EDGE Fellowships 2027-2029 for Early-career Conservation Leaders (Up To GBP 15,000 grant)

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Applications are open for EDGE Fellowships 2027-2029. The EDGE Fellowship supports early-career conservationists working to protect some of the world’s most evolutionarily distinct and globally threatened species. Through training, mentorship, funding and ongoing technical support, the Fellowship helps emerging conservation leaders develop and deliver locally led conservation projects for EDGE species.

About the EDGE Fellowship

The EDGE Fellowship is a comprehensive capacity-sharing initiative designed to drive conservation action through strategic support to early-career conservationists from regions of high biodiversity importance. From 2027 each annual cohort will include at least 14 EDGE Fellows from countries outside the G12, EU, New Zealand, and South Korea.

The 28-month Fellowship equips participants with the skills, resources, and networks needed to deliver impactful conservation for Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species. More than just a training programme, the EDGE Fellowship is an immersive leadership experience. It empowers emerging conservationists to take on leadership roles in their countries and regions. The fellowship is carefully designed to build real-world conservation skills: from designing and managing projects and budgets to communicating science, engaging communities, and implementing lasting conservation strategies.

Through the Fellowship, EDGE aim to build a global network of highly skilled, locally grounded leaders who can spearhead conservation action where it is most needed and for species that receive the least attention.

Benefits

The EDGE Fellowship is 28-months long and each EDGE Fellow can expect:

Six-weeks of training in-person
Support to develop a comprehensive project plan
A grant of GBP 15,000 for project implementation
Wraparound mentorship and professional development opportunities

Eligibility Criteria for EDGE Fellowship

We are looking for early-career conservationists who:

are committed to leading conservation action for an eligible EDGE species;
are nationals or long-term residents of the country where the project will take place with strong links to the specific region or landscape;
can demonstrate the local conservation need for their proposed work;
are ready to take part in training, mentoring and peer learning as part of the Fellowship;
want to become part of a global network of EDGE Fellows working to protect extraordinary and overlooked species.

Application timeline

Stage	Date
Expression of Interest opens	Wednesday 13 May 2026
Expression of Interest deadline	17:00 BST Wednesday 10 June 2026
Shortlisted applicants invited to submit full application	Wednesday 8 July 2026
Full application deadline	17:00 BST Wednesday 12 August 2026
Interviews and final selection	14 September – 1 October 2026
Shortlisted applicants notified of outcome	w/c 12 October 2026
2027 EDGE Fellowship Dates	January 2027 – May 2029