NxtGen Conservationist Program

Geographic Scope: Washington, DC; Montgomery, Prince George's, Anne Arundel, or Charles County in Maryland; or Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, or Loudoun County in Virginia.

Focus Areas: Wildlife conservation and environmental protection projects in applicants' own communities.

Eligibility

• Must attend school in specified DC/Maryland/Virginia regions
• Must be in grades 9-12
• Must have an idea for a project to save, protect, or promote wildlife and/or the environment
• Must want to actively lead their community in conservation solutions

What the Microgrant Funds

• Research projects
• Service or outreach programs
• Wildlife habitat development or restoration
• Awareness campaigns
• Development of sustainable products
• Applicants define "project" and "community" based on their needs

What Won't Be Funded

• Projects not directly related to conservation
• Cash donations or items to be donated to conservation organizations or third parties
• Salaries, stipends, honoraria, or gifts for guest speakers or lecturers
• Lobbying activities or attempts to influence legislation

Program Benefits

• Monthly workshops on grant management, storytelling, impact measurement, and conservation career exploration
• Mentoring by diverse conservationists in various fields
• Networking with other conservationists
• $250 gift card eligibility at end of program (June 2022) for those attending majority of workshops
• No program fees required

Contact Information

• Email: [email protected]
• Address: Conservation Nation, C/O CN NxtGen Conservationist Program, 1717 K Street, NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20006

Application Process

Submission Methods:

1. Online Portal: Complete application and microgrant proposal through Conservation Nation's online portal
   • Optional: Prepare a brief resume to submit with application
   • Applicant and parent/guardian sign application agreements during online process
2. Print & Email: Download and print application, microgrant proposal, and agreement packet
   • Email completed documents with optional resume to: [email protected]
   • Copies cannot be returned
3. Mail: Send completed packet to:
   • Conservation Nation
   • C/O CN NxtGen Conservationist Program
   • 1717 K Street, NW, Suite 900
   • Washington, DC 20006
   • Must send copies (originals cannot be returned)

Timeline:

• Deadline: December 12, 2021, 5:00 p.m. EST (online/email); mailed applications must be postmarked by December 12, 2021
• Notifications: Mid-December (interviews or declines)
• Interviews: Mid-December
• Final decisions: Early January 2022
• Funding distribution: January 2022

Required Materials:

• Completed application form
• Microgrant proposal
• Signed application agreements (parent/guardian co-signature required)
• Optional: Brief resume

Preparation Aid:

• Questionnaire guide available to help applicants think through and prepare responses before starting formal application

Selection Process:

• Not all applicants will be invited to participate
• Applicants may reapply in future years if not accepted

Questions: Contact Education team at Conservation Nation