Russell E. Train Education for Nature

The Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) aims to build a dynamic and highly qualified corps of conservation leaders in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Established in 1994, EFN is dedicated to Russell E. Train, World Wildlife Fund’s founding trustee, past president, former chairman of the board, and current chairman emeritus.

Through a number of initiatives, EFN provides financial support to potential and proven leaders for higher education, short-term training, and practical experience needed to take on conservation challenges in their home countries and regions.

EFN has supported more than 1,000 individuals to pursue academic degrees and short-term training and more than 350 local organizations to conduct workshops that have collectively trained over 20,000 people. These grantees have demonstrated leadership ability, excellence in their work, and commitment to conservation in their home countries and regions.

EFN grant opportunities:
1. Russell E. Train Fellowships support individuals pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in conservation.
2. Professional Development Grants support short term non-degree training for mid-career conservationists.
3. Conservation Workshop Grants help organizations conduct training workshops to build local capacity.
4. EFN Alumni Grants provide ongoing support of former Train Fellows to conduct research or attend conferences and workshops.

Special opportunities:
1. EFN’s Andes-Amazon Capacity Building Initiative builds local capacity in protected area management in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador & Peru.
2. Professional Development Grants for Women Conservationists in the Congo Basin supports women from Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, & Republic of Congo.