Apply for the Whitley Awards 2027 for Grassroots Conservation Leaders (£50,000 prize) - one of the world’s most prestigious conservation prizes for mid-career leaders protecting biodiversity through community-rooted, science-based action.
The Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN), a UK charity, awards £50,000 in project funding over one year to dynamic conservationists scaling proven work in their home countries. Winners also receive international recognition, media support, training, and join a global network of 230+ conservation leaders across 80+ countries. No nomination required - self-nominate via the official WFN portal.
Quick Facts - Whitley Awards 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Award | Whitley Award 2027 |
| Organisation | Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) - UK charity |
| Prize | £50,000 project funding (one year) |
| Focus | Grassroots conservation, biodiversity, community engagement |
| Who | Mid-career conservation leaders (nationals of country where project operates) |
| Geographic scope | Worldwide - winners typically from Global South / project countries |
| Nomination required | No - open self-nomination |
| Application deadline | 30 October 2026, 23:59 GMT |
| Winners announced | Spring 2027 - London ceremony (HRH The Princess Royal, Patron) |
| Official apply | WFN Application Portal - Register & Apply |
What Are the Whitley Awards?
Established by the Whitley Fund for Nature, Whitley Awards recognise outstanding grassroots conservation leaders whose work delivers lasting impact for both people and nature. WFN has channelled over £26 million to conservation leaders since 1993, supporting science-based solutions embedded in local communities.
Each winner receives £50,000 to scale proven conservation work, plus profile-raising opportunities at an annual ceremony in London presided over by WFN Patron HRH The Princess Royal.
Why Apply?
- £50,000 in project funding over one year
- International recognition and global media/communications support
- Peer learning, training, and collaboration with 230+ Whitley alumni
- Eligibility for future Continuation Funding (up to £100,000) and the Whitley Gold Award
- Transformative career milestone for mid-career conservation leaders
- No invitation or nomination needed - apply directly if eligible
- Support for cost-effective, community-led, science-based conservation
Eligibility
- Mid-career conservationist leading a vital, proven conservation project (several years of experience - not early-career)
- National of the country where your project operates
- Project involves communities at the grassroots level
- Practical, science-based conservation action with demonstrated impact
- Seeking to scale up work that would benefit from funding and international support
- Strong team with local leadership and relevant skills (you may be team leader if successful)
- Cost-effective project - WFN prioritises value for money over high salary/travel spend
- Project team must include individuals local to the region reflecting its diversity
Read full criteria: WFN Eligibility.
What WFN Funds (and Does Not Fund)
WFN supports terrestrial, marine, and freshwater habitat conservation with community engagement. They do not typically fund pure research without practical action, animal welfare without wild conservation benefit, zoos, captive breeding without clear wild release pathway, or projects without local leadership. Check the official eligibility page before applying.
Application Requirements
- Register for a WFN account on the online application portal
- Complete the online application form (save progress regularly)
- Download and complete 2027 logical framework/timeline (Word template from portal)
- Download and complete 2027 budget template (Excel from portal) - use current-year templates only
- Nominate three referees - ensure all reference statements are submitted before the deadline
- Applications must be submitted via the portal - email submissions are not accepted
How to Apply
- Read eligibility and FAQs: Eligibility | Application FAQs.
- Register on the WFN application portal via How to Apply - Whitley Awards 2027.
- Complete the online form and upload your logical framework and budget.
- Confirm all three referees submit statements before the deadline.
- Submit before 30 October 2026, 23:59 GMT.
- Portal issues? Email info@whitleyaward.org.
Official Links
Apply - Whitley Awards 2027 (register on portal)
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FAQs - Whitley Awards 2027
How much funding is the award?
£50,000 GBP in project funding over one year per Whitley Award winner.
What is the deadline?
23:59 GMT, Friday 30 October 2026.
Do I need a nomination?
No - applications are open and self-nominated. You do not need an invitation to apply.
Who should apply?
Mid-career conservation leaders who are nationals of their project country, with proven community-based, science-led conservation work ready to scale.
What happens if I am not selected?
You may re-apply at the next deadline with three new referee statements. After two consecutive rejections, you must wait before applying again - see official FAQs.
When are winners announced?
During the annual Whitley Awards Ceremony in London, Spring 2027, presented by HRH The Princess Royal.
