Future For Nature Award — Fellowship

Future For Nature is a Netherlands-based conservation foundation that gives three awards of €50,000 each year to young nature conservationists. The award goes to individuals whose work has already produced substantial and long-term gains for the conservation status of one or more wild species. Winners spend the money at their own discretion on conservation activities they initiate and run themselves. Candidates from all over the world can apply, and the work itself can be based in any country. Winners also join the FFN Family, the community of past award winners, and gain a platform to reach conservationists, donors and wider audiences. The 2027 round is open and closes on 23 August.

Benefits & funding

€50,000 for each winner, with three winners chosen every year.
The prize money is used at the winner’s own discretion for nature conservation activities that the winner initiates and implements.
International recognition at the Awards ceremony in Arnhem, the Netherlands, which is broadcast to an international audience.
A platform to share the winner’s work with conservationists, donors and wider audiences.
Access to a peer network of fellow conservationists for mentoring and growth.
Membership of the growing FFN Family of award winners.

Eligibility

Born on or after 31 May 1991 and on or before 31 August 2008, which means 35 or under at the 2027 ceremony and 18 or over at the time of applying.
An individual applicant, not an organisation, a programme or a group of individuals.
A record of substantial and long-term benefits to the conservation status of one or more wild species.
A clear intention to continue conservation work, since the award is meant to fuel future work.
Able to explain the conservation work in proficient written and spoken English.
Open to candidates from anywhere in the world, with no nationality, residency or degree requirement.
Anyone who applied for the 2026 award cannot apply for the 2027 award and must wait one cycle.

Can you apply?

Worth a closer look

Age requirement
18–35 yrs
Not in your profile yet

We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.

Application process

1
Complete the online application form on the Future For Nature apply page before 23 August, 23:00 CEST.
2
Upload a passport or identity document showing the applicant’s name and date of birth.
3
Answer the written questions on the conservation work, its achievements, the future vision and the intended use of the prize money, and list education and employment history in chronological order.
4
Provide two references from two different organisations, each up to 700 characters, with referee contact details.
5
The FFN team screens all submissions for eligibility and passes the qualifying ones to the National Selection Committee, which shortlists 6 to 12 nominees.
6
Nominees submit further material, including written information, photography, video and detailed reference statements.
7
The International Selection Committee scores and discusses the nominees, then recommends three winners to the FFN Board.
8
The three winners are notified, accept in writing, and are announced publicly before the ceremony in Arnhem.

Program timeline

Application deadline, 23:00 CEST
23 August 2026
After the deadline
eligibility screening by the FFN team
National Selection Committee shortlists 6 to 12 nominees
Nominees submit additional written, photo and video material
International Selection Committee scores nominees and recommends three winners
Winners are notified, accept in writing, and are announced publicly
Awards ceremony in Arnhem, the Netherlands (date not published)
2027