The call for applications to the CLP Future Conservationist Awards 2027 is open. In the first instance, concept notes must be submitted by Friday, October 30, 2026 (23:59 GMT). See below for more details and a concept note application template.
About the CLP Future Conservationist Awards
Annual CLP Future Conservationist Awards offer early-career conservationists a project grant of up to $15,000 as well as ongoing support through our global Alumni Network, including funding, training and mentorship.
Future Conservationist Awards 2027: Call for Applications
Please note that the 2027 application process is different compared to previous years. Stage 1 requires the submission of a concept note, and Stage 2 invites only the shortlisted (highest-scoring) concepts to submit a full application.
Stage 1: Please find below a downloadable concept note application template and detailed guidelines that must be followed to complete it. Concept notes must be submitted by the deadline of Friday, October 30, 2026, 23:59 GMT. Late, incomplete or ineligible submissions will not be considered (please see the detailed concept note guidelines, and below advice, on eligibility). Concept notes should be submitted to clp.applications@birdlife.org.
- Concept note template
- Guidelines on completing the concept note template (including eligibility criteria)
Stage 2: Shortlisted concept note applicants will be notified and invited to submit a full application via our online application portal. Detailed guidelines on completing the full application will be provided to those who reach this stage.
Advice on eligibility: Please read carefully the guidelines provided and follow them when completing the concept note application template.
Proposed projects must deliver effective conservation interventions for globally important, at-risk habitats and species through both ecological research and conservation action in the following themes: a) climate impact and adaptation, b) biodiversity conservation c) habitat restoration and/or management, d) social development and wellbeing, e) Indigenous community participation and/or community-led conservation, f) environmental policy g) human-wildlife conflict, or h) environmental education and citizen science. We consider ‘at-risk’ species as those 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 local conservation action.
Other key eligibility criteria:
- All team members must be early in their careers (i.e., have no more than five years of professional conservation experience)
- Project teams must include at least three people and explain how each team member will develop their capacity through the project.
- All team members must be nationals of the country in which the project will take place, although one team member can be a non-national if this is clearly justified.
- Projects must take place in an eligible country (see guidelines)
- Project duration must be between six and 12 months.
- Proposed projects must go beyond academic research and this must be demonstrated in the application.
- The total funding request from CLP must not exceed US$15,000 and CLP funding must cover at least 50% of the project budget.
View the list of projects we have supported previously here.