Agriculture Fisheries Forestry
Food Systems Transformation in the Central Sahel
2026-10-16
The International Fund for Agricultural Development invites eligible organizations, government agencies, private sector entities, research institutions, or consortia to submit proposals for "Support for Food Systems Transformation in the Central Sahel," a US$2 million grant supporting innovative, scalable interventions in the livestock, cassava, and rice value chains across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Proposals should demonstrate regional relevance, commercial viability, climate resilience, and inclusion of women and youth. The deadline is 16 October 2026.
Science and Research Fund
2026-10-18
The MSC's Science and Research Fund supports research projects addressing the barriers that MSC-certified fisheries face in maintaining certification, such as bycatch reduction, marine habitat protection, or climate change impacts. Grants reach up to £50,000 over up to two years. Applicants first submit an Expression of Interest before a full application. The deadline is 18 October 2026.
Biodiversity Conservation Wildlife
Creating New Protected Areas
2026-10-01
The Rainforest Trust partners with local conservation organizations to create new protected areas and expand existing ones for Critically Endangered and Endangered species. The Initiative invites applications for conservation partnerships from nonprofit entities and NGOs for projects in tropical Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Applying organizations may submit proposals for either a land purchase or a protected area designation. Applications to create new protected areas are reviewed three times per year. The application deadlines are 01 July and 01 October 2026. Applications for less than US$250 thousand may be submitted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Graduate Student Research Fellowship
2026-10-15
The Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) supports graduate students whose research advances the science and practice of conserving biological diversity. The Fellowship Awards will support field work, including travel, materials or equipment required to conduct research. Students must demonstrate financial need toward completion of a graduate degree to receive US$1,000 in support of their research project. The deadline to submit your materials is 15 October 2026.
Fellowship Program
2026-10-15
The Smithsonian Institution offers in-residence fellowships for independent research using Smithsonian collections and facilities, open to graduate students, doctoral candidates, and postdoctoral and senior researchers, in fields including ecology and environmental science, evolutionary biology, earth sciences, and anthropology, alongside various humanities disciplines. Stipends range from US$10,000 for a ten-week graduate fellowship to US$60,000 per year for senior and postdoctoral fellowships, plus a research allowance. There is no stated citizenship or nationality restriction. The deadline is 15 October 2026.
Pure Ocean Challenges
2026-10-19
Pure Ocean seeks projects that develop marine conservation initiatives managed by local communities and Indigenous peoples or explore nature-based solutions for the preservation of blue carbon ecosystems. This year's call is restricted exclusively to projects based in mainland France or its overseas territories — the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, and French overseas territories in the Indian Ocean and Pacific. Applicants of any nationality are welcome, provided the project itself is located in one of these areas. Only non-profit organizations (NGOs, universities, research institutes) can apply and receive funding. Pure Ocean only supports scientific projects addressing a clearly defined research question. Selected projects will receive up to €40 thousand (€30 thousand/year), for the duration of one to two years. Applications have to be submitted by 19 October 2026.
Ocean Exploration and Discovery
2026-10-21
The National Geographic Society invites early-career scientists worldwide to apply to lead ship-based research aboard SOI's Falkor (too) research vessel, currently recruiting for its 2027-2028 season traversing the west and south coasts of Africa. The opportunity provides one berth space and access to the vessel's onboard laboratories, underwater robotics, camera systems, and high-performance computing infrastructure. In prior cycles, the Society has awarded grants of up to US$20,000 to cover travel and project-related costs for the selected research, conservation, or technology project. General National Geographic eligibility applies: applicants must be 18 or older, may lead only one active proposal at a time, and must have submitted final reports for any prior National Geographic grants before applying to lead a new one. The deadline is 21 October 2026.
Whitley Awards 2027
2026-10-30
The Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) offers the Whitley Awards to outstanding biodiversity conservation leaders in developing countries around the world. The awards are both an international prize and a form of project funding, currently £50 thousand over one year. The program is open to mid-career conservationists who are leading wildlife conservation projects in a developing country. The application deadline is 30 October 2026.
Insect Photography Competition
2026-10-31
The Royal Entomological Society Insect Photography competition is open to all amateur photographers. Photographs entered for the Competition should feature an insect (or group of insects) occurring naturally in the situation in which it is photographed. The subject can be of any life stage, from egg through nymph, larva, or pupa to adult, and can be an insect from anywhere in the world. Prizes range from £250 to £750. The closing date for submission of photos is 31 October 2026.
Student Research Scholarships for Bat Conservation
2026-10-31
Bat Conservation International (BCI) requests proposals from student researchers seeking financial support for bat conservation research projects. Research may focus on human-caused environmental changes (such as land development or climate change on bats), bat-human conflicts (such as hunting, roost disturbance, and persecution), or behavioral or ecological questions that aid the protection of a bat species. The geographical scope is Latin America and the Caribbean; Africa and its adjacent islands; and globally. BCI anticipates granting up to US$3,000 each. Additional funding is available through special awards. The scholarship is only open to students who are registered with a recognized academic institution. The application deadline is 31 October 2026.
Small Grants
2026-10-31
The Seabird Group supports research, survey, and conservation of seabirds. It awards small grants each year, with priority to Seabird Group members working on Atlantic seabirds. The maximum grant is usually £250 per project. Applications should be submitted by 28 February and 31 October each year.
Requests for International Assistance
2026-10-31
Grants under the World Heritage Convention are made to help protect the World Cultural and Natural Heritage sites. Requests must be transmitted by a State Party National Commission for UNESCO or Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, or an appropriate governmental department or ministry. The limits on funding vary with the type of request (e.g., technical cooperation, training and research, promotion and education, preparatory assistance, emergency assistance). The next deadline for submitting requests is 31 October 2026.
Species Conservation Grants
2026-10-31
The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund provides targeted grants to support on-the-ground conservation initiatives for the world’s most threatened species. This global program is open to individual conservationists and organizations working to protect any species of plant, animal, or fungi, with a particular focus on those classified as endangered or data deficient. While the fund primarily supports field-based projects, it does not specify a strict limit for grant amounts; however, typical awards are small grants up to US$25 thousand. Applications are reviewed in three annual cycles, with the next submission windows closing on 31 May 2026, 15 October 2026, and 31 January 2027.
Crosscutting
Support for Commodity Development
2026-10-01
The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) provides financial and technical instruments to support projects proposed by enterprises, cooperatives, and institutions. Funding is targeted mainly to for-profit organizations and social enterprises. Projects focused on the sustainable use and conservation of forest resources in the Congo Basin region (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo) are eligible. The maximum amount is US$ 2 million for regular projects, and up to US$ 300 thousand under the Fast-Track procedure. The 29th call for proposals has a deadline of 01 October 2026.
Marine Exploration Grant
2026-10-02
The Explorers Club supports the scientific fieldwork of groundbreaking explorers around the world. The Stephenson Explorers Advancement Program supports college undergraduates/graduate students, and independent explorers under the age of 35 conducting exploration and field research for marine exploration and conservation projects. The average award is US$10 thousand. The deadline to submit applications is 02 October 2026.
PhD Visiting Fellowship Program 2027
2026-10-02
The African Network for Economics of Learning, Innovation and Competence Building Systems (AfricaLics) seeks PhD students from universities in Africa to participate in the AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Program focused on Innovation and Development. The visiting fellowship program intends to increase international mobility and provide PhD students with global knowledge in the field of innovation and development (which includes a four-month study stay in South Africa). The scholarship is open to PhD students from low- and lower-middle-income countries in Africa. The deadline for the submission of applications is 02 October 2026.
School Enterprise Challenge 2026
2026-10-06
The School Enterprise Challenge is an international business program for schools run by the educational charity Teach A Man To Fish. It guides and supports teachers and students to plan and set up real, sustainable school businesses and generate real profits to help support their school or a social cause of their choice. Thematic areas include agriculture, drinking water and sanitation, and the environment, among others. Prizes are between US$250 and US$5 thousand, including in-kind donations like laptops and cameras. Please note that only pre-primary schools, primary schools, secondary schools and technical/vocational colleges are eligible (universities are not eligible to apply). Business Ideas have to be submitted by 06 October 2026.
Chevening Scholarships 2027-2028
2026-10-06
The Chevening Scholarships provide full or partial funding for full-time courses at the postgraduate level, normally a one-year master’s degree, in any subject at any UK university. Chevening Scholars come from 150 countries, excluding the USA and the EU. Applicants complete the application forms for their chosen universities. The available courses include subjects such as agriculture, conservation, climate change, and others. The current application closes on 06 October 2026.
Earth Art Contest
2026-10-07
The Earth Partner Prize is an international art competition that invites creatives aged 14 to 30 from all backgrounds to submit original works—across any medium including visual art, film, performance, writing, fashion, digital creations, and more—that address the ecological crisis. Each participant may submit one project. Eight finalists will receive cash prizes of US $10 thousand, $5 thousand, or $2 thousand, and an additional 20 participants will receive honorable mentions from a distinguished, global jury. Applications must be submitted by 07 October 2026.
World Summit Awards 2026
2026-10-15
Nominations are open for the World Summit Awards (WSA) and the WSA Young Innovators Awards (young social entrepreneurs under 26 years of age). Start-ups and social entrepreneurs are asked to submit their local digital innovations with high social impact. The 8 award categories include one on Environment & Green Energy (climate, sustainable resources, agriculture). The winner does not receive a monetary award but does benefit from partnerships and integrations. Applications are accepted from companies, organizations, or individuals. The deadline to apply for WSA and WSA Young Innovators is 15 October 2026. (Deadlines for national submission of applications for WSA may vary locally.)
Young Innovators Award
2026-10-15
Nominations are open for the WSA Young Innovators Awards (young social entrepreneurs under 26 years of age). The awards recognize market-ready digital solutions that create positive social or environmental impact and contribute to one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Eligible applicants include startups, social entrepreneurs, companies, NGOs, student groups, project teams, and individuals. Winners receive global recognition, the opportunity to present their solutions at the WSA Global Congress, mentorship, networking opportunities, workshops, and international visibility. The deadline to apply for WSA Young Innovators is 15 October 2026.
Research Development Fund 2026
2026-10-15
The WUN Research Development Fund (RDF) provides grants of up to £10 thousand for one year to foster research collaborations among academic staff (faculty) at WUN member universities. Applications are open to researchers from WUN member institutions. The RDF supports research projects that fall under the network’s principal research theme of sustainable development. The closing date is 15 October 2026. (Note: Most WUN member universities have earlier internal submission deadlines, and prospective applicants should contact their local WUN Coordinator as soon as possible.)
Training for Social Entrepreneurs
2026-10-16
The Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship accepts applications for an accelerator program focused on social enterprises working on women’s economic power and/or climate resilience. The program is designed for established social entrepreneurs who directly serve people living in poverty who suffer disproportionately from climate change. Climate resilience falls into one of the following three categories: sustainable energy, availability of sustainable management of water and sanitation, and climate-smart agriculture. Non-profit, for-profit, or hybrid social enterprises that have a clear commitment to an earned revenue model with the potential for scale are all encouraged to apply. There are no geographical limitations. The application deadline is 16 October 2026.
Research Partnership 2027
2026-10-19
The Japan Science and Technology Agency, in collaboration with the Japan International Collaboration Agency, calls for proposals for the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS). Proposals are invited in the following research fields: environment/energy; bio-resources; and disaster prevention and mitigation. The SATREPS program provides funding of approx. ¥ 100 million per project per year. Researchers external to Japan should consult their national government agency responsible for ODA technical cooperation, the Embassy of Japan, or JICA offices in their resident countries. The deadline for proposals is 19 October 2026.
African Women in Biotechnology
2026-10-20
The ICGEB-SAWBP Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme supports South African women researchers holding a PhD degree, in Biotechnology or a related discipline who will perform hypothesis-driven research. Proposed research projects must fall within one of the ICGEB areas of research: Infectious Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases, Bioinformatics, Plant Systems Biology, Biopesticides and Virology. The closing date for applications is 20 October 2026.
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027
2026-10-20
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office makes Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for full-time doctoral studies to citizens from least developed countries and fragile states who could not afford to study in the UK without this scholarship. Scholarships are awarded annually across all subjects, with priority for applications that demonstrate strong relevance to development. The program does not accept direct applications for these scholarships. Instead, all applications must be made through nominating bodies (named in the announcement). Candidates must apply to one of the nominating bodies by 20 October 2026.
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027
2026-10-20
The UK Department for International Development (DFID) funds the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for candidates from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, to undertake full-time study at a UK university. Scholarships are awarded annually across all subjects, with priority for applications that demonstrate strong relevance to development. The program does not accept direct applications for these scholarships, instead all applications must be made through nominating bodies (named in the announcement). Candidates must apply to one of the nominating bodies by 20 October 2026.
Travel Fellowship
2026-10-23
The World Federation of Science Journalists invites applications for travel fellowships to attend the World Conference of Science Journalists 2027 (London/September 2027). Fellowships cover travel, visa costs, local transport, up to six nights' accommodation, and full conference registration; no per diem is included. Eligible applicants are journalists (science journalism need not be their primary role), journalism students, or students in related fields who could not otherwise attend, with priority given to those from lower- and middle-income countries per World Bank classification, though applicants from higher-income countries aren't automatically excluded if financial need is demonstrated. The deadline is 23 October 2026.
Postgraduate Courses in Germany 2027-2028
2026-10-30
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships to qualified individuals from eligible developing countries for post-graduate studies at German universities in development-related subjects. The program (EPOS) is open to individuals who have completed their previous academic degrees no longer than six years previously; who have at least two years of professional experience; and who are nationals of countries receiving official development assistance (DAC list of the OECD). The available courses range across water resources; renewable energy; land management and tenure; agricultural sciences; forest sciences; ecology; nature conservation; environmental governance; and many others. The application deadline for the next intake (October 2027) is 30 October 2026.
Post-Doctoral Fellowships 2027
2026-10-30
The Earth Institute at Columbia University invites applications for 2-year postdoctoral fellowships that contribute to understanding critical scientific and social issues in global sustainable development. Specific areas of research include food security, energy systems, climate change, poverty reduction, disease, and environmental degradation. The multi-disciplinary program is open to U.S. and non-U.S. citizens who received their doctoral degrees within five years of beginning their appointments. The deadline for applications is 30 October 2026.
Fully-Funded Community Climate Leadership Program
2026-10-31
The Green Earth Action Foundation (GEAF) invites applications for its Ambassador Program 2027, a six-month, fully-funded climate leadership opportunity open to changemakers worldwide. Selected ambassadors design and lead a community-based environmental project, chosen from five thematic areas: forest and biodiversity protection, environmental education and community empowerment, waste reduction and pollution prevention, climate-smart agriculture, and marine and water protection. GEAF provides expert-led capacity building alongside one-to-one mentorship and guided project implementation support. Applicants must be at least 18, demonstrate experience in community outreach and local implementation, communicate fluently in French or English, and commit approximately five to ten hours per week for the full six months. The application deadline is 31 October 2026.
