Applications are open for the CLP Future Conservationist Awards 2027, an opportunity for early-career conservationists leading locally driven projects with the potential to contribute to nature conservation.

The awards are offered by the Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP), which supports emerging conservation professionals by combining project funding with practical training, leadership development and access to an international community of conservation practitioners.

For the 2027 cycle, successful teams can receive up to US$15,000 in project funding, alongside specialised training and ongoing professional development support.

About the CLP Future Conservationist Awards

For more than four decades, the Conservation Leadership Programme has supported aspiring conservationists in developing the skills and experience needed to address biodiversity and conservation challenges in their communities.

The Future Conservationist Awards are designed for early-career conservationists who are working on projects that can deliver meaningful benefits for nature while also strengthening their own professional and leadership capacity.

The programme places particular value on locally led conservation work, giving emerging conservation teams an opportunity to develop their projects while gaining access to expertise and networks beyond their immediate communities.

New Application Process for 2027

The application process has changed for the 2027 awards.

Applicants are required to submit a concept note as the first stage of the process. CLP will then assess the concept notes, and only shortlisted teams will be invited to proceed to the next stage and submit a full proposal.

This means prospective applicants should focus on clearly presenting their conservation idea and demonstrating its potential before moving to the full proposal stage.

About the Conservation Leadership Programme

The Conservation Leadership Programme is a partnership between BirdLife International, Fauna & Flora and the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Through this partnership, CLP works to support the next generation of conservation leaders around the world by providing funding, training, professional development and opportunities to build international connections.

Application Details

Early-career conservationists with locally led conservation projects can apply for the CLP Future Conservationist Awards 2027.

The first stage requires applicants to submit a concept note. Teams whose concepts are shortlisted will subsequently be invited to submit a full proposal.

Programme: CLP Future Conservationist Awards 2027
Organiser: Conservation Leadership Programme
Funding: Up to US$15,000
Target group: Early-career conservationists
Focus: Locally led conservation projects and nature conservation
Application process: Concept note followed by full proposal for shortlisted teams

Interested applicants should review the official programme information for detailed eligibility criteria, application guidance and the current deadline which is 30th October 2026 before applying.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity.