UN Environment and Think Beyond Plastic are sponsoring a worldwide innovation challenge for university students to fight the increasing problem of plastic in oceans. The winners in each of four categories of the competition will attend the Sixth International Marine Debris Conference in California (March 2018), and will receive free mentorship to help them develop their ideas. The competition is open to university students worldwide. The deadline for entries is 06 October 2017. Learn about the challenge
conservation
European Commission — Mediterranean Cross-Border Cooperation
The EC announces the first call for proposals of the ENI CBC “Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme 2014-2020″. The program aims to promote business and entrepreneurship (including in agriculture), and to promote coordination of efforts for environmental protection and climate change adaptation and mitigation. Project partnerships should be composed of a minimum of three eligible countries, including at least one EU Mediterranean Country and one Mediterranean Partner Country. Partner countries are Jordan, Palestinian Territories, and Tunisia (and others expected to be announced soon). The closing date for project submissions is 09 November 2017. Find more information
WWF in India — Small Grants Program
WWF-India offers grants up to Rs. 400 thousand for conservation research or action projects of up to two years. Grants are made to individuals to be utilized primarily for field activities. Priority is for research and conservation aligned with WWF’s program in India. The application deadlines are 30 April and 30 November of each year. Learn more
Coady International Institute — Women’s Leadership 2018
The Global Change Leaders Program is a seven-week education program to enable women from developing countries to strengthen their leadership capacities at the Coady Institute, affiliated with St Francis Xavier University in Canada. The program offers successful candidates a full scholarship that includes tuition, travel, accommodations, and meals. Applicants should have at least four years of demonstrated leadership experience in fields such as food security, environment, and others. The application deadline is 07 September 2017. Link
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium — Conservation Grants 2018
The Columbus Zoo makes conservation grants for research, local community involvement, capacity building, environmental education, and behavior change leading to improved conservation of wildlife and habitat. Grant requests may range from US$1 thousand to US$25 thousand, but grants are limited to US$5 thousand for first-time applicants. First-time applicants must submit a pre-proposal. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. The next proposal review is mid-September 2017. Application and Guidelines
National Geographic Society — Long-Distance Animal Migration
The National Geographic Society requests proposals from around the world to test innovative approaches that will improve the viability of migratory species. Projects may be focused around conservation, education, research, storytelling, or technology. Preference will be given to proposals that include feasible plans to measure baselines or demonstrate change in key indicators. Applicants may request from US$10 thousand to US$150 thousand to be used over one or two years. The application deadline is 01 October 2017. Link
Elephant Family — Conservation Grants for Asian Elephants
Elephant Family makes grants for projects that have direct benefits for wild Asian elephants. There is no maximum or minimum grant, but grants above £100 thousand per year are unlikely to be funded. Elephant Family will fund projects which can demonstrate clear measurable benefits within a defined time period of normally 2 to 5 years. The application deadline is 02 October 2017. More information here
HDH Wills Charitable Trust — Conservation of Wildlife and Environment
The HDH Wills Charitable Trust makes grants to UK-registered charities active in the conservation of wildlife and the environment. Past grants include many for conservation programs and projects in developing countries. Grants will range from £2 thousand to £25 thousand, and in some cases could be up to £50 thousand. The application period concludes in October 2017. Link
U.S. Agency for International Development — Geospatial Data for the Amazon Region
The program SERVIR helps developing countries to integrate Earth observation information and geospatial technologies into development decision-making. The U.S. government will support a regional system or hub in the Amazon region for dissemination and use of publicly available data on precipitation and hydrologic monitoring and modeling. Related objectives are to strengthen the region’s capacity to generate, disseminate, and use geospatial information and tools for decision support; and to develop user-tailored tools to inform government and civil society decision making. Eligibility for funding is restricted to organizations based in the Amazon Region. Applying consortia should include a mix of inter-governmental, NGO, academic institutions, and private partners. Partners should include representation from Brazil, Colombia, and Peru — with additional desirable participation from Guyana and Suriname, and possibly other Amazon countries. USAID anticipates making one award of US$7 million to US$9 million for implementation over five years. The closing date for applications is 31 August 2017. Link
Safari Club International Foundation — Grants for Wildlife Conservation and Research 2018-2019
The SCI Foundation funds projects and direct wildlife programs dedicated to wildlife conservation, research, and outdoor education in Africa, Asia, and North America. Grants are up to US$50 thousand per year. The application deadline is 31 October 2017. Link