The Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) has announced the opening of applications for the prestigious Whitley Award 2024. This esteemed grant offers up to £50,000 to support conservation leaders working tirelessly to protect biodiversity and address climate change in the Global South.
With applications closing at midnight GMT on October 31, 2024, aspiring changemakers have a golden opportunity to secure funding for their vital conservation projects.
About the Whitley Fund for Nature
Established in 1993, the Whitley Fund for Nature has been a driving force in conservation efforts worldwide. Over the past three decades, WFN has channeled an impressive £23 million to support 200 conservation leaders across 80 countries in the Global South.
The organization’s mission is to empower courageous individuals who are leading local solutions to global environmental challenges.
The Whitley Award
The Whitley Award offers £50,000 in project funding over one year. This substantial grant aims to support grassroots conservation initiatives that create lasting benefits for wildlife, landscapes, and local communities.
The award is designed to recognize and amplify the efforts of passionate conservationists who are making a significant impact in their regions.
Eligibility Criteria
WFN has established clear eligibility criteria to ensure that the Whitley Award reaches deserving candidates:
- Geographic Focus: Projects must be based in countries not classified as High-Income Economies by the World Bank, with some exceptions for Equatorial Guinea and certain Caribbean island nations.
- Local Leadership: Applicants should be nationals of the country where they work or have long-term residency (15+ years) with a demonstrable commitment to the region.
- Grassroots Approach: The fund seeks conservationists who are deeply embedded in or from the communities where they work, preferably leading locally incorporated NGOs.
- Communication Skills: Applicants must be proficient in English and possess the ability to inspire and collaborate with others.
- Team Support: While individuals win the awards, they must be backed by an appropriate team or organization.
- Scientific Foundation: Projects should be grounded in scientific evidence and understanding.
- Community Involvement: Work that involves and benefits local communities and stakeholders is essential.
- Ecosystem Focus: Preference is given to ecosystem or landscape-level projects, although flagship species projects are considered if they have broader impacts.
- Proven Track Record: Applicants must demonstrate past success and an evidence-based approach.
- Sustainability: Projects should have long-term viability beyond the award period.
- Financial Management: Organizations with audited accounts are preferred, demonstrating the ability to manage substantial funding.
- Need and Impact: Priority is given to projects where the award will make a significant difference and that can benefit from increased publicity.
What WFN Will Not Fund
To maintain focus on its core mission, WFN has outlined several areas it does not fund, including:
- Projects in High-Income Economies
- Expatriate-led initiatives
- Pure academic research or MSc/PhD fieldwork
- Expeditions and conference attendance
- Start-up or pilot projects
- Absentee leadership
- Joint applications or third-party nominations
- Pure rural/economic development without clear conservation benefits
- Land purchase or building construction
- Captive breeding (with some exceptions)
- Government employees (with some flexibility)
Application Process
For more information and to apply, visit the official Whitley Fund for Nature website at https://whitleyaward.org/apply-for-conservation-funding/apply-for-a-whitley-award/
Timeline and Ceremony
- Application Deadline: The application deadline for the 2025 Whitley Awards is midnight GMT on October 31, 2024.
- Following the application deadline, selected winners will be announced during the Whitley Awards Ceremony in Spring 2025.
- This prestigious event will be held live and streamed online, providing global recognition for the award recipients and their critical work.
