The Whitley Awards 2027 offer £50,000 in project funding over one year to outstanding grassroots conservation leaders working to protect wildlife, biodiversity and ecosystems. Administered by the Whitley Fund for Nature, the awards support experienced conservationists seeking to expand proven, science-based projects that involve local communities and deliver measurable conservation outcomes.
Applications are open, and the deadline is 30 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
About the Whitley Awards
The Whitley Awards recognise conservation leaders who are already achieving results and need additional resources and international visibility to scale up their work. Projects should demonstrate practical conservation action, community participation and lasting benefits for both nature and people.
Funding and Benefits
Selected awardees receive:
- £50,000 in project funding over one year.
- International recognition and opportunities to raise the profile of their work.
- Professional communications and media support.
- Peer learning, training and collaboration opportunities.
- Eligibility to be considered for future Continuation Funding and the Whitley Gold Award.
Who Can Apply?
The awards are intended for mid-career conservationists with a demonstrated record of successful conservation work.
Applicants should:
- Be nationals of the country where they work, subject to the funder’s eligibility rules.
- Lead an established conservation project with evidence of prior success.
- Work with local communities and demonstrate practical, science-based conservation outcomes.
- Seek to expand or scale up proven work rather than launch a pilot or start-up project.
- Work for, or have a formal agreement with, a locally incorporated NGO, charity, nonprofit organisation or university in an eligible country.
Projects should have a clear biodiversity conservation focus. Examples include threatened habitat protection, community-based wildlife conservation, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and biodiversity conservation linked to sustainable livelihoods.
Important Eligibility Note for Indian Applicants
The Whitley Fund for Nature requires applicants from India to provide an FCRA registration number for the organisation listed in the application. Applicants should confirm that their organisation meets this requirement and all other eligibility conditions before investing time in an application.
The organisation must also provide relevant registration and financial documents. Applicants must nominate three referees and ensure that all references are submitted before the deadline. At least one referee should be international, and referees must not have a financial interest in the project’s success.
Application Deadline: 30 October 2026, at 23:59 GMT.
How to Apply
Read the eligibility criteria and application guidance on the official Whitley Awards website before registering and completing the online application. Applicants must use the current year’s application forms, logical framework and timeline template, and budget template.
Official application page:
https://whitleyaward.org/apply-for-conservation-funding/apply-for-a-whitley-award/
Related Resource
Indian NGOs working on environmental protection and biodiversity can also explore other relevant funding opportunities listed on NGOPortal.
Disclaimer: NGOPortal provides funding information for reference. Applicants should confirm eligibility, FCRA requirements, documentation and deadlines directly with the Whitley Fund for Nature before applying.