The Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) is now accepting applications for its 2026 Future Conservationist Award, a global initiative that supports early-career conservation professionals from eligible low- and middle-income countries. CLP provides financial support, training, mentorship, and access to a worldwide network of conservation practitioners.

• Who Can Apply: Early-career conservationists (≤5 years experience) in eligible low- and middle-income countries
• Team Requirement: Minimum 3 members, primarily nationals of the project country
• Grant Amount: Up to USD 15,000
• Project Duration: 3–12 months
• Deadline: January 9, 2026

Since 1985, CLP has helped emerging conservation leaders carry out impactful biodiversity projects, develop technical skills, and advance long-term conservation careers. Awarded teams undertake projects that address urgent environmental challenges involving threatened species, priority habitats, and community engagement.

Award Details

The Future Conservationist Award provides:

• Up to USD 15,000 in project funding
• Comprehensive conservation leadership training
• Long-term mentorship from conservation experts
• Access to the CLP Alumni Network
• Opportunities to build skills in ecological research, conservation action, and project management
• Potential eligibility for future CLP Continuation Awards

Projects must focus on conservation of globally threatened or data-deficient species, climate adaptation, habitat restoration, Indigenous engagement, environmental policy, community wellbeing, or related themes. Projects must be newly developed and run for 3 to 12 months.

Eligibility

Team Eligibility

• Teams must have at least three members.
• All team members must be nationals of the project country (one non-national may be included with justification).
• Participants must be early-career conservationists with no more than five years of professional conservation experience.
• Team members cannot be employees or contractors of CLP partner organizations (BirdLife, Fauna & Flora, WCS).
• No minimum education level required.
• Teams from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Project Eligibility

• Projects must take place in eligible low- and middle-income countries.
• Funding requested from CLP must be no more than USD 15,000 and cover at least 50% of the project budget.
• Projects must produce tangible conservation outcomes linked to species at risk (CR, EN, VU, DD).
• Proposals must reflect new work, not continuation of an existing project.
• Applications must be written in English and submitted via the CLP online portal.
• Academic research for a degree is not eligible unless it goes clearly beyond academic requirements.

Country Eligibility

Projects must occur in eligible low- and middle-income countries in:

• Africa
• Asia
• Pacific
• Latin America and the Caribbean
• Eastern and Southeastern Europe
• Middle East

High-income Caribbean and Pacific Island nations may also apply.
A full list of eligible and ineligible countries is available in the official guidelines.

What Successful Proposals Demonstrate

Applications are evaluated on:

• Feasibility
• Technical capacity to deliver
• Conservation impact
• Contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Strong proposals include practical fieldwork, community involvement, SMART goals, use of priority conservation sites, stakeholder engagement, and clear outcomes for species and habitats.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the CLP portal.

Required steps:

1. Review the full guidelines before starting the application.
2. Submit the proposal in English through the CLP online portal.
3. Ensure the project meets all eligibility requirements.
4. Use the Step-by-Step guide and checklist provided by CLP.
5. Seek feedback from CLP Alumni Reviewers (available November 10–December 5).
6. Finalize and submit before the deadline.

Application Deadline: January 9, 2026
(11:59 p.m. GMT; no late submissions accepted)

Apply here

Conservationist Award provides early-career conservationists with critical funding, training, and mentorship to implement impactful biodiversity projects in eligible countries. With up to USD 15,000 in support and access to a global expert network, this program strengthens local conservation leadership and empowers teams to protect species and habitats under threat. Eligible teams with strong project ideas and a commitment to conservation are encouraged to apply by January 9, 2026.