What if your conservation work could reach more communities, protect threatened ecosystems and create lasting change for wildlife? The Whitley Awards 2027 offer established conservation leaders an opportunity to scale up successful, community-focused projects with £50,000 in funding over one year.

Presented by the Whitley Fund for Nature, these awards recognise people leading practical conservation initiatives in their own countries. Beyond financial support, selected winners receive international recognition, communications support and opportunities to connect with a global network of conservation leaders.

This opportunity is particularly suited to mid-career conservationists who have already demonstrated results and are ready to expand their work. It is not intended for new or pilot projects, purely academic research, or individual students seeking funding for degree-related fieldwork.

Applications for the 2027 awards close on 30 October 2026. If you are leading an established conservation initiative with measurable results, this is an opportunity worth exploring.

The Whitley Awards are an annual conservation funding programme run by the Whitley Fund for Nature. They support local leaders who are protecting wildlife and ecosystems through practical work that involves and benefits nearby communities.

The programme focuses on conservation initiatives that have already demonstrated success and could achieve greater impact with additional funding and visibility.

Projects may address threatened habitats, biodiversity loss, human-wildlife conflict, anti-poaching efforts and community-led conservation. The foundation generally favours approaches that protect ecosystems and deliver measurable results rather than projects focused exclusively on academic research or a single species without wider conservation benefits.

1. Project funding

Each Whitley Award provides £50,000 for conservation activities over one year. The funding should support a clear plan to expand or strengthen work that has already demonstrated results.

Applicants need to submit a detailed budget and show how the funding will make a meaningful difference to their conservation goals.

2. International recognition

Winners receive opportunities to raise the profile of their work through the foundation’s communications and media support. Greater visibility can help conservation leaders attract partners, engage wider audiences and build support for long-term environmental protection.

3. Professional development and collaboration

Award recipients become part of a wider network of conservation leaders. They can benefit from peer learning, training and opportunities to share knowledge with others working on environmental challenges.

4. Potential future funding

Whitley Award winners may become eligible to apply for additional support through the foundation’s continuation funding opportunities or the Whitley Gold Award. These are separate opportunities and are not guaranteed parts of the initial award.

Important funding note: The £50,000 is restricted to the approved conservation project. It should not be presented as a personal salary, scholarship or grant for unrestricted living expenses. Applicants must demonstrate that their organisation can manage the funding responsibly.

Applicants working in India may be eligible if their project and organisation meet the foundation’s criteria.

The proposed work must have a direct conservation benefit, demonstrate measurable progress and involve local communities. Applicants should already be leading an established initiative rather than seeking funding for a new or experimental project.

There is also an important organisational requirement for applications from India: the foundation’s application guidance asks for the organisation’s FCRA registration number. Applicants should confirm that their organisation meets the relevant financial and registration requirements before applying.

Being an Indian citizen or working on an environmental project is not sufficient on its own. Applicants must also check that India and their specific project meet the current eligibility rules.