The Bullitt Prize

The Bullitt Prize is an annual funding opportunity provided by the Washington Conservation Action Education Fund. This grant is designed to support emerging leaders who are actively engaged in advancing conservation and environmental justice within Washington State and the broader Pacific Northwest region. The Washington Conservation Action Education Fund, based in Seattle, Washington, focuses on investing in individuals and initiatives that aim to expand and diversify environmental leadership, particularly among communities that have been historically underrepresented in the environmental movement. The purpose of the Bullitt Prize is to serve as a transformative springboard for young leaders working at the intersection of conservation and environmental justice. The award targets individuals with a demonstrated history of leadership—whether academic, professional, or grassroots—who are committed to solving critical environmental challenges in ways that center equity and justice. With this funding, recipients are expected to continue or expand work that has meaningful impacts on their communities and the broader movement. The prize includes a total of $100,000 in unrestricted funds, disbursed in two payments of $50,000 over two years. These funds can be used for a wide array of expenses, including living costs, academic or tuition fees, and direct costs related to implementing or expanding a conservation or environmental justice project. This unrestricted nature allows recipients the flexibility to invest in their growth and their vision, rather than conforming to rigid project-based spending limits. Eligible applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time of applying and must be from an underrepresented group, such as an economically disadvantaged background. They must also be based in Washington State or the broader Pacific Northwest, provided their work impacts Washington. Applications are assessed by a selection committee of five community and environmental justice leaders, who evaluate submissions and conduct interviews with finalists. The application process includes the submission of personal and demographic information, references, a current resume, and responses to prompts regarding the applicant’s project, vision, and goals. The application for the 2025 cycle is open from March 1, 2025, through May 16, 2025. Finalist interviews will be conducted in July, with the winner announced in September and awarded in October at an in-person reception. The funds are officially disbursed in December 2025. Questions about the application can be directed to Washington Conservation Action Education Fund, headquartered at 1417 Fourth Avenue, Suite 800, Seattle, WA 98101. The Bullitt Prize emphasizes the importance of community connection, encouraging applicants to describe how their origin stories and ongoing relationships with their communities inform their leadership. The concept of community is broadly defined, including geographic, professional, academic, or other meaningful affiliations. This flexibility allows for a diverse array of applicants and projects to be considered under the umbrella of conservation and environmental justice.