IFIP Global Conference 2027 Scholarship for Indigenous Leaders

Applications are open for the International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP) Global Conference 2027 Scholarship, an international opportunity designed to help Indigenous leaders, community members and changemakers participate in a global gathering in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. The scholarship aims to strengthen Indigenous representation in international discussions and support the exchange of knowledge, experiences and community led solutions.

The scholarship is organised by the International Funders for Indigenous Peoples, a global network focused on advancing Indigenous philanthropy and improving the flow of resources toward Indigenous communities, organisations and priorities. The 2027 conference will bring together Indigenous leaders, funders, donors, Indigenous led funds, impact investors, development agencies and other allies to explore how resources can be directed more equitably toward Indigenous priorities.

The main conference will take place from April 28 to April 30, 2027, in Darwin, Australia. Scholarship recipients are expected to arrive on April 27 and depart on May 1, 2027. The wider programme includes pre conference activities and community visits, creating opportunities for participants to learn from different Indigenous experiences and build relationships with people working on related issues around the world.

About the Opportunity

The IFIP Global Conference 2027 will focus on strengthening Indigenous leadership and supporting more equitable approaches to funding Indigenous communities. It will provide a platform for Indigenous participants and their allies to discuss how philanthropy, investment and other funding mechanisms can better support Indigenous led priorities, organisations, economies and solutions.

The conference will take place in Darwin on Larrakia Country, offering an opportunity to engage with the connections between Indigenous Peoples, land, waters, culture, knowledge, livelihoods and ecological systems. Participants will be able to exchange perspectives on community development, Indigenous rights, environmental sustainability, biodiversity, Indigenous knowledge and the future of Indigenous leadership.

The scholarship is intended for people who are already engaged in their communities, organisations, networks or Indigenous led initiatives. Successful applicants should be prepared to contribute their knowledge and experiences during the conference and share useful insights with their communities when they return home.

Scholarship recipients will also be expected to participate actively in sessions and networking activities and submit a post conference report describing their experience, key learning outcomes and plans for applying or sharing the knowledge gained.

Opportunity Benefits

Selected scholarship recipients will receive support for the specified expenses associated with attending the conference.

• Conference registration fee.

• Hotel accommodation for the conference dates from April 27 to April 30, 2027, according to the published scholarship arrangements.

• Return economy class airfare from the participant’s nearest international airport to Darwin, Australia.

• Airport transfers and local transportation in the participant’s home country and in Australia.

• Australian visa fee, where applicable.

• Meals provided during the conference.

• Food allowance for travel days based on IFIP per diem rates.

• Travel and health insurance.

• Opportunities to exchange knowledge with Indigenous leaders, community representatives, funders and international development practitioners.

• Opportunities to establish professional relationships and strengthen connections with Indigenous organisations and networks across different regions.

• A platform to share community experiences, discuss Indigenous led solutions and contribute to conversations about equitable funding.

Scholarship support is limited to the expenses specified by the organiser. Applicants should review the official scholarship information and confirm any individual arrangements before making travel plans. IFIP has indicated that the number of scholarships awarded will depend on available fundraising.

Conference Themes

The scholarship welcomes applicants whose work, interests or community activities connect with the conference themes and related areas.

• Indigenous leadership and community development.

• Indigenous philanthropy and funding approaches.

• Indigenous rights and the protection of Indigenous territories.

• Climate action, biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

• Indigenous knowledge and community based solutions.

• Gender equality and disability inclusion.

• Youth leadership and participation.

• Transformative approaches to resourcing Indigenous communities.

Applicants should explain how their experience relates to these themes and what they hope to contribute to discussions during the conference.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the scholarship requirements established by IFIP.

• Identify as Indigenous and be actively engaged in an Indigenous community, organisation or Indigenous led initiative.

• Be based in or come from an eligible region: Africa, Asia and the Pacific, or Latin America.

• Demonstrate an interest in or active involvement in issues related to Indigenous leadership, community development, philanthropy, funding, Indigenous rights, climate, biodiversity, Indigenous knowledge, Indigenous territories, gender equality, disability inclusion or youth leadership.

• Show a commitment to contributing to their communities and advancing Indigenous led solutions.

• Be available to participate in the full main conference from April 28 to April 30, 2027.

• Be able to travel internationally and hold a valid passport.

• Meet the relevant Australian visa and entry requirements.

• Be able to provide endorsement from a community, organisation or affiliated network.

Indigenous youth and Indigenous persons with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants should demonstrate meaningful community engagement rather than relying solely on general interest in the conference themes.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed according to the applicant’s experience, relevance to the conference and potential to contribute to their community after the event.

• Alignment with conference themes: Applicants should demonstrate a clear connection to Indigenous philanthropy, equitable resourcing or other relevant conference priorities.

• Community involvement: The selection team will consider active participation in an Indigenous community, organisation, network or Indigenous led initiative and evidence of meaningful contributions.

• Learning and contribution goals: Applicants should explain what they hope to learn, what perspectives they can share and how they intend to participate in conference discussions.

• Community impact: Applicants should present a clear plan for sharing and applying the knowledge, connections and insights gained through the conference.

• Regional representation: The selection process will consider diversity across eligible regions.

• Community or organisational endorsement: Applicants must be able to provide endorsement from a relevant community, organisation or affiliated network.

Required Application Information

Applicants should prepare the information needed to explain their background, community engagement and reasons for attending. The organiser’s published scholarship page does not provide a complete itemised list of every application field, so applicants should follow the official application form for the exact requirements.

Information to prepare includes:

• Personal and contact information.

• Details of Indigenous identity and community affiliation as requested in the application form.

• A description of current community work, organisational involvement or participation in an Indigenous led initiative.

• Relevant experience connected to the conference themes.

• Reasons for applying and goals for participating in the conference.

• An explanation of how the applicant intends to share learning and connections with their community or organisation.

• Community, organisational or network endorsement.

• Passport and travel readiness information as requested by the organiser.

Applicants should ensure that all submitted information is accurate and that any requested supporting documents are included.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official scholarship page. Read the eligibility conditions, funding coverage, conference schedule and application instructions on the International Funders for Indigenous Peoples website.
2. Review your eligibility. Confirm that you identify as Indigenous, are actively engaged in your community or an Indigenous led initiative, and meet the regional and travel requirements.
3. Prepare your application. Explain your community involvement, connection to the conference themes, learning objectives and plans for sharing what you gain from the event.
4. Arrange community endorsement. Identify an appropriate community representative, organisation or affiliated network that can endorse your participation.
5. Complete the official application form. Provide all requested information and supporting documents, following the instructions on the application portal.
6. Submit before the deadline. Applications must be submitted by November 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
7. Monitor official communications. IFIP plans to announce scholarship recipients on November 23, 2026. Successful applicants should follow the organiser’s instructions concerning travel, participation and preparation.