Trailblazer Grant

Trailblazer Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Wildlife Society
Last Updated: March 21, 2026

Summary

The Trailblazer Grant, offered by The Wildlife Society's Student Development and Early Career Professional Working Groups, supports students and early career professionals from underrepresented groups in the wildlife field. This grant provides essential field gear and monetary awards to help empower these individuals. Note that the application period for 2025 has closed, and interested applicants should check back in spring 2026 for future opportunities.

Overview

The Trailblazer Grant is a joint effort of the Student Development Working Group and the Early Career Professional Working Group of the The Wildlife Society. The Trailblazer Grant was created to provide field gear and monetary awards to support students and early career professionals from historically underrepresented or marginalized groups in the wildlife profession. This year 2026, the Student Development Working Group (SDWG) and Early Career Professional Working Group (ECPWG) are offering multiple field gear and monetary awards to help minimize financial barriers for entry and participation in the wildlife profession. Applicants must select whether they would prefer gear or a monetary award based on their greatest need for their position.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Be enrolled in a community college, bachelor's degree, or higher degree program OR identify as an Early Career Professional as defined by TWS membership status AND be interested in wildlife conservation. Have a need for funds to purchase gear for a field job, internship, lab class, research, or workshop. Must not have previously received this grant. Hold a current The Wildlife Society (TWS) membership at the time of the application deadline. (Become a TWS Member) You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.