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)

Whitley Awards overview

Eligibility criteria

Application FAQs

Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station

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.

Results for “Whitley Awards 2027”

Whitley Awards 2027 for Grassroots Conservation Leaders (£50,000 prize)