Hey conservation champs! Are you passionate about protecting our planet and ready to take your impact to the next level? Get ready, because the **Kinship Conservation Fellowship Program** is calling all dedicated conservationists like you! This isn’t just any program; it’s a unique opportunity to supercharge your skills and lead change using innovative, market-based solutions. Even though it’s an international program based in the USA, if you’re a South African conservation leader looking to expand your global network and expertise, this fellowship could be exactly what you need to transform your career and tackle environmental challenges head-on!
The Kinship Conservation Fellowship Program is a month-long, in-residence experience designed specifically for experienced conservation practitioners from around the world. Hosted at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, USA, from June 28 – July 28, 2026, it focuses on teaching you how to use market-based approaches to solve complex environmental problems. You’ll dive deep into leadership development, gaining practical tools and fresh insights to accelerate the conservation projects you’re already leading back home.
Delivered by a faculty of global experts, the program’s curriculum covers six core Kinship Conservation Pillars for market-based solutions:
- Leading Adaptively
- Iterating for Scale
- Designing for Governing the Commons
- Identifying an Economic Engine
- Financing Conservation
- Evaluating for Impact
Who Can Apply?
The Kinship Conservation Fellowship is looking for passionate conservation leaders who meet the following requirements:
- You must possess a minimum of a four-year U.S. college degree (or its equivalent).
- You need at least five years of relevant work experience after completing your degree.
- You must be proficient in spoken and written English.
- You should be a conservation practitioner, actively involved in implementing market-based approaches to solve environmental problems (not an academic or researcher).
- You should be ready to be part of an expanding community of global leaders and involved with on-the-ground conservation efforts.
Your application will also need to include a project proposal outlining an environmental issue related to your work and your plans to develop a solution using market approaches. During the Fellowship, you’ll collaborate on group projects, building on collective expertise and proposed ideas!
What Does It Cover?
While the program’s main focus is on empowering you with skills and a global network, the Kinship Conservation Fellowship Program also supports Fellows with a **stipend of $USD 6,000 or more**. Additionally, the fellowship covers your participation in the month-long, in-residence program, including the intensive curriculum, expert-led sessions, and peer-learning experiences.
How to Apply?
Ready to make a real difference? Applying for the Kinship Conservation Fellowship Program is straightforward:
- Visit the official Kinship Conservation Fellowship website to access the application portal.
- Carefully review all the application guidelines and prepare your project proposal.
- Submit your complete application before the closing date.
Remember, the application deadline is **January 11, 2026**.
If you’re a dedicated conservation leader in South Africa or beyond, eager to make a lasting impact with cutting-edge skills, this is your moment! Don’t let this incredible Kinship Conservation Fellowship Program pass you by. Head over to the official website and apply before the deadline! For more amazing opportunities, keep exploring Bursaries Room – your go-to for funding your future!
