The Climate Investment Challenge is a global competition that invites graduate students and early-career professionals to develop investment-ready climate solutions addressing climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience across sectors such as energy, food systems, nature, cities, and industry. Participants work in teams to design financially viable projects and receive training, mentorship, and feedback from climate finance and industry experts throughout the challenge. Finalist teams compete for cash prizes (typically up to US$10 thousand) and gain exposure to investors and climate leaders to help advance or pilot their solutions. The challenge is open worldwide.The submission deadline for concept notes is 16 March 2026. Climate Investment Challenge
early-career
Leakey Foundation — Field School Scholarship
The Joan Cogswell Donner Field School Scholarship provides up to US$2 thousand towards field school tuition for students to support training in fieldwork related to human origins research. Applications for this scholarship have to be submitted by the field school director, not the scholarship recipient. Recipients must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in a country where there are limited resources for academic development. The scholarship is awarded year-round. Applications can be submitted anytime. Field school scholarship
Climate Tracker — Climate Journalism Mentorship Program
Climate Tracker invited applications for the Climate Journalism Mentoring Program, exclusive to Latin America. Journalists from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Mexico will publish stories on the impact of the climate crisis in the region, with a focus on the transition to fair energy. Journalists receive a total financial incentive of US$900 (US$$300 for each story published). The application deadline is 01 March 2026. Climate Journalism Mentorship Program
Association of Field Ornithologists — Sponsored Latin American Memberships
The Association of Field Ornithologists will provide one-year membership awards to qualified Latin American Ornithologists. These awards are restricted to individuals based in Latin America (including the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America). Members have access to information and networking opportunities in the field of ornithology. Applications are available in English and Spanish. Applications have to be submitted by 15 October of each year. Know more
Neotropical Birding and Conservation — Conservation and Research in Latin America and the Caribbean
The Neotropical Birding and Conservation (formerly Neotropical Bird Club) offers small and medium-sized research grants for conservation work, or for research that may be of conservation benefit. Awards of US$1,500 and US$3,000 are for projects carried out by nationals and/or residents of countries in the Neotropics (i.e. the Caribbean, Central America, and South America). The Juan Mazar Barnett Award (up to US$5,000) is to encourage early-career neotropical bird conservationists and researchers. Application guidelines are available in English and Spanish. The next deadline for applications is 01 February and 01 July 2026. Neotropical Birding and Conservation
Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study — Fellowships for Early-Career African Researchers
The Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) offers the Iso Lomso Fellowships to early-career African researchers in any discipline. The program provides a three-year attachment to STIAS in addition to the possibility of a residency at a sister institute for advanced study in North America, Europe, or elsewhere. Other benefits include support for attending international conferences or workshops and support to the fellow’s home institution for lecturer replacement. The program is aimed at African scholars who have obtained a doctoral degree within the preceding eight years, and who hold an academic position at a university or research institution anywhere in Africa. The application deadline is 15 February 2026. About
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit — Africa Fellowship Program
AFRIKA KOMMT! is a fellowship program that provides young African professionals with a one-year career transformational experience at leading German companies. Participants receive management training followed by an 8-month fellowship in a partner company. The monthly allowance is € 750. The initiative is open to citizens from all countries in Africa. The application deadline is 22 March 2026. AFRIKA KOMMT!
International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology — Research Mobility Grants
The ICGEB SMART Fellowship program provides fellowships to scientists in the early stage of their career wishing to spend between 3 and 9 months at a research institution in an ICGEB Member State other than their own. The stipend ranges from US$ 800 to US$1,500 per month. SMART Fellowships are intended to promote collaboration among researchers. Applications are welcome in any area of the Life Sciences. The application deadline is 31 March 2026. SMART Fellowship
Neotropical Grassland Conservancy — Conservation Research and Education in Latin America: Equipment and Student Grants
The Neotropical Grassland Conservancy (NGC) provides grants and equipment to students and scientists working in grassland habitats in Latin America. Research grants of one year are open to Latin American researchers affiliated with a university, museum, or conservation organization. Additionally, the NGC offers equipment grants for conservation science, and small grants to Latin American graduate students doing field projects. The NGC describes the amount of funding; eligibility criteria; review process; and application deadlines for each of the three programs. Awards range from US$500 to US$5 thousand. The application deadline for the research (memorial) grants is 01 March. The application deadlines for equipment grants and student grants are 01 April, 01 August, and 01 December. Click here
International Herpetological Symposium — Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
The International Herpetological Symposium (IHS) provides financial assistance to individuals or organizations conducting herpetological research, conservation, and education. Grants are up to US$1,000. Eligibility extends to any individual from the herpetological community from around the world. Students are encouraged to apply. Proposals are due by 30 April of each year. About IHS grants