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.

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.