The Rising Wildlife Leaders - Amazonia Program Grant

The Rising Wildlife Leaders - Amazonia Program Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Wildlife Conservation Network Inc
Amount: Up to US $7,000
Last Updated: February 01, 2026

Summary

The Rising Wildlife Leaders - Amazonia Program aims to cultivate a new generation of conservation leaders in the Amazon basin. This two-year initiative, supported by the Wildlife Conservation Network, offers tailored training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Participants will engage in workshops, develop personal growth plans, and receive funding for projects, fostering collaboration among conservationists dedicated to protecting the unique biodiversity of the Amazon. Applications are open every two years and require nomination.

Overview

NOTE: Online applications and nominations are open every two years and will NOT be listed publicly. If you are an interested candidate who meets all the above eligibility criteria, please email us for more information on how to apply. You must be nominated by an eligible nominator to qualify. Program Summary The Rising Wildlife Leaders - Amazonia Program is a joint initiative of the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN), Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and the Global Environment Facility’s Fonseca Leadership Program. The Amazon basin is a key conservation landscape critical to the overall health of the planet. WCN firmly believes wildlife conservation is most likely to succeed in the long run when it is led and upheld by locally based conservationists committed to community engagement and empowerment. The Amazonia Program aims to build leadership capacity and a collaborative conservation ethos in the Amazon Basin by providing emerging leaders working in Amazonia the skills, network, and confidence needed for effective long-term conservation leadership careers. To support conservationists’ growth journey, WCN will provide program participants with a 2-year training program tailored to their individual needs. The program includes the following areas of support: Three In-person Workshops: Workshops will gather participants, mentors, and content specialists, providing participants training in core leadership competencies and diverse skills needed for long-term success in the environmental and conservation sectors (e.g. fundraising, project management, public speaking). Workshops also offer a facilitated space for peer-professional networking and relationship building among professionals working in the Amazon. Individualized Capacity Building: Each participant will develop a “Personal Development Plan” to guide their personal and professional growth over the two-year program, they will receive up to $5,000 towards courses or convenings tailored to their development plan (support is not available towards academic degrees). After the program completion, participants will be provided with applied learning opportunities to reinforce skills development with up to $1,000 towards start-up project mini-grants, cross-program exchanges, and fellowships/internships. Professional Mentorship: Each participant is paired with a senior professional to serve as their mentor for the duration of the program. Mentors have demonstrated success in the field, particularly in the participant's region and/or areas of interest. Mentors and participants work together in pursuit of the participant’s Personal Development Plan, with WCN’s support, and meet at least quarterly. Peer Learning: WCN provides participants with facilitated networking and learning opportunities with their peers in the program, as well as a broader network of national and international conservation professionals. These opportunities may be provided virtually and/or in-person to develop peer and professional networks that support and promote successful long-term collaborative conservation careers. Participants attend the program at no cost to themselves to ensure the most suitable applicants are selected regardless of financial status. To reduce financial stress, WCN will provide each participant with up to $1,000 of financial support to cover expenses that might be incurred from participating in the program (e.g. internet data, childcare).

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants should meet the following criteria: Conservationists or environmentalists with 5-10 years of professional experience; Citizen of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, or Venezuela; Actively supporting in-situ conservation or environmental solutions in the Amazon basin; Currently employed or actively supporting conservation or environmental work, either as a staff member, affiliate, or director of an NGO, local or national government, Indigenous community, or the private sector; Nominated by an established conservationist or environmentalist with experience in Amazonia; Enthusiastic, collaborative, self-motivated, with a desire and willingness to learn and grow professionally; Professional proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese, or English.