The Young Leaders for the SDGs initiative recognizes young people who are leading efforts to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative offers Young Leaders a range of benefits designed to support and amplify their impact. The United Nations seeks applications from young people of all backgrounds from all around the world. Applications are being accepted until 18 April 2025. Young Leaders for the SDGs
climate
Catalyst Fund — Climate Resilience Africa
The Catalyst Fund supports early-stage tech startups that are developing solutions for climate adaptation and resilience in Africa. Startups receive US$150 thousand in investment and An additional US$50 thousand worth of tailored venture-building assistance. Eligibility extends to companies developing technology solutions aimed at climate adaptation and resilience serving populations within Africa. Startups that are interested in partnering with the Catalyst Fund can submit a project pitch. Link
Energy Foundation — China Sustainable Energy Program
The Foundation’s China Sustainable Energy Program makes grants for planning, policies, research, and training to improve energy efficiency and to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions in China. Grant eligibility extends to organizations in China and the USA. They include research institutes and foundations; universities; professional organizations, societies, and academies; energy technology centers; policy groups and think tanks; state-owned energy companies; regulatory agencies; and NGOs. Proposals are accepted on a continuous basis. Link
Amazon Web Services — Compute for Climate
The AWS Compute for Climate Fellowship supports startups and innovators using cloud computing to develop scalable climate solutions. The program provides selected fellows with up to US$100 thousand in AWS credits, technical mentorship, and access to AWS experts to accelerate their projects in areas such as climate modeling, carbon tracking, and sustainable technology. Applicants should be early-stage founders or researchers leveraging cloud computing for climate impact. The fellowship is open to global participants. Applications will be accepted until 06 April 2025. Amazon Web Services
776 Foundation — Tackling Climate Change
The 776 Fellowship is a two-year, full-time program. Fellows will receive a US$100 thousand grant over two years to work on projects to fight climate change instead of pursuing a university degree. Fellows must be ages 18 to 24 and can live anywhere in the world. Fellows will have access to founder networks, various programming, and access to a venture fund’s operating system. Applications close on 14 April 2025. Know more
Rooted Futures Lab — Environmental Justice in Technology
The Environmental Justice in Technology (EJIT) Fellowship is a remote, 12-week program supporting projects at the intersection of environmental justice and technology. The fellowship provides a US$3,000 stipend for four fellows dedicating approximately 20 hours per week. Fellows will engage in one of four focus areas: digital zine publishing, climate misinformation research, educational material development, or creative cultural interventions. Applicants should have experience in environmental justice through community work, study, or lived experience. The application deadline is 15 April 2025. Rooted Futures Lab
Australian Museum Research Institute — Postgraduate Research Award
The Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI) offers students access to the Australian Museum’s collections and research programs. AMRI focuses on environmental challenges such as climate change impacts on biodiversity, the detection and biology of pest species, and understanding what constitutes and influences effective biodiversity conservation. The postgraduate award is open to students enrolled in any postgraduate qualification program relevant to the AMRI research priorities. AMRI provides financial support of $2,500. Applications for funding may be submitted until 30 April 2025. More information
Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust — Sustainable Future Grant
The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) accepts applications for the Sustainable Future Program to develop and promote sustainable, low-carbon alternatives to the current economic systems. JRCT is particularly interested in activities that help marginalized groups and young activists. The Fund will support campaigns and movements, networks, and the replication of innovative local projects on a larger scale. Eligibility extends to UK based and foreign non-profit organizations. Applicants have to register an account first. The upcoming deadline for account registration is 01 September 2025. Details here
Volvo Environment Prize — Nominations 2026
The Volvo Environment Prize aims to promote scientific research and innovations that in broad terms fall within the environmental and sustainability field. The Volvo Environment Prize Foundation invites universities, research institutes, scientists, engineers, as well as other individuals and organizations to submit nominations. Priority is given to an individual or to a group of individuals. Past laureates have included leaders in fields such as global change, biodiversity, energy efficiency, and others. The Prize consists of a diploma, sculpture, and cash award for SEK 1.5 million. The deadline for nominations is 20 January 2026. Volvo Environment Prize
Belgian Royal Academy for Overseas Sciences — Research Competition 2026
Each year, the Belgian Royal Academy for Overseas Sciences sponsors a competition to stimulate high-quality research regarding problems inherent in the developing world. The questions for 2026 request a study on the impact of climate change on the spread of tropical diseases in humans, animals or plants. Each award-winning work is granted a prize of €2,500. The deadline for the 2025 competition is 01 March 2026. Find the questions for the 2026 competition