Applications are officially open for the International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP) Global Conference 2027 Scholarship. Organized biennially by International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP), this comprehensive funding initiative supports grassroots Indigenous leaders, community advocates, and youth changemakers from Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America to participate fully in the IFIP Global Conference 2027 in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia on Larrakia Country.
The IFIP Global Conference is the world’s leading international forum dedicated to transforming philanthropic resource flows, strengthening Indigenous-led philanthropy, and advancing self-determined solutions for biodiversity conservation, climate justice, territorial rights, and cultural heritage. The scholarship package is 100% fully funded, providing roundtrip international flights, hotel accommodation, conference credentials, travel per diem, Australian visa support, and comprehensive health insurance.
Application deadline: November 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time (PST). Recipient announcements will be communicated on November 23, 2026.
Quick Facts - IFIP Global Conference 2027 Scholarship
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Convening Organization | International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP) |
| Host Location | Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia (Larrakia Country) |
| Conference Dates | April 28 - 30, 2027 (Pre-Conference: April 27 - 28; Field Visits: May 1) |
| Travel Window | Arrival in Darwin: April 27, 2027 | Departure: May 1, 2027 |
| Funding Package | 100% Fully Funded (Flights, hotel, per diem, visa, registration & health insurance) |
| Eligible Regions | Africa, Asia & the Pacific, and Latin America |
| Priority Demographics | Indigenous Youth & Indigenous Persons with Disabilities (IPWD) |
| Application Deadline | November 6, 2026 (11:59 PM PST) |
| Scholarship Announcement | November 23, 2026 |
| Official Application Portal | internationalfunders.org/global-conference-2027/scholarship-applications |
About the IFIP Global Conference 2027
Held every two years, the IFIP Global Conference convenes international donors, philanthropic foundations, Indigenous-led funds, impact investors, bilateral development agencies, and visionary grassroots elders and youth. The 2027 conference in Darwin marks a historic moment as it gathers on Larrakia Country in Australia’s Northern Territory, where the connection between First Nations peoples, land, waters, ancestral governance, and ecological stewardship spans tens of thousands of years.
The 2027 thematic program explores urgent global priorities:
- Equitable Resourcing: Shifting funding paradigms from conditional donor models to trust-based, direct investment in Indigenous-led organizations and territorial funds.
- Climate Justice & Biodiversity: Elevating Indigenous traditional knowledge and territorial guardianship as primary solutions for climate mitigation and ecosystem restoration.
- Intergenerational Leadership: Bridging ancestral wisdom with youth-led technological, communicative, and entrepreneurial organizing.
- First Nations Field Visits: Experiencing first-hand community visits with First Nations communities across the Northern Territory on Saturday, May 1, 2027.
Comprehensive Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholars receive end-to-end financial and logistical coverage for the full conference duration (April 27 - May 1, 2027):
- Full Conference Registration: Complete access to all plenary sessions, thematic working groups, side events, and networking receptions.
- Roundtrip Airfare: Economy class return flights from the scholar’s nearest international airport to Darwin International Airport (DRW), Australia.
- Hotel Accommodation: Premium lodging in Darwin arranged and covered by IFIP for the duration of the conference (April 27 to April 30, 2027).
- Ground Transfers: Coverage of airport transfers and domestic ground transportation both in the home country and within Darwin.
- Australian Visa Support: Visa application fees covered, accompanied by an official institutional visa support letter for the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
- Daily Meal Per Diem: On-site catering during conference sessions plus a daily food allowance for travel days calculated according to official U.S. federal per diem standards.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Full international travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance during the entire assignment.
- Special Pre-Conference Convenings: Exclusive participation in the 3rd Global Indigenous Youth Dialogue and the 5th Gathering of Indigenous-Led Funds.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the IFIP Global Conference 2027 Scholarship, candidates must satisfy the following requirements:
- Indigenous Identity: Must self-identify as Indigenous and be an active, verified contributor within an Indigenous community, network, or Indigenous-led grassroots organization.
- Eligible Regional Origin: Be a citizen and resident of Africa, Asia, the Pacific, or Latin America.
- Thematic Focus: Actively working on or demonstrating strong engagement with Indigenous leadership, community philanthropy, land rights, biodiversity, traditional knowledge, gender equality, disability inclusion, or climate justice.
- Demographic Priority: Special consideration and priority will be given to Indigenous Youth (aged 18 - 35) and Indigenous Persons with Disabilities.
- Travel Readiness: Possess an international passport valid for at least six months beyond May 2027, and be able to fulfill Australian consular visa entry requirements.
- Institutional Endorsement: Provide a formal letter of recommendation or community endorsement from a recognized Indigenous council, organization, or local community leadership.
Scholars' Commitments
Selected recipients are expected to fulfill specific participatory responsibilities:
- Arrive in Darwin on April 27, 2027 and depart on May 1, 2027.
- Actively participate in all assigned workshops, breakout sessions, and youth dialogues.
- Engage with funders, philanthropic trustees, and international peer changemakers.
- Submit a post-conference reflection report detailing key insights, newly formed alliances, and concrete plans for sharing learnings with their local community.
Required Application Materials
- Completed Online Application Form: Covering personal details, community affiliation, and thematic track choices.
- Statement of Purpose / Motivation: Detailing what you hope to contribute to the global dialogue and how attending the conference in Darwin will accelerate your community work.
- Community Endorsement Letter: An official signed letter from an Indigenous community elder, organization head, or governing network confirming your active grassroots involvement.
- Valid Passport Copy: Photo bio-data page with at least six months validity.
How to Apply
- Visit the official scholarship portal on internationalfunders.org/global-conference-2027/scholarship-applications.
- Carefully review the eligibility parameters and conference program structure.
- Complete the application questionnaire in English, Spanish, or French.
- Upload your endorsement letter and required supporting attachments.
- Submit before the firm deadline on Friday, November 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST.
Official Sources & Inquiries
Apply on Official IFIP Scholarship Portal
IFIP Global Conference 2027 Overview
Conference at a Glance & Daily Agenda
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can non-Indigenous individuals apply for this scholarship?
No. This scholarship is reserved exclusively for Indigenous individuals actively representing and serving their Indigenous communities or Indigenous-led initiatives.
Are Indigenous languages supported during the application process?
Applications can be submitted in English, Spanish, and French. If you require accessibility accommodations or indigenous language translation support, contact IFIP directly at support@internationalfunders.org.
Is accommodation shared or private?
IFIP arranges secure, private hotel accommodation for each selected international scholar in Darwin for the duration of the conference.
When will applicants be notified of selection results?
All candidates will receive official notification regarding their application status on Monday, November 23, 2026, providing over five months to complete Australian visa processing and travel preparations.
