Whitley Awards 2026: £50,000 Conservation Funding for Grassroots Leaders

Deadline: October 31, 2025

The Whitley Awards 2026 are now open for applications, offering mid-career conservationists in the Global South a chance to secure £50,000 GBP in project funding for one year. Organised by the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN), this prestigious award supports grassroots leaders driving impactful community-based wildlife conservation initiatives.

Since its inception, the Whitley Fund for Nature has channelled millions of pounds into over 80 countries, backing hundreds of conservation champions. The Whitley Awards 2026 not only provide financial support but also international visibility, professional training, and an influential platform to amplify grassroots conservation work.

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About the Whitley Awards

The Whitley Awards are often referred to as the “Green Oscars” for conservation. Each year, winners are celebrated at a high-profile award ceremony in the UK, attended by notable conservation advocates and streamed online to a global audience.

In 2026, the award ceremony will take place in Spring 2026, where winners will be announced and recognised for their outstanding contributions to conservation.

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Funding Details

• Award Value: £50,000 GBP
• Duration: One year (with opportunities for follow-on funding in some cases)
• Use of Funds: Conservation projects rooted in science, community collaboration, and long-term sustainability

The increase from the previous £40,000 grant demonstrates WFN’s commitment to strengthening grassroots conservation leadership.

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Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Whitley Awards 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a mid-career conservationist leading an active wildlife or environmental project.
• Be a national of the country where the work is based, or a long-term resident (15+ years in exceptional circumstances).
• Projects must:
  • Involve grassroots communities.
  • Be grounded in scientific evidence.
  • Demonstrate clear conservation outcomes.
• Applicants must be effective communicators with strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Proficiency in English is required for participation and media engagement.

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Application Deadline

The deadline to submit applications is:

📌 31 October 2025 (23:59 GMT)

Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

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Benefits Beyond Funding

Whitley Award winners receive more than just financial support. Benefits include:

• International recognition and visibility through press and media outreach.
• Tailored communications training to enhance leadership and storytelling.
• Networking opportunities with conservation leaders, funders, and supporters worldwide.
• Continued support through the Whitley Fund for Nature alumni network.

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Organisers: Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN)

The Whitley Fund for Nature, a UK-based environmental charity, has a long history of empowering conservation leaders in the Global South. With a strong focus on locally-led, grassroots solutions, WFN ensures that conservation funding directly reaches those making the most impact on the ground.

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How to Apply

Eligible conservationists are strongly encouraged to prepare their proposals early, ensuring that projects align with the eligibility and funding requirements. Applicants should demonstrate clear conservation outcomes, strong community engagement, and the capacity to communicate their work effectively.

Application Timeline:

• Deadline: 31 October 2025 (Midnight GMT)
• Award Ceremony: Spring 2026

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Next Steps

If you are a conservation leader driving impactful, community-based initiatives, this is your opportunity to gain recognition and resources to scale your efforts.

👉 Apply Here
👉 Read More About the Programme

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Need Help With Your Application?
For expert assistance with proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact grantsdatabase.org.