Whitley Awards 2026 for Mid-Career Conservation Leaders in the Global South (£50,000)

Illustrative Image: Whitley Awards 2026 for Mid-Career Conservation Leaders in the Global South (£50,000)
Image Source & Credit: Whitley Fund for Nature
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Application Deadline: 31 October 2025

The Whitley Awards, often described as the “Green Oscars,” are now open for applications for the 2026 cycle. This prestigious international award provides recognition and funding to outstanding grassroots conservation leaders working in the Global South. Each year, the program places a global spotlight on individuals who are making significant strides in protecting biodiversity while working closely with local communities.

What are the Whitley Awards?

Established by the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN), the awards celebrate mid-career conservationists who have already demonstrated measurable impact in wildlife conservation and are ready to scale their proven projects. Unlike many grants, the Whitley Awards focus on conservation that is:

• Locally led – applicants must be nationals of the country where they are working.

• Community-based – projects must actively engage local people as part of the solution.

• Scientifically grounded – initiatives must be evidence-based and focused on practical, real-world outcomes.

The overarching concept of the Whitley Awards is to empower “conservation from within”—supporting leaders who understand the ecological, cultural, and socio-economic dynamics of their regions and who are uniquely positioned to deliver sustainable change.

Award Value and Benefits

• Funding Support: Each Whitley Award winner receives £50,000 GBP in project funding, disbursed over one year. This funding is intended to help expand and strengthen projects that are already proven effective.

• Global Recognition: Winners gain international visibility through a high-profile awards ceremony and extensive media coverage.

• Network Access: Awardees join a vibrant network of past Whitley winners, conservation experts, and potential donors, opening doors to long-term collaboration.

• Capacity Building: Beyond funding, the award provides winners with opportunities to enhance their leadership skills, strategic planning, and outreach.

Who Can Apply?

The Whitley Awards are designed for dynamic, mid-career conservation leaders who are already leading impactful wildlife projects in the Global South. Applicants must:

• Be nationals of the country in which they are carrying out their work.

• Be leading projects that involve local communities at the grassroots level.

• Demonstrate that their work has a solid scientific foundation and delivers measurable results.

• Be seeking support to scale up a proven initiative, not to start a brand-new, untested project.

Note: You do not need to be nominated or invited to apply. The awards are open to self-applicants who meet the eligibility criteria.

Application Process

1. Check Eligibility
   Review the eligibility criteria carefully to ensure your project aligns with the Whitley Fund for Nature’s mission. Projects that are not community-based or lack a scientific foundation will not be considered.

2. Register for the Application Portal

   • Applicants must register via the official WFN application portal.

   • Once registered, you will receive unique login details that allow you to access and complete your application online.

3. Prepare Supporting Documents

   • Download and complete the Logical Framework/Timeline (Word template) and Budget (Excel template) provided in the portal.

   • Upload the completed documents along with your application form.

4. Contact Referees

   • Secure three referees who can provide references in support of your application.

   • It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure referees submit their recommendations before the 31 October 2025 deadline.

5. Submit Application
   Complete and save your application online. Remember that incomplete forms or outdated templates from previous years will not be accepted.

Timeline

• Applications Open: Now accepting submissions.

• Deadline: Midnight (GMT), 31 October 2025.

• Whitley Awards Ceremony: Spring 2026 in London. The event will be broadcast live and streamed globally, giving winners significant international exposure.

Why the Whitley Awards Matter

The Whitley Awards are not just about funding—they are about building global champions for conservation. By supporting leaders who are deeply embedded in their local contexts, the awards foster long-term conservation solutions that balance biodiversity protection with the needs of local communities. This holistic approach ensures that conservation is not imposed externally, but rather emerges from within communities themselves, increasing the likelihood of sustainable impact.

👉 For more details and to apply, visit the Official Whitley Awards Webpage.