Winning a Whitley Award is only the first step.
Delivering real impact takes time. That’s why we provide sustained investment in the people best placed to drive change. WFN’s Continuation Funding provides crucial support to enable Whitley Award winners and their organisations to scale successful projects and respond to an ever-changing conservation landscape.
“Continuation Funding from WFN is incredibly important because it allows ideas the time to mature and demonstrate they can be effective in conservation.”
— Dino Martins, 2009 Whitley Award winner
INVESTMENT IN CONSERVATION LEADERSHIP
Continuation Funding grants are larger and longer-term than the initial Whitley Award, giving conservation leaders and their organisations the stability needed to tackle complex environmental challenges.
Whitley Award winners are invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000 spread over two years. Funding is awarded through a competitive process that combines scientific rigour as well as ambitious, innovative solutions. Proposals are assessed by a panel of experts who generously donate their time to identify the most compelling projects. Whitley Award winners are also invited to submit joint proposals to support collaborations across our conservation network.
Meet the 2025 Continuation Funding winnersSCALING PROVEN CONSERVATION SOLUTIONS
WFN’s Continuation Funding enables conservation leaders to build on demonstrated success. Follow-on grants support organisational development and the expansion of effective approaches, helping winners increase their reach, strengthen partnerships, and secure lasting outcomes for people and nature.
Many projects use nature-based solutions to address multiple environmental challenges simultaneously. By restoring ecosystems, protecting species, and supporting local livelihoods, these initiatives contribute to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIPS FOR LASTING CHANGE
More than half of all Whitley Award winners have gone on to receive Continuation Funding. This sustained support is what allows Whitley Award winners to deepen their impact, strengthen their organisations, and protect threatened species and ecosystems at scale.
But the need for conservation funding is at an all-time high. In 2025, we awarded £1.2 million to leading conservationists scaling up projects, tackling wildlife crime, securing legal protections, and building international partnerships for greater impact.
Every year our network grows. To ensure we are able to continue supporting this network of remarkable conservation leaders, we need to grow with it.
If you would like to discuss opportunities to help fund our long-term conservation partners, please get in touch with us to learn more: [email protected].
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