NextWorldNow (NWN) is committed to working with community leaders who are solving difficult social problems. This includes social problems related to water, sanitation, deforestation, smallholder productivity, and food security – among other subject areas. Grants are up to US$10 thousand. To apply, community organizations submit a short “Notification of Interest” to register their intent to submit a formal grant application. NWN will screen the initial requests and forward a full application form to selected community organizations. The 2026 Grant application period begins 01 January 2026 and remains open until 1000 requests have been received or 01 March 2026, whichever comes first. Link
community projects
World Food Programme — Innovation Challenge
The World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Accelerator supports startups, NGOs, companies, and social enterprises worldwide that are developing innovative solutions to strengthen long-term resilience in fragile and crisis-affected contexts, particularly in areas such as food security, climate resilience, livelihoods, and emergency response. Selected innovators receive up to US$100 thousand in equity-free funding, along with hands-on technical support, and mentorship. The challenge is open to both early-stage and more mature innovations with proven potential for impact. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. WFP Innovation Accelerator
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change — Adaptation Fund
The Adaptation Fund makes grants for projects and programs that address the adverse impacts of climate change. Eligibility for grants extends to countries that are Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, with emphasis on developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Grants are primarily to government organizations such as national ministries, development institutes, local government authorities, and others — sometimes in partnership with civil society organizations. Project proposals are submitted through any of the Fund’s national, regional, or multilateral implementing entities. The Adaptation Fund accepts project and program proposals on a rolling basis. About the Adaptation Fund
UN Decade Youth Task Force — Microgrants
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Youth Task Force Microgrant Call supports youth-led initiatives that advance ecosystem restoration and environmental action under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The call is open to youth-led groups, organizations, and informal collectives from around the world that are actively implementing or planning small-scale restoration, awareness, or community-based environmental projects. Selected initiatives receive microgrants of up to US$5,000 to support project implementation. Applications are open until 31 December 2025. More here
Algalita — Mini Grants to Combat Plastic Pollution
The Wayfinder Society Student Mini-Grant supports student-led projects that reduce plastic pollution and protect ocean health. The grant is open to students ages 11–25 worldwide who are leading or developing projects that address the root cause of plastic pollution. Selected applicants can receive up to US $500 to support project materials, outreach, or implementation. Applications are accepted until 15 January 2026. Link
Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Community Resilience Prize
The Macquarie Community Resilience Prize seeks technology-enabled solutions building climate-resilient communities while creating meaningful employment and skill-building opportunities in Brazil, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. The prize is open to organizations, startups, NGOs, social enterprises, and innovators worldwide, particularly those working directly with vulnerable or frontline communities. Selected winners receive US$50 thousand in grant funding. The application deadline is 25 February 2026. Details here
BlueActionBANOS — Call for Community-Led Actions
BlueActionBANOS funds large, community-driven projects that contribute to the EU Mission “Restore Our Ocean and Waters by 2030” by protecting or restoring marine and freshwater ecosystems, preventing pollution, or advancing a sustainable blue economy in the Baltic and North Sea region. Eligible applicants are consortia of 2 to 12 entities in Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Sweden, and can include local/regional authorities, NGOs, research and educational institutions, SMEs, startups, cooperatives, knowledge brokers, and similar organisations. Selected projects receive €200 thousand to €2 million per action. The call is open until 16 March 2026. Call for Community-Led Actions
New Africa Fund — Africa Impact Fundraising Grant
The Africa Impact Fundraising Grant (AIFG) is open to legally registered NGOs, community-based organisations or social enterprises from any of the member states of the African Union. Participating organisations receive online training on small-donor fundraising, then take part in a 30-day fundraising challenge; those that perform well may get up to US$5,000 in matching funds. Additionally, up to 10 top-performing organisations are invited to a week-long in-person workshop in Rwanda on topics like grant writing, donor outreach, budgeting, marketing and fundraising strategy. The application deadline is 16 December 2025. More here
Prince Claus Fund — Support for Emerging Artists
The Seed Awards offer support to emerging artists and cultural practitioners who use the power of culture for positive change. Each award recipient will receive an award of €5000 to invest in developing their idea. Applicants must live and work in eligible countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, or Eastern Europe. The deadline for submission is 08 January 2026. Prince Claus Seed Awards
New Earth Foundation — Innovative Environmental Initiatives
The New Earth Foundation (NEF) seeks Letter of Inquiries (LOIs) to fund innovative environmental initiatives that are working to help eliminate pollution and save the planet’s ecosystems, and community projects that create models of social sustainability. Past projects include gardening and building houses in earthquake-impacted regions, using solar equipment to provide clean water to poor communities, planting trees for clean air, and many others. NEF only funds 501(c)(3) organizations. Applicants from outside the US may apply through a fiscal sponsor. Letters of Inquiry can be sent at any time during the year. These letters are reviewed twice a year and applicants that fit the requirements will receive the invitation to submit a full grant application. The deadlines for review are 01 February and 01 July each year. More about this opportunity