WFN is now accepting applications for our flagship awards supporting outstanding grassroots conservation leaders
The Whitley Awards provide funding and international recognition to conservationists leading science-based projects that benefit wildlife, landscapes, and people. The Awards celebrate effective and dedicated leaders who are working in direct partnership with communities to deliver lasting impact.
Successful applicants will receive £50,000 in project funding over one year, alongside professional communications support, international publicity, and peer-learning opportunities.
Investing in local leadership
Founded in 1993, WFN has channelled £26 million to over 230 conservationists, supporting practical, scalable solutions to protect and restore nature.
Our approach is simple: to provide catalytic support to conservation leaders with an in-depth understanding of the local context, working with communities to ensure people and nature thrive. By backing leaders embedded within the communities where they work, WFN helps deliver conservation outcomes that are effective, equitable and enduring.
Join a Global Network
Whitley Award winners become part of an influential network of conservation leaders spanning over 80 countries. Winners have access to training, peer-to-peer learning, and collaboration opportunities long after their initial award funding ends.
Winners are also eligible to apply for further funding opportunities, including WFN’s Continuation Funding and the prestigious Whitley Gold Award.
Who Should Apply?
WFN is seeking applications from dynamic, mid-career conservation leaders who:
- Are leading evidence-based conservation projects;
- Are embedded in the local community;
- Are nationals of the country where they work; and
- Have demonstrated measurable success and are ready to scale up their impact.
We welcome applications that focus on both species and wider landscape conservation. Please refer to our eligibility criteria for more detailed information.
Apply Now
Applications for the 2027 Whitley Awards are now open. The deadline for applications is Friday, 30 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Apply now
