Kensington Conservation Grant
Offered by The Explorers Club and Kensington
About this scholarship
The Kensington Conservation Grant awards $10,000 for on-the-ground field science that advances cultural or environmental conservation. It is part of a $1 million multiyear initiative created by Kensington and The Explorers Club to deepen understanding and support a more sustainable future. Graduate students, postgraduate researchers, early-career scientists, and independent explorers may apply. Applicants must be at least 18 and demonstrate both a commitment to exploration and the ability to communicate an engaging story about the work. Formal academic credentials are valued but are not mandatory; the program explicitly welcomes people who developed relevant expertise through alternative pathways. Projects may span a wide range of field-science disciplines. The program is especially interested in proposals with significant potential impact, leadership by explorers from equity-deserving groups, and work related to responsible or sustainable tourism. The nine-step online form asks applicants to make a clear case for the project’s importance, timeliness, feasibility, outcomes, impact, and storytelling potential. A precise budget, responsible methods, applicable permissions, and two written recommendations are also important under the Club’s grant guidance. Applicants should set aside sufficient time because the live form warns that progress is not saved after closing the browser. The 2027 field-season competition is open and closes September 28, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern.
Eligibility
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a graduate student, postgraduate researcher, early-career scientist, or independent explorer
- Formal academic credentials are not required when equivalent expertise comes from another pathway
- Propose on-the-ground field science supporting cultural or environmental conservation
- Demonstrate a passion for exploration and a commitment to storytelling
- Explain the project’s importance, timeliness, feasibility, outcomes, and potential impact
- Provide a precise budget and address responsible methods and applicable permissions
- Provide two written recommendations
- Submit the complete nine-step application by September 28, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern