The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) invites nominations for the Young Forest Champions initiative. This program recognizes individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 who lead innovative projects in forest monitoring using geospatial technology to support climate action. Eligible applicants include individual forest practitioners, researchers, and community leaders from Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Peru, Uganda, or Zambia, with a specific focus on those contributing to indigenous and local community efforts. Selected champions receive a US$10 thousand grant to scale their projects, along with technical mentorship and an invitation to participate in the XVIV IUFRO World Congress. The application deadline is 21 March 2026. Young Forest Champions
Asia-Pacific
OPEC Fund for International Development — Young Professional Development Program
The Young Professional Development Program (YPDP) is a two-year program designed to prepare young professionals from OPEC Fund member countries for a career in global development. The themes include poverty reduction, energy and sustainable development, environment, and other related science and technology fields. YPDP offers training, coaching and mentoring, the opportunity to experience different departments and access to professional networks. To be selected for the program, applicants must be 30 years of age (or younger) and hold a Master’s degree. The deadline for applications is 11 April 2026. More about the YPDP
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in the South Pacific Ocean
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) provides funding for small-scale, high-impact projects designed by local partners in Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu. The program focuses on priorities such as climate action, gender equality, human dignity, and inclusive economic growth. Eligible applicants include local non-governmental and community organizations, academic institutions, and regional or international agencies working on local development. While grants typically range from CAN$5,000 to CAN$45,000, the maximum contribution for any single project is CAN$65 thousand. The deadline for applications is 15 March 2026. CFLI South Pacific Ocean
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Asia-Pacific Islands
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale, high-impact projects designed by local partners in Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. The program funds projects that address thematic priorities such as inclusive governance, gender equality, environmental action, and peace and security. Eligible applicants include local non-governmental organizations, community groups, and academic institutions, as well as international or regional organizations working with local partners. Most successful projects receive between CAN$30 thousand and CAN$60 thousand, with a maximum limit of CAN$50 thousand for this specific call. The deadline for applications is 20 March 2026. CFLI Asia-Pacific Islands
Bayer Foundation — Women Empowerment Award
The Bayer Foundation Women Empowerment Award (WEA) recognizes women pioneering in health, nutrition, and related climate-smart solutions. Fifteen female entrepreneurs will get the chance to join the 6-month Accelerator Program and receive €25 thousand in support of their business. To qualify, applicants must center their solutions around health or food security related challenges. The award seeks to support women entrepreneurs driving impactful solutions in the Asia Pacific region, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. The application deadline is 13 April 2026. Women Empowerment Award
Kurita Water and Environment Foundation — Water Research Grants 2026
The Kurita Water and Environment Foundation (KWEF) supports scientists of Asian nationality who are conducting water research. Research topics include technologies for water/wastewater treatment, water quality analysis, sustainability of water environment sanitation, water ecosystem, and agricultural water use – among other themes. Grants are up to ¥ 300 thousand per research project. Applicants should be under age 40. The application deadline is 02 May 2026. Application procedure
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education — SIDS Scholarship
The IHE Delft Institute for Water Education offers SIDS Scholarships for the MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development, targeting professionals from Small Island Developing States. The scholarship covers tuition fees, insurance, international travel costs, and a monthly allowance of €1,220 for living and accommodation expenses during the study period. Eligibility extends to nationals residing or working in eligible SIDS countries. The application deadline is 01 June 2026. SIDS Scholarship
Association of Commonwealth Universities — Climate Resilience Fellowships
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) invites applications for the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme to support climate resilience in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The program offers fellowships to mid-career professionals, undergraduate students, and postgraduate students to strengthen local capacity and planetary health. Eligible applicants must be citizens of a Commonwealth SIDS country and be currently employed by or enrolled in an ACU member university within one of the 25 eligible nations across the Caribbean, Pacific, and Indian Ocean regions. The fellowship covers tuition fees, living allowances, and research support. The deadline for applications is 05 March 2026. Link
American Society of Primatologists — Small Research Grant 2026
The American Society of Primatologists (ASP) supports students and young researchers from habitat countries who are engaged in primate conservation. Grant proposals are invited for either captive or wild primate-oriented research projects. Applications for start-up funds, supplementary funding for students, and innovations in animal care and research technology are welcome. Award amounts range from US$500 to US$2000. Applications for small grants need to be submitted by 20 March 2026. Learn about ASP’s research grants
Australian Center for International Agricultural Research — John Allwright Fellowship
The Australian Center for International Agricultural Research awards the John Allwright Fellowship for university postgraduate studies in Australia. The aim of the Fellowship is to strengthen scientific research capability and institutional links in ACIAR partner countries to undertake high-quality and impactful research. In the 2027 intake round, research dedicated to addressing climate change, climate adaptation or strengthening resilience to climate change impacts is encouraged. Each awardee pursues research at an Australian tertiary institution relevant to the project in which the awardee is engaged. The deadline for applications is 30 April 2026. Link