Deadline: 25-Aug-25
If you are a passionate young conservationist between the ages of 18 and 35 who is making a real difference in protecting wild species, the Future for Nature Award offers a unique opportunity to gain recognition, support, and funding for your work.
This prestigious award is intended for individuals who not only care deeply about wildlife but also turn their passion into tangible conservation results. It celebrates dedication, innovation, and long-term impact by rewarding those who are actively shaping the future of nature through bold and effective action.
The purpose of the Future for Nature Award is to reward exceptional individuals for their efforts in conserving wild species, to encourage them to sustain and expand their work, and to help amplify their visibility and networks.
Each year, three winners are selected and awarded €50,000 along with international recognition through the FFN Award. This support is meant not only to celebrate past achievements but also to empower future efforts by providing financial resources, raising the winners’ profile, and helping them connect with global conservation networks.
The award is open to candidates from any country, provided they meet specific eligibility requirements. Applicants must be individuals, not organizations, and must have been born between May 31, 1991, and August 31, 2007, ensuring they are between 18 and 35 years old at the time of the 2026 awards event. Applicants who previously applied for the 2025 award and are aging out of eligibility may apply again for 2026 as a final opportunity.
Successful candidates are expected to have achieved measurable and long-term results in the conservation of one or more wild species. They must show clear evidence of commitment, integrity, leadership, and a creative approach in their conservation efforts, along with a strong drive to continue their work into the future.
Applicants should be able to clearly explain their work in English and must submit applications that reflect their personal vision and experience. While AI tools can be used to guide the writing process, all content must authentically represent the applicant’s own words and work.
The Future for Nature Award is not a project grant; it does not evaluate project proposals. Rather, it honors individuals whose ongoing efforts are already making an impact in the field of species conservation. The award funds should be used for conservation activities of the winner’s choice that contribute directly to protecting wild species. While these activities may include a research component, the focus must be on practical and meaningful conservation outcomes.
Shortlisted candidates—typically between six to twelve individuals—will be asked to provide additional information, such as photographs or videos, to help the selection committee identify the three final awardees. Winners will be invited to present their work at the Future for Nature Awards event in May 2026 at Royal Burgers’ Zoo in Arnhem, the Netherlands. Travel and accommodation expenses for the event will be covered.
Importantly, the funding received must be used solely by the individual winner for their conservation initiative, and no administrative deductions by affiliated organizations will be permitted.
The Future for Nature Award is not just a prize; it’s a platform that enables young conservation leaders to grow, connect, and expand the reach of their work. For those already making a difference in the world of nature conservation, this is an opportunity to gain the recognition and support needed to take their efforts to the next level.
For more information, visit FFN Foundation.
