APPLICATIONS OPEN! Coexistence Champions ​

The Coexistence Champions programme is a unique opportunity for mid-career conservationists (5-10 years work experience) working on the ground with communities, to receive a consultancy that supports compelling pathways to amplify grounded voices of coexistence in India and lead a paradigm shift.

Our applications for the first ever cohort is now open!

Have Questions? Please visit our FAQs​ page for more information. ​

​​Please ensure that you download and read our essential Application Guide before applying. The Application Guide provides you with more details of the programme, including key timelines; a set of values that your project should align to; and some of the key application questions that appear in the form, to help you prepare your response. 

Please fill and submit the Application Form on or before 15th August 2025. 

For any further questions and queries, contact the Programme Manager at stellajames@tdu.edu.in

Programme Structure:

• We currently support mid-career conservationists (with 5–10 years of relevant experience) through a consultancy project  up to ₹30 Lakhs annually.

• The programme begins with a 2 year funding commitment, extendable up to 5 years based on annual progress reviews. 

• We launch with a 10 day in-person induction and cohort-building gathering, focused on building a shared understanding of conservation frameworks, law and policy, power and privilege, and storytelling for impact. 

• We cooperate to build stronger networks of partner NGOs, researchers, and conservation practitioners, increasing collaboration, a shared understanding, as well as strengthening and amplifying our collective as well as diverse voices from the ground.

• A strong focus on building capacity for storytelling and outreach, to reshape the mainstream conflict narrative and enable the paradigm shift we are working towards.

• We believe in grounded autonomy, not top-down mandates, enabling Champions to lead change from within, rooted in context and community.

• Champions are expected to work with local governance and community institutions, tap into indigenous knowledge systems, use science and build accountability and joint ownership from the start.