Are you a journalist or storyteller passionate about conservation and real human experiences? The Human-Centred Conservation Storytelling Grant 2026 funds powerful stories that explore how conservation affects people and communities across Africa. With funding up to $12,000, this opportunity supports impactful reporting ready for global publication.
Quick Facts
- Host Organization: Jamma Conservation and Communities
- Opportunity Type: Journalism & Storytelling Grant
- Funding Type: Project Grant
- Eligible Regions: Africa
- Funding Amount: Up to USD $12,000
- Deadline: 8 March 2026 (23:59 GMT)
About the Opportunity
The Human-Centred Conservation Storytelling Grant supports high-quality journalism and storytelling that explores conservation through real human experiences.
Offered by Jamma Conservation and Communities, the grant aims to promote nuanced, in-depth reporting that reflects the social, political, and economic realities shaping conservation efforts in Africa.
Rather than simplified wildlife narratives, the initiative encourages stories that examine how conservation intersects with livelihoods, land use, governance, climate adaptation, and coexistence with wildlife.
Funded projects should demonstrate professional editorial standards and be suitable for publication or broadcast through established media platforms.
What is Human-Centred Conservation?
Human-centred conservation recognizes that conservation success depends on people — their rights, livelihoods, knowledge systems, governance, and lived realities.
Stories may explore:
- Where human-centred conservation succeeds
- Where it fails and why
- Trade-offs, tensions, and lived experiences
- Innovation, resilience, and community solutions
Storytellers focusing on environmental impact may also find the Hyundai Motor Group Scholarship relevant for advanced research in sustainable development.
Funding Tiers
Applicants may apply for:
| Tier | Funding Amount | Recommended Project Type |
| Tier 1 | Up to $5,000 | Written, audio, or single-format stories |
| Tier 2 | Up to $8,000 | Multi-part stories or complex reporting |
| Tier 3 | Up to $12,000 | Visual or film-based projects |
Budgets do not need to reach the maximum amount but must be realistic and justified.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should:
- Be experienced journalists, filmmakers, photographers, or audio storytellers
- Produce work suitable for professional publication or broadcast
- Demonstrably meet professional editorial standards
- Have access, reporting capacity, and storytelling expertise
- Present an original story with a human-centred conservation perspective
The grant does NOT support:
- Promotional or advocacy content
- Generic wildlife stories without a human context
- Oversimplified conservation narratives
- Marketing or organizational communication content
Benefits
- Funding of up to $12,000
- Support for impactful conservation storytelling
- Opportunity for international publication or broadcast
- Increased visibility and professional credibility
- Contribution to meaningful conservation dialogue
- Support for in-depth reporting and fieldwork
Application Process
Follow these steps:
- Prepare a compelling story pitch.
- Gather examples of previously published work.
- Identify publication or broadcast pathways.
- Develop a realistic budget aligned with your chosen tier.
- Submit your application via the online portal.
Applications are reviewed competitively by a selection panel.
How to Apply
If you are ready to tell powerful conservation stories that highlight real human experiences, this grant offers funding and recognition to support your work.
For more details, visit the Human-Centred Conservation Storytelling Grant.
