The Nature Culture Fellowship (NCF) 2027, run by the non-profit Kinship, is a free, online fellowship for artists, storytellers, educators, scientists and community organisers who want to use culture, storytelling and art to drive social and environmental change. It brings together a global community of about 60 fellows, and selected fellows can receive micro-grants of US$1,000–2,000 for community projects.
It’s open to adults aged 18 and over, from anywhere in the world, with no upper age limit. Applications close on 1 December 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
At a Glance
| Organiser | Kinship, with partners including the Artivist Network, Bow Seat, Ecoversities, Global Diversity Foundation and IUCN CEESP |
| Format | Online |
| Cost | Free (unpaid fellowship) |
| Who can apply | Anyone aged 18+, worldwide |
| Funding | Micro-grants of US$1,000–2,000 for selected community projects |
| Timeline | February – August 2027 |
| Deadline | 1 December 2026, 23:59 UTC |
How the Fellowship Works
1. Learning Journey (February – April 2027)
Ten weekly online sessions, starting 5 February 2027 at 14:00 UTC (3pm in Lagos, 5pm in Nairobi). Thought leaders in storytelling, art, systems thinking and environmental and social activism guide fellows through topics such as the stories we inherit, nature connection, grief and ceremony, art as activism and imagining new futures. There’s short homework of 10–30 minutes after each session.
2. Community Projects (April – August 2027)
Fellows put what they’ve learned into practice. Selected fellows receive mentorship and micro-grants of US$1,000–2,000 to grow their work, support their organisation or start a new grassroots project.
Benefits
- A free place in a global community of about 60 fellows
- Ten guided online sessions with thought leaders in art, storytelling and environmental change
- Micro-grants of US$1,000–2,000 for selected community projects
- A dedicated mentor during the project phase
- Sessions in English, with French, Spanish and Portuguese translation
Eligibility
- You’re 18 or older. There’s no upper age limit.
- You can be from any country. Indigenous Peoples and members of local and frontline communities are especially encouraged.
- You’re an artist, storyteller, scientist, educator, community organiser or changemaker with a network you can influence.
- You have a computer or phone with a stable internet connection for the online sessions.
- You can commit at least 6 months at about 3–5 hours a week, and attend at least 8 of the 10 sessions or watch the recordings.
How to Apply
- Read the programme details and FAQ on Kinship’s official page (link below).
- Complete the online application form. It’s available in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French.
- Submit before 1 December 2026, 23:59 UTC (00:59 on 2 December in Lagos).
- Selected fellows are notified in mid-January 2027.
Official Nature Culture Fellowship 2027 page and application links
Tips
- Show your community reach. Kinship looks for people who can inspire others, so describe your audience, group or network.
- Share a project idea that links culture, storytelling or art to an environmental or social issue in your area.
- Check your internet. Sessions are 2 hours online, so plan for reliable data.
