Call for Applications: 2026 Future Conservationist Awards
The call for applications to our 2026 Future Conservationist Awards is open. Applications must be submitted via the online application portal by January 9, 2026.
These awards offer early-career conservationists a chance to gain a project grant of up to $15,000 as well as ongoing support through our global Alumni Network, including funding, training and mentorship.
Please consult the detailed application guidelines and eligibility criteria and our Help & Resources for information on the support we offer to applicants while completing your application.
Main eligibility criteria:
Proposed projects must be focused on protecting species categorised by the IUCN Red List as globally threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable) or Data Deficient, or when there is information indicating the need for urgent conservation action. Projects may address themes such as climate impact and adaptation, habitat restoration and/or management, social development and wellbeing, Indigenous community participation, and/or environmental policy.
- Projects must last between three to 12 months
- Projects must take place in an eligible country (please consult the detailed Application Guidelines for a list of eligible countries)
- Project teams must include at least three people
- All team members must be early in their careers (i.e., have no more than five years of professional conservation experience)
- All team members must be nationals of the country in which the project will take place, although one team member can be a non-national if this is clearly justified in the application.
View the list of projects we have supported previously here.
