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    The Scholars for Conservation Leadership is a career and leadership development program which aims to expand opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in natural resource management and conservation.

    Since 2019, the program has brought together a cohort of scholars from across the country to attend Rally and grow their skills and networks with virtual programming. Each year, there is an opportunity for one or two scholars to receive a year-long paid fellowship at a land trust of their choosing.

    We are seeking a host organization that can provide meaningful, on the job experience and early career learning opportunities for the fellow.

    Applications are due May 1.

    The selection of our scholars and fellow are highly competitive processes. This year’s fellow, Brodie Leo, is seeking a host organization that can provide professional growth opportunities and work experience that match his interests in field work, community engagement, non-profit fundraising and conservation mapping and planning.

    Learn more about Brodie

    Fellowship details

    • The one-year fellowship period will begin between June and September 2026 depending on the needs of the Fellow and host.

    • The objective of the fellowship is two-fold: (1) to provide the Fellow with on-the-job experience in natural resource management and conservation, and (2) provide an opportunity for a land trust to serve as a career development host.

    • The host will identify 1-2 primary projects that the Fellow will be required to complete during the fellowship period that are in line with the Fellow’s interests and support their career development goals. The host will also identify specific professional development opportunities that align with these interests and goals.

    The Fellow will receive an annual salary of $50,000-$60,000. The precise amount will be determined by the selected land trust and Land Trust Alliance. The Alliance will reimburse up to $7,600 in benefits for the Fellow, in addition to a maximum of $50,000 in salary. All other costs, including equipment, overhead or benefits are the responsibility of the host land trust. This fellowship is supported by federal funding: a match of at least $10,000 must be provided by the host organization, and the host organization will need to meet all necessary requirements as the subrecipient of a federal award.

    Eligibility

    The host organization must meet the following criteria. If you have questions about eligibility, please contact Forrest King-Cortes.

    The successful host organization applicant should:

    • Be a current member in good standing with the Land Trust Alliance.

    • Develop a brief scope of work for the fellow that will include 1-2 primary projects providing substantive programmatic experience in land trust activities, which could include acquisition, stewardship, preserve management, restoration, outreach and education, research or policy (although lobbying is not permitted with fellowship funding). Any administrative activities should be limited and generally relevant to the fellow’s project(s) and programmatic work.

    • Identify a supervisor who will orient, supervise and manage the fellow during the entire fellowship period. This supervisor will also be responsible for identifying, outlining and managing projects, tasks and professional development opportunities assigned to the fellow, including developing and finalizing a work plan for the fellow.

    • Describe in its application how it will meet the required $10,000 non-federal match. Matching funds must be traceable in the organization’s records, allowable under applicable federal cost principles, and cannot be counted towards a match for any other federal award. The application narrative should clearly identify the amount, source, and nature of the matching contributions and explain how they will be available during the period of performance. The host organization should be prepared to provide documentation supporting this commitment.

    • Provide quarterly updates and reporting to the Land Trust Alliance on progress of the fellowship.

    In addition to the eligibility requirements, a prospective subrecipient must be eligible to receive federal funds and not be suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded from federal assistance under applicable law, including verification through the federal exclusions system. The entity must also demonstrate that it has appropriate financial and administrative systems, a satisfactory audit and compliance history, and the capacity to meet reporting and compliance obligations under the Uniform Guidance. Before issuing a subaward, the Alliance will conduct a risk assessment, as required under 2 CFR § 200.332, to inform appropriate monitoring; however, the subrecipient is responsible for maintaining compliance with all applicable federal statutes, regulations, and award terms throughout the period of performance and for cooperating fully with any monitoring or audit activities conducted by the Alliance or federal awarding agency.

    If selected, the subrecipient must certify that it is an equal opportunity organization that does not and shall not discriminate in its employment practices or in the provision of services on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law. If selected, the subrecipient must certify that it does not, and will not during the term of the award, operate any programs in violation of federal anti-discrimination laws and regulations. Other certifications and documentation might be required by federal laws and regulations.

    Additional information for potential host organizations

    Please use this PDF for frequently asked questions, information about the match requirement and other compliance information for potential hosts to consider.

    Application