The British Ecological Society (BES) makes small research grants in support of scientific ecological research where there are limited alternative sources of funding. Small projects can be awarded up to £5 thousand. Applicants must be members of BES. However, there are no restrictions on nationality or residence of applicants, or where they carry out their research. The application deadline is 08 September 2026. More about the Research Grants
early-career
Global Changemaker Collective — Fellowship
The Global Changemaker Collective (GCC) is a collaborative network that unites youth, organizations, and governments to drive global change through local solutions. The Global Changemaker Fellowship is a six‑month virtual advancement program that supports social change leaders (aged 13–35) as they scale their community initiatives through workshops, mentorship, and access to a global peer network. Applications for the 2025 cohort have to be submitted by 25 September 2026. Global Changemaker Fellowship
Smithsonian Institution — Fellowship Program
The Smithsonian Institution offers in-residence fellowships for independent research using Smithsonian collections and facilities, open to graduate students, doctoral candidates, and postdoctoral and senior researchers, in fields including ecology and environmental science, evolutionary biology, earth sciences, and anthropology, alongside various humanities disciplines. Stipends range from US$10,000 for a ten-week graduate fellowship to US$60,000 per year for senior and postdoctoral fellowships, plus a research allowance. There is no stated citizenship or nationality restriction. The deadline is 15 October 2026. Smithsonian Fellowship
Green Earth Action Foundation — Fully-Funded Community Climate Leadership Program
The Green Earth Action Foundation (GEAF) invites applications for its Ambassador Program 2027, a six-month, fully-funded climate leadership opportunity open to changemakers worldwide. Selected ambassadors design and lead a community-based environmental project, chosen from five thematic areas: forest and biodiversity protection, environmental education and community empowerment, waste reduction and pollution prevention, climate-smart agriculture, and marine and water protection. GEAF provides expert-led capacity building alongside one-to-one mentorship and guided project implementation support. Applicants must be at least 18, demonstrate experience in community outreach and local implementation, communicate fluently in French or English, and commit approximately five to ten hours per week for the full six months. The application deadline is 31 October 2026. Climate Leadership Program
CIFAR — Global Scholars
The CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars program provides funding, skills training, mentorship, and opportunities for research collaboration. CIFAR invites early-career researchers pursuing the most exciting and important research questions across the natural, biomedical and social sciences and the humanities to join an interdisciplinary research program. As part of the program, scholars receive C$100 thousand in unrestricted research support over two years. To be eligible for this program, applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) and be within the first five years of starting a full-time research position at an institution of higher education or research. The deadline for applications is 04 November 2026. CIFAR Global Scholars
Garden Club of America — Awards in Tropical Botany and Horticulture
The Garden Club of America (GCA) offers several grants, prizes, and fellowships for students enrolled at universities in the USA, including some awards that have a tropical focus. The GCA Awards in Tropical Botany are open to PhD candidates (application deadline is 15 January); the Loy McCandless Marks Scholarship in Tropical Horticulture is restricted to U.S. citizens who are graduate students or advanced undergraduate students (deadline is 15 January). The Anne Chatham Fellowship in Medicinal Botany is open to PhD students and recent PhD graduates (deadline is 31 January). Applicants should review all programs, criteria, and deadlines. Botany and Horticulture Scholarships
Africa Fellowship for Young Energy Leaders — Applications
Africa Energy Fellowship for Young Energy Leaders (AFYEL) is a capacitation program for early-career energy leaders working on sustainable access to energy and ultimately a zero-carbon Africa. The fellowship includes expert training sessions to enable participants to get empowered and gain clarity to create solutions in the area. The program is open to The ambition of the Program is to recent graduates of Physics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Building / Construction Engineering, Physics, Economics, Mathematics, Accounting, Finance and Solar Energy. The application deadline is 04 September 2026. Details here
World Bank Group — Young Professionals Program 2027
The World Bank Group invites applications for the Young Professionals Program as a starting point for a career at the World Bank. The program is designed for individuals skilled in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, and many others. Applicants should hold a PhD or master’s degree and relevant work experience; be fluent in English; and meet other criteria relevant to experience, skills, and age. Every year, around 40 applicants are accepted into the program. The closing date for applications is 30 September 2026. Young Professionals Program
Explorers Club — Marine Exploration Grant
The Explorers Club supports the scientific fieldwork of groundbreaking explorers around the world. The Stephenson Explorers Advancement Program supports college undergraduates/graduate students, and independent explorers under the age of 35 conducting exploration and field research for marine exploration and conservation projects. The average award is US$10 thousand. The deadline to submit applications is 02 October 2026. Stephenson Explorers Advancement Program
Harvard University — Environmental Fellowships 2027
Harvard University’s Center for the Environment awards environmental fellowships. The fellowships enable recent doctorate recipients to use Harvard’s resources to tackle complex environmental problems. Eligibility for funding extends to candidates with a doctorate or equivalent in any subject area from any university in the world. Candidates may propose research projects in any discipline. The fellowship includes a salary of US$92 thousand per year, plus reimbursement for relocation expenses, annual allowance for travel and other professional expenses. The deadline for applications is 01 December 2026. HUCE Environmental Fellowships