The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), through its Russell E. Train Education for Nature (EFN) Program, is now accepting applications for multiple fully funded fellowships and grants in 2026.

These opportunities support:

• Master’s and PhD students

• EFN alumni conservation leaders

• Universities, research institutions, and organizations

• Capacity-building initiatives in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and selected African countries

If you are working in biodiversity conservation, inclusive governance, environmental and social impact, or community-led sustainability, there is a funding stream designed for you.

Application Deadline for All Programs: April 15, 2026 (11:59 PM US Eastern Time)

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1. WWF Conservation Futures Fellowship 2026

Fully Funded Master’s & PhD in Inclusive Conservation

The WWF Conservation Futures Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications. Offered by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) through its Russell E. Train Education for Nature (EFN) Program, this fully funded graduate fellowship supports master’s and PhD students committed to advancing inclusive, community-led conservation research in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Indigenous peoples and local communities are among the world’s most effective stewards of biodiversity. Their deep knowledge of species, ecosystems, lands, and waters plays a critical role in:

• Ecosystem restoration

• Climate change adaptation and resilience

• Sustainable natural resource management

• Livelihood strengthening

However, conservation efforts have historically marginalized these communities. Persistent barriers include:

• Inadequate recognition of land and resource rights

• Limited integration of local and traditional knowledge

• Insufficient collaboration in governance systems

• Lack of sustainable conservation financing

The Conservation Futures Fellowship addresses these gaps by investing in research and leadership that centers Indigenous peoples and local communities in biodiversity conservation policy and practice.

About the Fellowship

The Conservation Futures Fellowship builds on WWF’s commitment to strengthening inclusive conservation leadership. It supports emerging and experienced researchers, practitioners, and leaders pursuing graduate-level studies that:

• Advance understanding of the human dimensions of conservation

• Strengthen community engagement in biodiversity protection

• Promote co-creation of knowledge and solutions

• Integrate traditional ecological knowledge with conservation science

Selected fellows will join WWF’s global conservation leadership network through the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program.

Funding Details

Applicants may request funding for:

• Up to 2 years for master’s degree programs

• Up to 3 years for PhD programs

Awards may provide up to USD 30,000 per year, covering:

• Tuition and academic fees

• Living expenses

• Books and materials

• Research and fieldwork costs

Final award amounts are determined based on proposal scope and need.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: April 15, 2026 (11:59 PM US Eastern Time)

• Selection Period: April–June 2026

• Notification of Results: July 2026

• Contracts and Grant Issuance: August–September 2026

Eligible Countries

The fellowship is open to applicants from eligible countries within WWF-US priority areas who are already enrolled/are interested in enrolling in a master’s or PhD program.

• Belize

• Bhutan

• Bolivia

• Brazil

• Cambodia

• Cameroon

• Central African Republic

• Chile

• Colombia

• Democratic Republic of Congo

• Ecuador

• Fiji

• French Guiana

• Gabon

• Guatemala

• Guyana

• Honduras

• Indonesia

• Kenya

• Laos

• Madagascar

• Malaysia

• Mozambique

• Myanmar

• Namibia

• Nepal

• Paraguay

• Peru

• Republic of Congo

• Suriname

• Tanzania

• Uganda

• Vietnam

• Zambia

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the WWF Conservation Futures Fellowship, applicants must meet all of the following:

Academic Requirements

• Be enrolled in, admitted to, or have applied for a master’s or PhD program anywhere in the world

• Plan to begin studies no later than January 2027

• Preference is given to candidates studying in their home countries or regions

Professional Experience

• Have at least two years of conservation-related work, research, or academic experience

Commitment to Conservation

• Demonstrate a clear intention to work in conservation within an eligible country

• Show dedication to inclusive and community-led conservation approaches

Additional Requirements

• Submit a complete application by April 15, 2026

• Contact EFN if currently or previously affiliated with WWF as staff, consultant, or EFN grantee

Thematic Research Areas

The fellowship supports applied, policy-relevant research conducted in close collaboration with Indigenous peoples and local communities.

Applicants should ensure their research is:

• Academically rigorous

• Practically relevant

• Community-engaged

• Policy-oriented

Theme 1: Drivers and Trends in Ecosystems and Community Engagement

Research may focus on:

• Biodiversity loss

• Human-wildlife conflict

• Climate change and adaptation strategies

• Community-based conservation models

• Demographic and socio-ecological drivers of ecosystem change

Theme 2: Valuation, Values, and Value Systems

Research may examine:

• Economic, social, and cultural valuation of biodiversity

• Indigenous knowledge systems and environmental ethics

• Rights-based approaches to conservation

• Long-term sustainability visions for people and nature

Theme 3: Engaging Youth in Conservation

Proposals may explore:

• Youth leadership development

• Conservation education models

• Intergenerational knowledge transfer

• Youth-driven environmental action strategies

Theme 4: Technology as Tools for Engagement and Co-Creation

Research may investigate:

• Artificial intelligence applications in conservation

• Geographic information systems (GIS)

• Remote sensing technologies

• Citizen science platforms

• Data tools that enhance community participation

Theme 5: Governance and Transformation

Research may analyze:

• Inclusive governance mechanisms

• Community-based conservation systems

• Integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge

• Legal, economic, and regulatory tools supporting biodiversity

• Transformative pathways for ecosystem resilience

All proposals must include meaningful community engagement throughout the research process.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated competitively based on the following:

Academic and Professional Excellence

• Demonstrated commitment to conservation

• Strong academic and professional track record

Research Quality

• Originality and relevance of the research topic

• Clear and feasible research design

• Strong analytical framework

• Real-world conservation application

Community Engagement

• Meaningful collaboration with Indigenous peoples and local communities

• Trust-building and inclusive participation strategies

• Integration of traditional knowledge

Ethical and Cultural Sensitivity

• Respect for local customs and traditions

• Clear consent and data ownership strategies

• Equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms

Impact and Measurability

• Clearly defined outputs and measurable outcomes

• Short- and long-term conservation impact

• Potential for leadership and sustained influence beyond the fellowship period

Feasibility and Budget Realism

• Realistic timeline

• Appropriate allocation for community engagement

• Achievable objectives within available funding

Letters of Recommendation

• Concrete examples of past conservation contributions

• Evidence of leadership potential

Why Apply?

The WWF Conservation Futures Fellowship provides:

• Significant financial support for graduate studies

• Access to a global conservation leadership network

• Opportunities for collaborative and community-based research

• Platform for advancing inclusive biodiversity governance

• Professional growth within the conservation sector

As biodiversity loss and climate change intensify, inclusive conservation models that elevate Indigenous and local leadership are essential. This fellowship is designed for researchers and practitioners who are ready to contribute to transformative conservation solutions grounded in equity, knowledge co-creation, and sustainable ecosystem management.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit their complete application by April 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time.

For further information regarding the application process, applicants may contact efn@wwfus.org.

The WWF Conservation Futures Fellowship 2026 represents a strategic investment in conservation leaders committed to advancing biodiversity protection through inclusive, community-centered approaches.

2. The Caroline Goldman Cassagnol Fellowship

Seed Funding for EFN Alumni Leaders

The Caroline Goldman Cassagnol Fellowship is designed specifically for EFN alumni who are advancing conservation research, outreach, education, and capacity building.

This fellowship builds on WWF’s 30 years of long-term capacity development by supporting conservation leaders who:

• Promote local ownership of solutions

• Enhance co-development initiatives

• Strengthen sustainability of conservation programs

• Build long-term institutional capacity

Funding

• Duration: 12 months

• Up to USD $15,000

• Strong budget justification required

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be EFN alumni

• Have completed a Master’s or PhD

• Hold (or be committed to holding) an appointment in:

  • University

  • Research institution

  • Government institution

  • Non-government organization

Regions:

• Africa

• Latin America & the Caribbean

• Asia

This fellowship is ideal for alumni who want to continue or return to work in:

• Higher education

• Academic research

• Conservation outreach

• Capacity development

 

The fellowship covers a duration of 12 months, and applicants may request up to $15,000. Please note that the amount of funding approved will vary, and proposals should provide a strong budget justification. Applications must be submitted through the online portal by April 15, 2026.

View full grant guidelines in PDF version.

APPLY HERE

 

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3. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Grant

Capacity Building for Institutions & Teams

WWF EFN also invites proposals for the Environmental and Social Impact Grant, designed to strengthen institutional capacity related to:

• Environmental and social impact assessment

• Inclusive conservation

• Sustainable development

• Ecosystem risk management

Geographic Focus

• Kenya

• Tanzania

• Madagascar

Funding

• Up to USD $15,000

• Activities must be completed before December 2027

• Funding amount varies based on proposal strength

Who Can Apply?

• Institutions

• Research teams

• Organizations

• Capacity-building networks

Proposals should focus on:

• Enhancing local practitioner skills

• Supporting communities

• Addressing environmental and social risks of development projects

• Strengthening WWF priority areas including:

  • Climate

  • Food systems

  • Forests

  • Freshwater

  • Oceans

  • Wildlife

Accepted applicants will be notified by July 2026.

The proposed activities should be completed before December 2027, and applicants may request up to US$ 15,000 with strong budget justifications. Applications must be submitted through the online portal by April 15, 2026, by 11:59 PM US Eastern Time.  The amount of funding approved will vary. Accepted applicants will be notified by July 2026. Any questions about the application process or program should be directed to efn@wwfus.org.

View full grant guidelines in PDF version:

• English
• Francês

APPLY HERE

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Why These WWF EFN Opportunities Matter

Across all three funding streams, the core emphasis is on:

• Inclusive conservation

• Indigenous and local leadership

• Community co-creation

• Capacity building

• Long-term sustainability

• Transformative conservation governance

WWF’s Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program remains one of the most respected global conservation funding platforms for leaders from biodiversity-rich regions.

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Key Dates

• Application Deadline: April 15, 2026

• Review Period: April–June 2026

• Notifications: July 2026

All applications must be submitted through the official online portal.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you are:

• A Master’s or PhD student

• An EFN alumnus ready to scale impact

• A conservation institution strengthening impact assessment capacity

These WWF fellowships and grants provide strategic funding to accelerate biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and inclusive conservation leadership.

For questions regarding applications, contact:
efn@wwfus.org

If you are serious about advancing conservation through research, policy, and community engagement, these opportunities should be at the top of your 2026 funding list.