The Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer (JWO) Research Grant supports early-career scientists who conduct impactful research that will provide solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing problems. The proposed research should be focused on the intersection between biodiversity and the economy; environmental tipping points; pollution and impact on the environment; or the impact of basic sciences on sustainable development. A grant of US$150 thousand will support a research project or program for up to three years. Applicants must have strong links to an African academic institution, research institution, government institution, NGO, or for-profit organization. The application deadline is 01 May 2026. JWO Research Grant
business/enterprise
Wilkes Center — Climate Prize
The Wilkes Climate supports innovative ideas to help fund and accelerate solutions to climate change. Organizations at all stages, both for-profits and nonprofits, anywhere in the world are eligible to submit ideas. The first round of submissions is due 28 February 2026. Wilkes Climate Launch Prize
Fondation Franklinia — Conservation of Globally Threatened Trees
The Foundation Franklinia accepts project proposals focused on in-situ conservation of threatened trees in the Mediterranean basin. Eligibility extends to any organization with well-established expertise and efficiency in plant conservation. Projects must aim at improving the conservation status of globally threatened tree species listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Funding from the Foundation favors conservation projects with reasonable budgets in relation to proposed activities. A minimum of 20-50% of co-funding will be required. The deadline for submission of proposals (English) is 26 March 2026. Tree Conservation
Journalism Fund — Investigation Grants for Environmental Journalism
The Investigation Grants for Environmental Journalism supports cross-border teams of professional journalists or news outlets to conduct investigations into environmental affairs related to Europe. The grant covers working time and expenses such as logistics, travel, insurance, access to legal support, translations, and access to technology and data sets. The total available amount to be distributed among all supported investigations will be around €400 thousand. The grant is open to professional freelance journalists or news outlets (cross-border teams of at least two journalists). The next application deadline is 23 April 2026. Click here
Union for the Mediterranean — Project Implementation Support
The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) does not fund the implementation of the projects but it assists project development, the search for financial resources, and the search for political and technical support needed for project implementation. UfM promotes a wide range of projects in the Mediterranean region in subject areas that include energy and climate, water, environment, blue economy, and several others. Proposals are accepted continuously; there is no calendar deadline. Details
Free Electrons — Clean Energy Transition
The Free Electrons Program is a global open-innovation accelerator that connects energy startups with leading utilities and energy system operators to pilot and scale breakthrough solutions for the energy transition. The program is open to startups worldwide with mature, market-ready technologies addressing areas such as grid digitalization, renewables integration, energy storage, flexibility, electrification, and climate resilience. Selected startups receive non-dilutive support, including paid pilot opportunities, access to utility partners, technical validation, mentoring, and global exposure (rather than a fixed cash grant). The application deadline is 31 January 2026. Free Electrons Program
LEAP-SE — Research and Innovation Partnership on Sustainable Energy
LEAP-SE funds collaborative research and innovation projects that advance clean energy technologies, systems, and policies aligned with the Africa–Europe energy transition agenda. The call is open to consortia of organizations, including universities, research institutes, companies, NGOs, and public bodies, from African Union Member States and European countries. Funding amounts vary by country and partner, with a maximum funding of €500 thousand per partner. Proposals must be submitted in two stages, with pre-proposals due by 05 February 2026. Details
UNCDF — Financing for Nature-Positive Private Sector Enterprises
The UNCDF seeks expressions of interest from private micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises operating in the Congo Basin region that are implementing or scaling nature-positive, deforestation-free, and climate-resilient business models. The call targets enterprises working in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, forest-industry transformation, landscape restoration, and ecotourism. The call is open to nonprofits, NGOs, social enterprises, private sector entities, and consortia. Applicants may request support ranging from US$250 thousand to US$1.5 million. The application deadline is 28 February 2026. Link to more information
European Commission — Improving Climate and Weather Models
The European Commission supports projects that enhance climate and weather data, modeling, and forecasting systems to improve resilience and decision-making across the African continent. The call is open to for-profit companies, startups, research institutions, NGOs, and consortia with strong technical capacity in climate science, data analytics, AI, or weather modeling. Selected projects may receive grant funding ranging from approximately US$250 thousand to US$1 million, depending on project scope and impact. The application deadline is 15 April 2026. Know more
iF International Forum Design GmbH — Social Impact Prize
The iF Social Impact Prize aims to publish and support design projects that contribute to solving urgent challenges and help to improve living conditions in the developing world. Solutions should already be established and help to solve well-known issues in any category of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The best projects will share a cash prize of €100 thousand in total. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations, companies, and foundations (student concepts will not be accepted). Social projects can be submitted until 20 May 2026. iF Social Impact Prize