crisis through solutions based on local knowledge, community engagement, science, and long-term commitment.

This means the opportunity can be relevant to conservation initiatives addressing different biodiversity and environmental challenges, provided that the project meets the Whitley Fund for Nature’s eligibility requirements.

Applicants should consult the official eligibility criteria before assuming that a particular conservation theme or activity qualifies for funding.

Why Apply for a Whitley Award?

The financial grant is only one component of the opportunity.

Winning a Whitley Award can provide conservation leaders with a combination of funding, international recognition, professional development, communications support, and access to a wider conservation community.

1. £50,000 in Project Funding

Each winner receives £50,000 in project funding for one year.

This provides direct financial support for scaling up proven conservation work.

2. International Recognition

Whitley Award winners receive international recognition for their conservation leadership.

This increased visibility can help successful conservationists raise awareness of their projects and communicate their work to a broader audience.

3. Profile-Raising Opportunities

The award provides opportunities to raise the profile of both the conservation leader and their project.

For grassroots conservationists, increased visibility can be particularly valuable when building relationships with potential donors, partners, policymakers, conservation organisations, researchers, and other stakeholders.

4. Professional Communications and Media Support

Winners receive professional communications and media support.

This can help conservation leaders communicate the importance of their projects, share their results, and reach audiences beyond the communities in which they work.

5. Peer Learning

Whitley Award winners become part of a broader network of conservation leaders.

The programme provides opportunities for peer learning, enabling conservationists to exchange experiences, knowledge, and approaches with other leaders working on biodiversity and conservation challenges.

6. Training and Collaboration

Winners also gain access to training and collaboration opportunities.

These opportunities can help conservation leaders strengthen their professional capabilities and establish relationships with other people and organisations working to address environmental challenges.

7. Future Funding Opportunities

Winning a Whitley Award can also open the door to future opportunities.

Award winners become eligible for potential Continuation Funding and the Whitley Gold Award.

These opportunities can provide additional support for conservation leaders who continue to demonstrate strong impact.

A Global Community of Conservation Leaders

One of the most valuable aspects of the Whitley Awards is the community that comes with the award.

The Whitley Fund for Nature states that its growing global community includes more than 230 committed conservation leaders working across more than 80 countries.

These conservationists are working to address the biodiversity crisis through approaches rooted in:

• Local knowledge;
• Community engagement;
• Practical conservation;
• Science; and
• Long-term commitment.

Being part of this network can provide conservation leaders with opportunities to exchange knowledge, build collaborations, and learn from peers working in different environmental and geographical contexts.

How to Apply for the Whitley Awards 2027

The application process consists of several key steps.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before beginning the application, prospective applicants should carefully review the Whitley Fund for Nature’s eligibility criteria.

Applicants should ensure that:

• They meet the conservationist requirements.
• They are nationals of the country in which they work.
• Their project is community-based at the grassroots level.
• Their conservation work is founded on science.
• Their project has already demonstrated evidence of success.
• They are seeking to scale up proven work.
• Their project would benefit from additional funding and international support.

Applicants should also confirm that their specific type of conservation project falls within the activities supported by the Whitley Fund for Nature.

Step 2: Register on the Application Portal

Applicants must register for a WFN account through the online application portal.

Once registered, applicants receive login details that allow them to access and work on the application.

The application can be accessed and completed before the deadline.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

After registering, applicants must complete the online application form.

Applicants should save their work regularly.

The application instructions specifically warn that information may be lost if the portal is closed without saving progress.

Step 4: Prepare the Logical Framework and Timeline

As part of the application process, applicants must download a Microsoft Word template from the portal for their logical framework and timeline.

The document should be completed and subsequently uploaded to the application portal.

Applicants should ensure they use the current year’s template because the application forms are updated annually.

Step 5: Prepare the Budget

Applicants must also download a Microsoft Excel template for their project budget.

The completed budget should then be uploaded through the application portal.

Applicants should ensure that their proposed budget is realistic, clearly explained, and connected to the activities and outcomes described in their application.

Step 6: Contact Three Referees

Applicants must nominate three referees to support their applications.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their referees submit their references before the application deadline.

This means candidates should contact their referees well in advance rather than waiting until the final days of the application period.

Applicants should also verify that their selected referees meet the eligibility requirements specified by the Whitley Fund for Nature.

Important Application Documents

Applicants should be prepared to work with several important application materials.

These include:

• Online application form;
• Logical framework and timeline;
• Project budget;
• Three referee references; and
• Any other information requested through the official application portal.

The Whitley Fund for Nature specifically warns that applicants must use the current year’s templates.

Applications submitted using outdated forms from previous years will not be considered.

This makes it important for applicants to download the 2027 versions directly from the current application portal rather than relying on documents saved from previous application cycles.

APPLY HERE

Application Deadline for the 2027 Whitley Awards

The official deadline is:

23:59 GMT on Friday, 30 October 2026

Applicants should ensure that the complete application process is finished before this deadline.

This includes allowing sufficient time for all three referees to submit their references.

Because referee submissions are the applicant’s responsibility, candidates should contact referees early and communicate the deadline clearly.

Visit HERE for more information about the Whitley Awards 2027.

When Will the Winners Be Announced?

The winners of the 2027 Whitley Awards will be announced during the annual Whitley Awards Ceremony in London in Spring 2027.

This ceremony provides an opportunity to celebrate the successful conservation leaders and their contributions to biodiversity conservation.

How to Make Your Application Competitive

Meeting the basic eligibility requirements is important, but conservation leaders should also think carefully about how they communicate their projects.

Clearly Define the Conservation Problem

Start by explaining the environmental or biodiversity challenge your project is addressing.

Explain:

• What is happening?
• Where is the problem occurring?
• Which species, ecosystems, or communities are affected?
• Why is the problem urgent?
• What factors are driving the challenge?

A strong application should allow reviewers to quickly understand the importance of the conservation issue.

Demonstrate Evidence of Impact

Because the Whitley Awards support proven work, applicants should provide evidence that their approach is producing meaningful results.

Where appropriate, demonstrate:

• Conservation outcomes;
• Community outcomes;
• Changes resulting from the intervention;
• Monitoring results;
• Data;
• Field evidence;
• Partnerships;
• Lessons learned; and
• Other measurable achievements.

Explain How the Project Will Scale

Applicants should clearly explain what additional funding will allow them to accomplish.

Do not simply state that more money is needed.

Explain specifically:

• What activities will be expanded?
• Which communities will benefit?
• What additional conservation outcomes will be achieved?
• What resources are required?
• Why is this the right time to scale?
• How will the £50,000 investment contribute to lasting impact?

Put Communities at the Centre

Since grassroots community involvement is a core requirement, applicants should demonstrate meaningful community engagement.

Explain how local people participate in decision-making, implementation, monitoring, conservation activities, or other relevant parts of the project.

Show the Scientific Foundation

Explain the scientific evidence or conservation knowledge underpinning the project.

The application should demonstrate that the proposed approach is not simply based on assumptions but is informed by appropriate evidence and knowledge.

Present a Realistic Budget

The budget should directly connect to the proposed project activities.

Applicants should be able to explain why each major expense is necessary and how the funding will contribute to the project’s conservation objectives.

Select Strong Referees

Because three referees are required, applicants should choose people who can provide meaningful evidence of their leadership, conservation experience, project achievements, and professional capabilities.

Most importantly, contact referees early enough to give them sufficient time to complete their references before the deadline.

Who Cannot Assume They Are Eligible?

Not every environmental project automatically qualifies for a Whitley Award.

For example, applicants should not assume eligibility solely because their work is described as:

• Environmental;
• Sustainable;
• Green;
• Climate-related; or
• Nature-related.

The programme specifically requires eligible projects to involve grassroots communities and deliver practical conservation action founded on science.

The Whitley Fund for Nature also provides specific eligibility criteria explaining what it does and does not fund.

Therefore, applicants should carefully review the official eligibility guidance before submitting an application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be nominated?

No.

The application information explicitly states that applicants do not need to be invited or nominated to apply for a Whitley Award.

How much funding does each winner receive?

Each Whitley Award provides £50,000 in project funding over one year.

Is the £50,000 personal prize money?

The funding is described as project funding, meaning it is intended to support the successful conservation project.

Are the awards open internationally?

The Whitley Awards support conservation leaders internationally. The eligibility information states that winners are nationals of the country in which they are working.

Can early-career conservationists apply?

The programme describes its target applicants as dynamic, mid-career conservationists leading vital conservation projects.

Applicants should therefore carefully assess whether their professional experience and leadership level align with the programme’s expectations.

Does the project need community involvement?

Yes.

Eligible projects must involve communities at the grassroots level and deliver practical action founded on science.

Does the project need to be science-based?

Yes.

The programme specifically requires practical conservation action founded on science.

Do I need an invitation?

No.

Applicants can apply directly without an invitation or nomination.

How many referees are required?

Three referees are required.

When is the deadline?

Applications close at 23:59 GMT on Friday, 30 October 2026.

When will winners be announced?

Winners will be announced during the annual Whitley Awards Ceremony in London in Spring 2027.

Official Application Resources

Prospective applicants should use the official Whitley Fund for Nature resources when preparing their applications.

• Whitley Fund for Nature – Apply for a Whitley Award
• Whitley Awards Eligibility Criteria
• 2027 Whitley Awards Application Portal
• Whitley Awards FAQs
• Whitley Awards Application Guidelines

Conclusion

The 2027 Whitley Awards provide an important opportunity for established conservation leaders seeking to scale practical, science-based projects that are already delivering results at the grassroots level.

With £50,000 in project funding over one year, winners receive much more than financial support. The award also provides international recognition, communications and media support, peer learning, training, collaboration opportunities, and eligibility for future Continuation Funding and the Whitley Gold Award.

The programme’s emphasis on community participation, scientific foundations, proven conservation work, and lasting impact makes it particularly suited to conservation leaders who can demonstrate that their projects are already producing meaningful results and have a clear pathway for expansion.

The opportunity is also global in reach, with the Whitley Fund for Nature highlighting a community of more than 230 conservation leaders working across over 80 countries. This creates an international network through which conservationists can share knowledge, build collaborations, and contribute to broader efforts to address the biodiversity crisis.

For eligible mid-career conservationists, the 2027 Whitley Awards can provide both the financial resources and international platform needed to take a proven conservation initiative to the next stage.

The application deadline is 23:59 GMT on Friday, 30 October 2026. Prospective applicants should begin early, carefully review the eligibility criteria, use the updated 2027 application templates, prepare a strong project budget and logical framework, and ensure that all three referees submit their references before the deadline.

For more Global Award opportunities, visit OFY HERE.