The Whitley Awards 2027 support grassroots conservation leaders who are ready to scale proven, science-based solutions for people and nature. Each Whitley Award provides £50,000 in project funding over one year, alongside communications support, international recognition, training, and peer-learning opportunities. Applications for the 2027 awards are currently open and must be submitted by 23:59 GMT on Friday, 30 October 2026.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: Whitley Awards 2027
Category: Conservation Award
Host: Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN)
Funding: £50,000 in project funding
Funding Period: One year
Eligible Applicants: Mid-career conservationists leading established conservation projects
Application Status: Open
Application Deadline: 23:59 GMT on Friday, 30 October 2026
About the Whitley Awards 2027
Whitley Awards recognise grassroots conservation leaders who are already delivering practical conservation work and want to expand proven solutions.
The programme focuses on leaders whose projects are rooted in local communities and supported by science. Applicants should be seeking to scale established work rather than begin an entirely new initiative.
Successful applicants receive both project funding and wider professional support designed to strengthen the reach and impact of their conservation work.
Whitley Award Funding and Benefits
Each Whitley Award provides £50,000 in project funding over one year.
Award winners also receive:
✓ £50,000 for their conservation project
✓ International recognition and profile-raising opportunities
✓ Professional communications and media support
✓ Peer learning opportunities
✓ Training and collaboration opportunities
✓ Membership in the Whitley Fund for Nature conservation community
✓ Eligibility for future Continuation Funding
✓ Eligibility for the Whitley Gold Award
The programme therefore combines direct project financing with communications and professional-development support.
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Who Can Apply?
Whitley Awards are intended for dynamic, mid-career conservationists leading active conservation projects.
Applicants should be nationals of the country in which they are working. Their conservation work should already be established and embedded within the local community.
Eligible projects must:
• Involve communities at the grassroots level
• Deliver practical conservation action
• Be founded on science
• Build on proven work that is ready to scale
Applicants do not need to receive an invitation or nomination before applying.
What WFN Looks for in Conservation Projects
The Whitley Award is intended to help conservationists expand work that has already demonstrated potential.
Applicants should therefore present a project with a clear conservation purpose and explain how additional funding and international support could help scale its impact.
The programme particularly emphasizes practical action, local community involvement, science-based approaches, and conservation leadership.
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How to Apply for the Whitley Awards 2027
The application process begins by registering for a Whitley Fund for Nature account through the official online application portal.
After registration, applicants receive login details and can access the application form until the deadline.
The main application process includes:
• Check the official eligibility requirements
• Register for a WFN account
• Access the online application portal
• Complete the application form
• Download and complete the required logical framework/timeline template
• Download and complete the required budget template
• Upload the completed documents to the application portal
• Nominate three referees
• Ensure all three references are submitted before the application deadline
Applicants can save their progress and return to the form before final submission.
Required Application Templates
Two specific documents must be downloaded through the application portal:
• Microsoft Word template for the project logical framework and timeline
• Microsoft Excel template for the project budget
Applicants should use the templates provided for the current application cycle.
WFN states that its templates are updated annually. Applications prepared using outdated forms from previous years will not be considered.
Referee Requirements
Applicants must nominate three referees to support their application.
Each referee must submit a reference to Whitley Fund for Nature. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all three references arrive before the application deadline.
The official application page directs candidates to review the programme FAQs for detailed referee eligibility requirements.
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Selection and Award Timeline
Applications for the 2027 Whitley Awards remain open until the end of October 2026.
The confirmed timeline is:
• Application deadline: 23:59 GMT on Friday, 30 October 2026
• Whitley Awards Ceremony: Spring 2027 in London
• Winner announcement: During the annual Whitley Awards Ceremony
Award winners will receive £50,000 in project funding together with the professional and communications support associated with the programme.
Why the Whitley Award Includes More Than Funding
The Whitley Award combines project financing with opportunities to increase the visibility of conservation work.
In addition to the £50,000 award, winners receive professional communications and media support. They can also participate in peer learning, training, and collaboration activities.
Award recipients become part of a conservation community that includes more than 230 leaders working across over 80 countries.
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official application portal below.
