The AirAsia Foundation makes grants to social enterprises with projects to empower communities, enable them to build sustainable livelihoods, tackle social problems, or protect the environment. Applicants must be registered and be based in ASEAN. NGOs looking to diversify funding sources through social enterprise are welcome to submit an application. AirAsia’s priority is to support smaller social enterprises. Applications can be submitted anytime, but the review process may take up to 6 months. Link
conservation
National Geographic Society — Coastal Ecosystems
National Geographic invites science-driven proposals that protect, restore, or enhance blue forest coastal ecosystems—such as mangroves, salt marshes, kelp forests, and seagrass meadows—to benefit both biodiversity and local communities. The program supports two funding levels: Level I grants up to US $20 thousand, ideal for early-career project leaders, and Level II grants up to US $100 thousand for more established practitioners seeking deeper impact. Projects must be science-oriented and are strongly encouraged to partner with communities. The RFP closes on 03 October 2025. Link to RFP
Pure Ocean — Pure Ocean Challenges
Pure Ocean supports innovative applied research projects worldwide, protecting fragile marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Pure Ocean seeks projects that develop marine conservation initiatives managed by local communities and Indigenous peoples or explore nature-based solutions for the preservation of blue carbon ecosystems. Only non-profit organizations (NGOs, universities, research institutes) can apply and receive funding. Pure Ocean only supports scientific projects addressing a clearly defined research question. Selected projects will receive up to €40 thousand (€30 thousand/year), for the duration of one to two years. Applications have to be submitted by 01 October 2025. Pure Ocean Challenges
Explorers Club — Exodus Exploration without Boundaries Grant
The Explorers Club supports the scientific fieldwork of groundbreaking explorers around the world. The Exodus Exploration without Boundaries Grant supports expeditions that further our understanding of the world through scientific, cultural, and conservation fieldwork. The average award is US$4.000. The deadline to submit applications is 13 October 2025. Exodus Exploration without Boundaries Grant
Dalai Lama Fellows — Mentorship for Emerging Leaders
The Dalai Lama Fellowship offers emerging leaders from all around the world mentorship and coaching to design and implement their own original field projects addressing a global challenge. Project areas include environmental sustainability, among others. The fellowship does not offer funding for projects, instead, it offers coaching and a global community. This program is open to next-generation leaders (20-35 years old). The deadline for applications is 12 November 2025. Dalai Lama Fellows
National Geographic Society — The Future of Learning
The National Geographic Society seeks innovative education and research projects that cultivate the knowledge, attitudes, and skills across all learner ages and contexts necessary to protect our planet’s future. Two funding levels are available: Level I grants up to US $20 thousand for emerging leaders, and Level II grants up to US $100 thousand for more established practitioners or Explorers. This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide who are at least 18 years old. The submission deadline is 19 November 2025. The Future of Learning
World Wildlife Fund — Fonseca Leadership Program
The Fonseca Leadership Program aims to provide financial support for researchers and practitioners in Latin America to pursue graduate-level studies geared towards education and research training. Applicants may apply for up to two (master’s) and three (PhD) years of funding and request up to US$30 thousand per year. The fellowship is open to nationals of eligible countries within WWF-US and the GEF priority areas (Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Suriname). The deadline to apply is 18 December 2025. Fonseca Leadership Program
United People Global — Leadership Training Program
The United People Global (UPG) Sustainability Leadership training program offers young leaders from all over the world the opportunity to participate in an immersive 1-week experience on an island in the USA. UPG seeks young people (18-35 years) who want to take positive action that helps the world tackle a sustainability challenge to achieve any of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 500 young leaders will be selected to participate in an online program and receive a certification after successful completion of the online training. 60 participants will have the chance to attend the complimentary 1-week training in the USA (all costs of the program will be covered). Applications should be received by 31 December 2025 for the Class of 2026. UPG Sustainability Leadership
National Geographic Society — Slingshot Challenge
The National Geographic Society seeks applications for its Slingshot Challenge. The challenge invites 13–18-year-olds to submit a 1-minute video describing their idea for solving environmental issues. Video submissions must be in English or Spanish. Subtitles are not required but are allowed. National Geographic will select a small number of submissions to receive up to US$10 thousand in funding. Submissions are due by 06 February 2026. Know more
Eco-Business and Temasek Foundation — Liveability Challenge
In 2026, the Liveability Challenge (TLC) seeks disruptive innovations that can decarbonize energy generation and industries; or establish a circular urban agriculture/aquaculture system. Finalists will get an opportunity to pitch their solutions to a team of investors and have the chance to win up to S$2 million in grant funding for project development. The competition is open to Singapore-based and international participants who have a pilot project in Southeast Asia. The application deadline is 09 February 2026. The Liveability Challenge