UNESCO invites applications for the international photo contest “Nomadic Culture of Central Asia: Preserving Traditions and Biodiversity”. Professional and amateur photographers aged 18 and older from any country may submit original photographs taken in Central Asia that highlight pastoral traditions, nomadic communities, livestock diversity, or biodiversity and rangeland landscapes. Finalists’ photographs will be exhibited in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in autumn 2026. The submission deadline is 09 August 2026. Central Asia Photo Contest
Category: Cross-Cutting Subjects
The Thomson Foundation invites entries for the Young Journalist Award 2026, an international competition recognizing outstanding young journalists whose work investigates important social issues and holds power to account. Eligible applicants are journalists aged 30 or under from, or reporting in, countries with a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita below US$20 thousand. Applicants must submit three published or broadcast pieces produced during the previous 12 months. Three finalists will be invited to London, United Kingdom, to attend the Foreign Press Association Media Awards, participate in newsroom visits, and receive professional training and networking opportunities. The application deadline is 09 August 2026. Young Journalist Award
- Tags: august2026, awards/prizes, individuals, media/journalism, worldwide, youth
Purpose Earth is a grant and mentorship program empowering leaders and their transformative solutions to our global challenges. Purpose Earth supports projects that are finding creative solutions within the areas of environmental protection, community activation, and cultural collaboration. Grant funding is up to US$10 thousand per recipient. The deadline to apply is 30 August 2026. Purpose Earth Grant Award
The British Council invites applications for Transnational Education Grants with India to support UK and Indian higher education institutions, together with industry partners, to develop and launch transnational education courses and degree programmes in emerging disciplines. Priority areas include AI and machine learning, quantum computing, genomics and proteomics, sustainable energy and climate change technology, synthetic biology, neurotechnology, circular economy research, advanced engineering, robotics, space technologies, semiconductor technologies, critical minerals, and earth sciences. Eligible partnerships must include at least one UK higher education institution, one Indian higher education institution, and an industry partner from the UK or India. Each selected project receives £30 thousand for a 17-month project starting on 30 September 2026. The application deadline is 25 August 2026. Transnational Education Grants
The United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship provides government officials and other mid-level professionals from developing states with advanced training on ocean affairs and the law of the sea. The 9-month fellowship program is composed of two consecutive phases which provide fellows with advanced and customized research and training opportunities. Fellows will receive a stipend each month during their fellowship. The stipend is intended to cover the cost of lodging, boarding, and other essentials such as local transport. In addition to the stipend, fellows will be provided with a book allowance of US$100 per month. Candidates must be between the ages of 25 and 40. The call for applications is open until 13 September 2026. Nippon Foundation Fellowship
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) invites expressions of interest for collaborative, multi-country research projects that advance Africa’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy. The call supports research in five thematic areas: agriculture, health, artificial intelligence and digital technologies, energy, and environment. Eligible applicants are consortia consisting of one lead institution and at least two co-applicant institutions from different participating SGCI countries; eligible organizations include public research organizations, public and private universities, and governmental research organizations, while organizations outside participating countries may join as unfunded partners. Funding ranges from CA$50 thousand to CA$300 thousand per consortium member. The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is 25 September 2026. Multilateral Research Call
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. Find out more
The Swiss Network for International Studies (SNIS) makes grants for multi-disciplinary research on global issues that are relevant in the international arena, or that concern multiple countries simultaneously. SNIS accepts submissions from Swiss institutions of higher education and research (listed in the announcement). SNIS strongly encourages international collaboration. Project funding ranges from CHF 100 thousand to CHF 300 thousand for two years. The application deadline is 20 January 2027. Find the call
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in South Africa. The program targets local civil society organizations, community groups, academic institutions, and municipal agencies working on local development priorities such as inclusive governance, gender equality, and climate action. Grant awards typically range from CAN$30 thousand to CAN$60 thousand, with a maximum allowable ceiling of CAN$100 thousand per project. The deadline to submit initial expressions of interest is 03 July 2026. CFLI South Africa
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Namibia. The program funds local civil society organizations, community groups, academic institutions, and regional government bodies working on grass-roots initiatives such as climate action, inclusive governance, and gender equality. Grant awards typically range from CAD$20 thousand to CAD$50 thousand, with a maximum allowable allocation of CAD$100 thousand per project. The deadline to submit initial expressions of interest is 03 July 2026. CFLI Namibia
- Tags: Africa, climate, community projects, conservation, july2026, nonprofit orgs, universities, water, women