Human-Centred Conservation Storytelling Grant: Empowering Journalism Rooted in Real People and Real Landscapes

 

The Human-Centred Conservation Storytelling Grant invites experienced journalists and storytellers to rethink how conservation narratives are shaped, told, and understood. Too often, global conversations around conservation focus solely on wildlife or landscapes, overlooking the people whose lives are inextricably tied to ecological outcomes. This grant seeks to transform that narrative. By supporting high-quality, publishable stories that centre human realities in African conservation contexts, the program aims to elevate storytelling that is nuanced, responsible, and grounded in lived experiences.

About Human-Centred Conservation Storytelling Grant

Conservation is never just about ecosystems; it is about the people who sustain, live within, and depend on them. The grant responds to a pervasive issue in public storytelling: narratives are frequently simplified, romanticised, or disconnected from crucial social, political, and economic dynamics. This initiative challenges that pattern by commissioning stories that reflect complexity rather than gloss over it.

Human-Centred Conservation places people at the heart of every story. It considers how rights, livelihoods, governance systems, and cultural relationships shape outcomes on the ground. From land-use decisions to resource access, from coexistence with wildlife to health and economic pressures, the approach recognises that conservation is deeply intertwined with daily realities. Stories supported through this grant may highlight successful models that empower local communities or reveal what happens when people are excluded from decision-making.

What Kind of Stories Will Be Supported?

The grant seeks strong, original ideas rooted in rigorous reporting and thoughtful examination. Ideal stories acknowledge that conservation is not linear. They explore where human-centred approaches drive positive change, where they fall short, and where tensions and trade-offs define everyday life. This includes stories that:

• Showcase innovation, resilience, and hope led by communities
• Illuminate challenges, contradictions, or unintended consequences
• Investigate governance, livelihoods, coexistence with wildlife, food systems, or climate adaptation
• Highlight land-use decisions shaped by cultural, economic, or political pressures

There is no prescribed angle or format, allowing storytellers to work across print, film, photography, or audio. What matters is editorial maturity, depth, and respect for complexity. This grant is specifically designed for creators who already work to professional publishing standards and can deliver work suitable for established media platforms.

What Will Not Be Funded

To maintain high editorial integrity, the grant will not support promotional content, advocacy material, or simplified wildlife stories lacking a human focus. Narratives that present conservation as universally successful or universally failing, without acknowledging lived conditions and context, also fall outside the program’s scope. Additionally, proposals requiring significant development support or capacity-building are unlikely to be selected, as this opportunity is intended for experienced professionals.

Funding Tiers and What Applicants Can Expect

Applicants may apply for one of three funding tiers:

• Tier 1: Up to USD 5,000
• Tier 2: Up to USD 8,000
• Tier 3: Up to USD 12,000

Budgets must be realistic and proportional to the proposed story. The application process requires a concise pitch, previous work samples, details on likely publication or broadcast pathways, and a summary budget.

Selection Criteria and Review Process

A selection panel will evaluate applications based on the clarity and quality of the pitch, alignment with Human-Centred Conservation principles, evidence of professional experience, and feasibility of the budget. Not all eligible applications will receive funding, making clarity and originality crucial.

Key Dates

Applications open: 1 February 2026
Deadline: 23:59 GMT on 8 March 2026

Applicants with questions may contact the organising team, though individual feedback on proposals will not be provided.

A Commitment to Thoughtful, People-Centred Storytelling

The Human-Centred Conservation Storytelling Grant underscores a powerful truth: conservation cannot succeed without understanding the people who shape and are shaped by it. By supporting storytellers who elevate these human dimensions, the program aims to contribute to more informed, inclusive, and impactful global conversations on conservation.

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Application can be accessed from here.

To know more about such opportunities, click here.