Frequently Asked Questions

We are convinced that the world needs a new generation of conservationists with vision and purpose, who think and act out of the box, and who inspire, galvanise and mobilise others to protect nature. There is a vast pool of young, talented, and committed conservationists out there who are up against all odds and often work in unsafe conditions. It is precisely because this does not deter them from achieving their goal that their example is so inspirational to all of us.

This is why we have opted to support young talents rather than established names. We believe that the future generation of leaders in nature conservation can be found in individuals 35 years or younger. Young nature conservationists often work in remote nature areas where it is difficult to bring their projects to the attention of a larger audience. They are making the difference and deserve to be showcased on a much wider stage.

Please visit our page with Other Funding Options if you are over 35 years old.

Outstanding conservation achievements, and conservation organisations, often depend on the leadership qualities of individuals. Also the Future For Nature Foundation wants to use its limited financial means to make a difference, and a financial award often has more added value to individuals than to organisations. The winners are expected to invest their prize in a conservation project of their own choice, and this may be a project that is “owned” by an organisation.

Any individual can apply, regardless of their formal position or affiliation to an organisation. However, the Award is issued only on the basis of the achievements of the individual candidates, not on the basis of the achievements of the organisation they work for. We do acknowledge that the success of a team or an organisation can be attributed to the achievement of a candidate.

We ask conservationists to apply for the FFN Award themselves, and not have someone else apply on their behalf. The reason for this is that our Selection Committees require first-hand information to assess the applications.

While it might feel strange to apply for this award for yourself, keep in mind you are doing it on behalf of the species, habitat, or system that you work in/for!

Our entry to nature conservation is through species protection. The nature conservation outcomes and impacts of species protection efforts are important criteria in the selection of the winners.

We give the winners our trust and support to set out on their hard to win mission without any administrative strings attached. Future For Nature rewards individuals for their outstanding efforts in the protection of wild species. The award prize money should be used for nature conservation activities of the winner’s own choice, initiated and implemented by him/her.

The FFN Award application form requests general personal information and includes sections asking about the applicant’s conservation focus, achievements, and goals. Additionally, you are required to provide two referees.

The referees must be people that know the applicant well, know the applicant’s conservation work well, and has knowledge of the local circumstances in which the applicant works. The referees must also be knowledgeable about species protection. Criteria used by the Selection Committee to judge the quality of referees are a good track record in species protection and/or scientific research.

No, candidates from all over the world can qualify.

A minimum gap of one year between applications is required. Therefore, if you applied for the last Future For Nature Award, you are not eligible to apply for the upcoming Future  For Nature Award.

After a year of gap, you will be required to fill in the latest version of the application form and are eligible to re-apply.

For instance, if you applied for the 2025 Future For Nature Award (application submission in summer 2024), you are not eligible to apply for the 2026 Future  For Nature Award and you are eligible to apply for the 2027 Future For Nature Award with an updated application form.