The Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) has officially opened the call for applications for the 2026 Future Conservationist Awards. Early-career conservationists from eligible countries are invited to apply for project grants of up to USD $15,000 by the deadline January 9, 2026.

These awards provide more than just funding. Successful applicants join CLP’s renowned global Alumni Network, gaining access to long-term professional support including mentorship, training, peer learning, technical guidance, and opportunities for additional continuation awards.

If you are committed to conserving globally threatened species, empowering local communities, and building your leadership in the conservation sector, this is one of the most prestigious early-career opportunities available worldwide.

About the Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP)

The Conservation Leadership Programme is a globally respected initiative jointly managed by BirdLife International, Fauna & Flora, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. CLP nurtures emerging conservation leaders through:

• Capacity-building training

• Long-term mentorship and career support

• Seed funding for conservation projects

• Opportunities for networking and collaboration

• Access to expert advisors and alumni reviewers

Since 1985, CLP has supported thousands of young conservationists in biodiversity-rich countries, contributing to new species discoveries, the creation of protected areas, conservation policy improvements, and the establishment of local NGOs.

About the 2026 Future Conservationist Award

The Future Conservationist Award supports early-career conservation teams conducting high-impact field projects focused on saving species and ecosystems at risk. Each award provides:

• Up to USD $15,000 in project funding

• Professional guidance from CLP staff and partners

• A place in CLP’s international training programme

• Access to a global alumni network of conservation leaders

Projects must combine research, conservation action, and community engagement, and must result in tangible, measurable conservation outcomes.

Application Deadline

January 9, 2026 (11:59 PM GMT)
All applications must be submitted through the CLP online application portal.
Applications submitted by email will not be accepted.

Main Eligibility Criteria (Quick Summary)

1. Species Focus

• Proposed projects must be focused on protecting species categorised by the IUCN Red List as globally threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable) or Data Deficient, or when there is information indicating the need for urgent conservation action.

Themes may include:

• Climate adaptation and resilience

• Habitat restoration or management

• Social development and community wellbeing

• Indigenous participation and rights

• Environmental governance or policy

2. Country Eligibility

Projects must take place in a CLP-eligible low- or middle-income country.
High-income Caribbean and Pacific Island countries are also eligible.
A full list of eligible and ineligible countries is available in the CLP Guidelines.

3. Team Requirements

• Minimum three team members

• All team members must be nationals of the project country (one non-national allowed if clearly justified)

• Each team member must have no more than five years of professional conservation experience

• No minimum education level required

• Team must demonstrate diversity, inclusion, and shared leadership potential

4. Project Requirements

• Duration: 3–12 months

• CLP funding must cover at least 50% of the total budget

• Must be new work, not a continuation of an existing project

• Must go beyond academic research, with clear conservation action

• Must include a theory of change, SMART goals, and a feasible methodology

• Field research must link to long-term conservation action and local priorities

How to Apply

1. Applications must be submitted via the online application portal by January 9, 2026.

2. Review all CLP Guidelines, including eligibility criteria and the step-by-step application guide.

3. Use the checklist provided in the portal to strengthen your application.

4. Ensure all information is complete, clear, and written in English.

5. Contact CLP or alumni reviewers early if you need feedback or clarification.

For questions, email: clp@birdlife.org

What CLP Funding Does Not Support

• Scholarships or academic tuition

• Conference attendance

• Consultant fees

• Captive breeding or gene storage

• Projects initiated by a CLP partner organisation

• Plagiarized or fraudulent proposals

Judging Criteria

Applications are evaluated in four key areas:

1. Feasibility

• Clear, realistic objectives

• Strong methods

• Cost-efficient budget

• Evidence of support from local institutions and communities

2. Technical Capacity

• Skillset and leadership potential of team members

• Support from experienced advisors

• Ethical and appropriate research methods

3. Conservation Impact

• Contribution to local, national, or global conservation priorities

• Benefits to local communities

• Long-term conservation outcomes

4. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

• Inclusive stakeholder engagement

• Representation of marginalized groups

• Participatory approaches in project activities

• Equal opportunities for all team members

Additional Resources for Applicants

CLP provides several tools to support applicants:

• Step-by-Step Application Guidelines

• Conservation Project Manual (available in multiple languages)

• Institutional Fundraising Manual

• YouTube videos explaining eligibility and common mistakes

• CLP Alumni Reviewers (available Nov 10 – Dec 5, 2025)

Why Apply for the Future Conservationist Award?

Successful applicants gain:

• Seed funding to launch or expand impactful conservation projects

• Professional growth through hands-on leadership experience

• Access to world-class trainers and conservation experts

• A lifelong global network of conservation professionals

• Opportunities for follow-up funding through CLP’s Continuation Awards

Explore Past Award-Winning Projects

See the list of projects previously supported by CLP to inspire your proposal and understand the programme’s impact. (Insert link on your website as needed.)

Final Reminder

Application Deadline: January 9, 2026
Submit early to avoid technical issues and ensure enough time for feedback and revisions. Applications must be submitted via the online application portal by January 9, 2026.

Please consult the detailed application guidelines and eligibility criteria and our Help & Resources for information on the support we offer to applicants while completing your application.