The World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-US Youth Conservation Leadership Award is accepting applications from young people in the United States who are leading community work focused on environmental conservation.
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This award recognises young leaders working on issues such as climate change, biodiversity, wildlife conservation, food waste, habitat protection and community resilience.
2026/27 WWF-US Youth Conservation Leadership Award at a Glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Award | WWF-US Youth Conservation Leadership Award |
| Award cycle | 2026–2027 |
| Award amount | $5,000 |
| Eligible applicants | US residents |
| Age requirement | 18 to 30 years |
| Main focus | Environmental and conservation leadership |
| Application deadline | September 18, 2026 |
| Application method | Online application form |
| Additional submission | Up-to-date resume |
| Resume email | conservationleader@wwfus.org |
| Organisation | WWF-US |
About the 2026-2027 World Wildlife Fund WWF-US Youth Conservation Leadership Award
The WWF-US Youth Conservation Leadership Award recognize people who are already taking action and leading work related to environmental issues.
WWF has previously recognized young conservation leaders for work involving climate action, local environmental policy and community based conservation. For example, WWF’s 2025 recipient, Emmy Scott, was recognized for climate justice leadership and community based environmental work.
What Does the Award Support?
The selected recipient receives $5,000 that can be used to help fund academic and/or professional development related to their conservation work. This means applicants should be able to explain how their environmental work connects with their academic or professional development.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the 2026–2027 WWF-US Youth Conservation Leadership Award, applicants must:
- Be a US resident
- Be between 18 and 30 years old
- Be a young leader working in the environmental or conservation space
- Be contributing to conservation through community work or an environmental initiative
Who Is Not Eligible?
You cannot apply if you are:
- A federal, state or local government employee
- A current or former WWF network staff member
- An immediate family member of a current or former WWF network staff member
- A previous winner of the WWF-US Conservation Leadership Award
What Types of Projects Can Qualify?
Climate change
Projects working to address the effects of climate change or help communities respond to environmental pressures.
Community resilience
Initiatives helping communities prepare for or respond to environmental challenges.
Biodiversity
Work focused on protecting species and biological diversity.
Wildlife conservation
Projects that contribute to the protection of wildlife.
Food waste
Community projects that address food waste and its environmental effects.
Habitat protection
Initiatives working to protect important habitats and natural areas. The list is not limited to these areas. The application information also refers to other conservation work that contributes to protecting the planet.
What Can the $5,000 Be Used For?
The award provides $5,000 for academic and/or professional development related to the recipient’s conservation work. Applicants should be prepared to explain how the funding would support their development and connect with the environmental work they are already doing.
How to Apply for the WWF Youth Conservation Leadership Award
Step 1: Check the eligibility requirements
Confirm that you are a US resident and between 18 and 30 years old. Also make sure you do not fall under any of the listed exclusion categories.
Step 2: Prepare information about your conservation work
Think about the project or initiative you are leading. Be ready to explain the environmental issue you are addressing, what your role has been and what your work has achieved. Specific examples will help the reviewers understand your contribution.
Step 3: Complete the online application
Applications for the 2026–2027 award should be submitted through the official WWF-US application form.
Step 4: Prepare your resume
After submitting the application form, send an up-to-date resume to conservationleader@wwfus.org. Make sure the resume reflects your current education, professional experience, leadership activities and conservation work.
Step 5: Submit before the deadline
Do not leave the resume submission until the last minute. The application instructions specifically require applicants to send the updated resume after submitting the form.
Application Deadline: September 18, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WWF Youth Conservation Leadership Award?
It is a WWF-US award that recognises young people making outstanding contributions to environmental conservation in their communities.
How much is the award worth?
The award is worth $5,000.
What can the $5,000 be used for?
The funding can help support academic and/or professional development related to the recipient’s conservation work.
Who can apply?
US residents between the ages of 18 and 30 who are working as youth leaders in the environmental or conservation space can apply, provided they do not fall under the listed exclusions.
Can someone outside the United States apply?
The eligibility information provided states that applicants must be US residents.
What age must applicants be?
Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old.
Can a government employee apply?
No. Federal, state and local government employees are listed as ineligible.
Can a WWF employee apply?
Current or former WWF network staff members are ineligible.
Can a family member of a WWF staff member apply?
Immediate family members of current or former WWF network staff members are listed as ineligible.
Can a previous award winner apply again?
No. Previous winners of the WWF-US Conservation Leadership Award are ineligible.
What environmental issues can an applicant work on?
The award information mentions climate change, community resilience, biodiversity, wildlife conservation, food waste, habitat protection and other conservation issues.
Do I need to be working on a large project?
The information provided does not state that projects must meet a particular size requirement. The focus is on the contribution the young leader is making to conservation in their community.
How do I apply?
Complete the online WWF-US application form for the 2026–2027 award.
Do I need to submit a resume?
Yes. After submitting the application, applicants are instructed to send an up-to-date resume to conservationleader@wwfus.org.
What should I include in my resume?
Your resume should give a current picture of your education, professional experience, leadership activities and relevant conservation work.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is September 18, 2026.
Is the award available every year?
WWF describes the Youth Conservation Leadership Award as an annual award. Previous recipients include the 2024 winner Peter Pham and the 2025 winner Emmy Scott.
Does WWF provide anything besides the money?
The provided application information specifically states the $5,000 award. WWF’s coverage of previous recipients also describes the award as providing access to a global platform and experts.
What should I focus on in my application?
Focus on your conservation work, your personal leadership role, what your project has achieved and how the $5,000 would support your academic or professional development.
Where can I apply?
Applications can be submitted through the official WWF-US application form linked in the award announcement.
