Red-eyed tree frog on a branch

NxtGen Conservationist Program

The deadline to apply has passed and we are no longer accepting applications.

Are you passionate about wildlife, the environment, and leading a conservation movement? Become a Conservation Nation Next Generation Conservationist! CN NxtGen Conservationists are wildlife champions solving conservation challenges where it matter most–in their own communities.

CN NxtGen Conservationists will receive up to $500 in microgrant funding for a community project from Conservation Nation. Monthly workshops will train CN NxtGen Conservationists on the basics of grant management, storytelling and measuring your impact, conservation career exploration, and more. CN NxtGen Conservationists will also meet, network with, and be mentored by a diverse set of conservationists in a variety of fields.

Do you want to become a conservation community leader?  GREAT! Our ideal CN NxtGen Conservationist:

  • Goes to school in Washington, DC; Montgomery, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, or Charles County in Maryland; or Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudon, Prince William, or Loudoun County in Virginia.
  • Is in grades 9 – 12 for the 2021 – 2022 school year.
  • Has an idea for a project with a goal to save, protect, or promote wildlife and/or the environment.
  • Wants to actively lead their community in conservation solutions!

Deadline to Apply:

The deadline to apply has passed and we are no longer accepting applications.

Application Process:

Not all applicants for the CN NxtGen Conservationists program will be invited to participate. You will hear from Conservation Nation by mid-December, with a request to interview or with a decline. We will interview our applicants in mid-December and make decisions by early January 2022. If you are not accepted into this year’s CN NxtGen Conservationist program, we encourage you to apply again in the future.

What will the microgrant fund?
Conservation Nation intends to support youth actively leading their community in conservation solutions. Therefore, we will fund projects to save, protect, or promote wildlife and/or the environment. You define what "project" means to you – it may be a research project, service or outreach program, wildlife habitat development or restoration, an awareness campaign, the development of a sustainable product, etc. You also define what "community" means to you – it may be your neighborhood, school, youth group, place of worship, etc.
What won't the microgrant fund?
  • Projects that focus on topics not directly related to conservation.
  • Cash donations or items purchased to be donated to conservation organizations or third parties.
  • Salaries, stipends, honoraria, or gifts for guest speakers or lecturers, etc.
  • Lobbying activities or to support attempts to influence legislation.

Application deadline extended to December 12!  Apply today!

Are you passionate about wildlife, the environment, and leading a conservation movement? Become a Conservation Nation Next Generation Conservationist! CN NxtGen Conservationists are wildlife champions solving conservation challenges where it matter most–in their own communities.

CN NxtGen Conservationists will receive up to $500 in microgrant funding for a community project from Conservation Nation. Monthly workshops will train CN NxtGen Conservationists on the basics of grant management, storytelling and measuring your impact, conservation career exploration, and more. CN NxtGen Conservationists will also meet, network with, and be mentored by a diverse set of conservationists in a variety of fields.

Do you want to become a conservation community leader?  GREAT! Our ideal CN NxtGen Conservationist:

  • Goes to school in Washington, DC; Montgomery, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, or Charles County in Maryland; or Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudon, Prince William, or Loudoun County in Virginia.
  • Is in grades 9 – 12 for the 2021 – 2022 school year.
  • Has an idea for a project with a goal to save, protect, or promote wildlife and/or the environment.
  • Wants to actively lead their community in conservation solutions!

Deadline to Apply:

The deadline to apply online or by email is Sunday, December 12, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Mailed applications must be postmarked by Sunday, December 12, 2021.

Application Process:

Not all applicants for the CN NxtGen Conservationists program will be invited to participate. You will hear from Conservation Nation by mid-December, with a request to interview or with a decline. We will interview our applicants in mid-December and make decisions by early January 2022. If you are not accepted into this year’s CN NxtGen Conservationist program, we encourage you to apply again in the future.

What will the microgrant fund?
Conservation Nation intends to support youth actively leading their community in conservation solutions. Therefore, we will fund projects to save, protect, or promote wildlife and/or the environment. You define what "project" means to you – it may be a research project, service or outreach program, wildlife habitat development or restoration, an awareness campaign, the development of a sustainable product, etc. You also define what "community" means to you – it may be your neighborhood, school, youth group, place of worship, etc.
What won't the microgrant fund?
  • Projects that focus on topics not directly related to conservation.
  • Cash donations or items purchased to be donated to conservation organizations or third parties.
  • Salaries, stipends, honoraria, or gifts for guest speakers or lecturers, etc.
  • Lobbying activities or to support attempts to influence legislation.
Financial Information:
Microgrant winners will receive their grant funding in January 2022. CN NxtGen Conservationists participate in meetings, field trips, and special offerings voluntarily. Each CN NxtGen Conservationist is eligible to receive a $250 gift card at the end of the program in June 2022 if she/he/they attend a majority of monthly workshops and meetings. Cn NxtGen Conservationists do not pay to be a part of the program. There is no employment, independent contractor, or labor relationship whatsoever between microgrant recipients and Conservation Nation.
How to Apply

Conservation Nation
C/O CN NxtGen Conservationist Program
1717 K Street, NW
Suite 900
Washington, DC 20006

*Note that we cannot return materials, so please send copies.

Questions? Reach out to our Education team!