The Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) Future Conservationist Awards 2027 offer up to US$15,000 for early-career conservation teams working on biodiversity, threatened species and habitat protection. Submit concept notes by 30 October 2026.
Background & Award Description
The Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) has opened applications for its 2027 Future Conservationist Awards, offering grants of up to US$15,000 to early-career conservation teams undertaking projects that protect threatened species and important habitats.
The awards support projects combining ecological research with practical conservation action. Successful teams can also benefit from the CLP Alumni Network, which provides ongoing opportunities for funding, training and mentorship.
The 2027 application process has changed. Applicants must first submit a concept note, and only shortlisted teams will be invited to submit a full application.
The concept note deadline is 30 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Award Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | CLP Future Conservationist Awards 2027 |
| Organisation | Conservation Leadership Programme |
| Maximum funding | US$15,000 |
| Target applicants | Early-career conservation teams |
| Project duration | 6–12 months |
| Application stage | Concept note |
| Deadline | 30 October 2026, 23:59 GMT |
| Submission email | clp.applications@birdlife.org |
| Further support | Training, mentorship and Alumni Network |
| Application requirements | Review the concept note template and eligibility guidelines |
Project Themes and Funding Priorities
Proposed projects must combine ecological research with effective conservation interventions for globally important, at-risk species and habitats.
Eligible project themes include:
- Climate impacts and adaptation.
- Biodiversity conservation.
- Habitat restoration and management.
- Social development and wellbeing.
- Indigenous community participation and community-led conservation.
- Environmental policy.
- Human-wildlife conflict.
- Environmental education and citizen science.
At-risk species may include those classified by the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable or Data Deficient, as well as species for which there is evidence of an urgent need for local conservation action.
Projects must go beyond academic research and demonstrate practical conservation benefits.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The programme is intended for teams of early-career conservationists. Applicants should carefully review the official guidelines before submitting a concept note.
Key eligibility requirements include:
- Career experience: All team members must have no more than five years of professional conservation experience.
- Team composition: Each project team must include at least three people and explain how every member will develop their capacity through the project.
- Nationality: All team members must be nationals of the country where the project will take place, although one non-national team member may be accepted with clear justification.
- Eligible countries: Projects must take place in a country included in CLP’s official eligibility guidelines.
- Duration: Projects must last between six and 12 months.
- Funding limit: The funding requested from CLP must not exceed US$15,000.
- Budget contribution: CLP funding must cover at least 50% of the total project budget.
- Project focus: Proposals must demonstrate both ecological research and practical conservation action.
Additional Information
The 2027 awards use a two-stage application process.
Stage 1: Concept note submission
Applicants must complete the official concept note template and follow the detailed application guidelines. Concept notes must be emailed to clp.applications@birdlife.org by 30 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Late, incomplete or ineligible submissions will not be considered.
Stage 2: Full application
Only shortlisted applicants with the highest-scoring concept notes will be invited to submit a full application through CLP’s online application portal. Further instructions will be provided to shortlisted teams.
How to apply: Start by visiting the Conservation Leadership Programme website to locate the Future Conservationist Awards 2027 concept note template and eligibility guidelines. Read the requirements carefully before preparing and emailing your submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much funding do the CLP Future Conservationist Awards offer?
Successful projects can receive up to US$15,000. The funding requested must also represent at least 50% of the project’s total budget.
2. Who can apply for the 2027 awards?
Early-career conservation teams whose members have no more than five years of professional conservation experience may apply, provided they meet the programme’s other eligibility requirements.
3. What is the application deadline?
Concept notes must be submitted by 30 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
4. Can individuals apply independently?
The stated eligibility criteria require project teams to include at least three people. Applicants should follow the official guidelines on team composition.
5. How long should a conservation project last?
Proposed projects must run for between six and 12 months.
6. Which projects are eligible?
Projects may address biodiversity conservation, threatened species, habitat restoration, climate adaptation, environmental education, human-wildlife conflict and other eligible themes. They must combine research with practical conservation action.
7. Do applicants submit a full proposal immediately?
No. The first stage requires a concept note. Only shortlisted, highest-scoring concepts will progress to the full application stage.
8. Where should concept notes be submitted?
The programme specifies clp.applications@birdlife.org as the submission email. Applicants should use the official template and follow the published guidelines.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The CLP Future Conservationist Awards 2027 may be particularly valuable for early-career conservation teams working to protect threatened species, restore habitats and develop community-led conservation initiatives. The grant combines project funding with opportunities for training, mentorship and continued engagement through the CLP Alumni Network.
Applicants should prioritise the concept note deadline and confirm that their team, project location, duration and budget satisfy every eligibility requirement.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares funding and educational opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the Conservation Leadership Programme and does not award funding on its behalf. Applicants should verify the latest eligibility criteria and submission instructions through the official programme website.
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