About this opportunity
The EXCELerator is a six month, fully online programme that guides emerging environmental leaders from a raw idea all the way to a working, fundable conservation project. It is built around the internationally recognised Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation, so you leave with a clear project plan, better budgeting and communication skills, and the confidence to lead real action for the planet.
You can choose between two learning pathways. The EXCELerator LIVE pathway adds fortnightly live sessions with the CoalitionWILD team, while the EXCELerator FLEX pathway is entirely self paced over the six months. Both tracks cost nothing for selected participants and run from January to July 2027.
This is a global programme with no country restriction, and it has already supported young leaders from Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana and Madagascar among many others. If you have a conservation idea or a project in its early days and you meet the age requirement, you can apply from Nigeria or anywhere in Africa.
What you receive
- Six months of free structured training in conservation project design and leadership.
- Twelve pre recorded sessions led by conservation experts on a learning platform that stays open until August 2027.
- A choice between the cohort based LIVE pathway and the self paced FLEX pathway.
- Downloadable templates, toolkits and a curated resource library.
- An official Certificate of Completion.
- Access to global funding and networking opportunities plus project features on WILD Foundation channels.
Who can apply
- Be 35 years old or younger when the programme starts on 7 January 2027.
- Have a conservation project idea, a project in early implementation, or an established project that can scale.
- Commit at least one hour per week for the FLEX pathway or two hours per week for the LIVE pathway.
- Have a computer and reliable internet for the full programme.
- For the LIVE pathway, be available for live sessions every two weeks on Thursdays from 12:30 to 2:00 pm UTC.
- Submit a complete application written in English.
Who should not apply
- Applicants older than 35 at the programme start date of 7 January 2027 are not eligible.
- Applications written in a language other than English are not considered.
- Projects outside the environmental conservation field are not eligible.
Documents to prepare
- A completed online application form.
- A 90 second self recorded video answering the prompt about your project idea or project.
- A shareable link to your video hosted on Google Drive, OneDrive or another cloud platform.
How to apply
- Open the official 2027 EXCELerator application form and read the instructions.
- Review the 2027 EXCELerator Information Pack to understand the LIVE and FLEX pathways.
- Copy the application questions into a separate document and draft your answers carefully.
- Record a 90 second video answering the prompt for your project stage and upload it to a cloud platform.
- Paste your answers into the form, add your video link and select your preferred pathway.
- Submit before the deadline of 29 October 2026.
Selection process
- Every applicant receives confirmation that the application was received by 30 October 2026.
- The CoalitionWILD team reviews applications from 2 to 20 November 2026.
- Shortlisted LIVE applicants attend a 20 minute online interview between 23 November and 11 December 2026, while FLEX applications continue through review.
- Applicants are notified of the outcome by 14 December 2026 and selected participants confirm by 18 December 2026.
- The programme runs from 7 January to 1 July 2027.
Sources and verification
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Questions applicants ask
Is there any cost to take part?
No, participation is completely free for all selected participants.
How many places are available?
There are 30 places for the LIVE pathway and 50 places for the FLEX pathway.
Can I apply from Nigeria or elsewhere in Africa?
Yes. The programme is open worldwide and has already supported young leaders from Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana and Madagascar.
What language is the programme and application in?
The programme is delivered entirely in English and only applications written in English are considered.
Who can I contact with questions?
Reach the team at info@coalitionwild.org.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
