Human-Centred Conservation Storytelling Grant 2026: Up to US$12,000 for Journalists, Filmmakers, Photographers and Audio Storytellers in Africa
The Human-Centred Conservation Storytelling Grant 2026 provides up to US$12,000 to help experienced African-focused journalists, filmmakers, photographers, and audio storytellers produce publishable stories that examine conservation through human experiences. Eligible applicants must demonstrate professional readiness and have a credible pathway for publication, broadcast, or distribution.
Overview
The Human-Centred Conservation Storytelling Grant is a commissioning initiative designed to support high-quality, publishable journalism and media projects that examine environmental conservation through the lives, rights, livelihoods, and realities of people across Africa. Moving beyond conventional wildlife narratives, the grant seeks stories that investigate how conservation interacts with communities, governance, local economies, land use, and coexistence with wildlife.
Funding is divided into three tiers based on project scale and requirements:
- Tier 1: Up to US$5,000 for smaller-scale projects.
- Tier 2: Up to US$8,000 for intermediate budgets.
- Tier 3: Up to US$12,000 for larger storytelling projects.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet specific professional and distribution standards to be considered:
- Target Audience: Experienced journalists, filmmakers, photographers, and audio storytellers with the professional editorial skills required to produce work suitable for public release.
- Geographical Focus: Africa.
- Distribution Pathway: Applicants must have a credible route to reach an audience. This can include a confirmed commitment from an established media outlet, broadcaster, or distribution platform; applying on behalf of a publishing organisation; or using an established independent platform with an existing audience.
- Previous Applicants: Individuals who applied during previous rounds are welcome to reapply with updated materials.
Benefits
Successful candidates receive financial support ranging up to US$12,000 across three tiers to fund reporting, fieldwork, and production costs necessary to bring complex, human-centred conservation stories to light.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online and require thorough preparation. Prospective applicants must prepare the following components before applying:
- A clear and compelling story pitch outlining the core issue and human perspective.
- Examples of previous professional work demonstrating editorial readiness.
- Evidence of a credible publication, broadcast, or distribution pathway.
- A realistic summary budget proportional to the proposed project.
Applicants should review the official terms and submit via the application link provided below.
Deadline
The application period closes on 29 September 2026 at 23:59 GMT.