The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme invites civil society organizations to apply for the CSO Challenge Program, which supports the scaling and replication of proven environmental solutions that generate global environmental benefits while strengthening local communities. Eligible applicants are civil society organizations with successful initiatives that align with one of five priority areas: community-based management of threatened ecosystems and species; sustainable agriculture or fisheries and food security; low-carbon energy access; chemicals and waste management; or sustainable urban solutions. The program provides grants of up to US$300 thousand. The first call is open to civil society organizations in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The application deadline is 31 July 2026. Small Grants Program
Eurasia/Central Asia
UNESCO — Nomadic Culture of Central Asia Photo Contest
UNESCO invites applications for the international photo contest “Nomadic Culture of Central Asia: Preserving Traditions and Biodiversity”. Professional and amateur photographers aged 18 and older from any country may submit original photographs taken in Central Asia that highlight pastoral traditions, nomadic communities, livestock diversity, or biodiversity and rangeland landscapes. Finalists’ photographs will be exhibited in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in autumn 2026. The submission deadline is 09 August 2026. Central Asia Photo Contest
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in the Mediterranean Basin
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for large grants (US$50 thousand – US$180 thousand). The call funds projects that strengthen civil society engagement in protecting globally significant biodiversity through actions such as species conservation, habitat restoration, sustainable natural resource management, and the expansion and effective management of Key Biodiversity Areas. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, community groups, universities and private enterprises. The ecosystem profile technical summary is available in English, French, and Arabic. LOIs must be submitted by 18 September 2026. Click here
EIT Food — Regenerative Agriculture Digital Learning Platform
EIT Food invites applications to enhance and scale its Future Farm Lab, an immersive 3D digital learning platform focused on regenerative agriculture. This open call selects a single legally established organisation with expertise in digital learning and immersive technologies to expand educational content and improve the platform’s infrastructure over a three-year project period. Eligible applicants must be based in European Union member states or countries associated with Horizon Europe. The opportunity offers €370,000 in total funding, and the selected partner must provide a minimum 10% co-funding match. The application deadline is 07 July 2026. Know more
Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation — Sustainable Forest Management in the Asia-Pacific Region
The Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (APFNet) invites concept notes for projects that advance forest landscape restoration, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive livelihood development. Eligible applicants include APFNet member economies, observer economies, and partner organizations operating across the Greater Mekong Subregion, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Greater Central Asia, the Pacific Islands, North America, and Latin America. Funding is split into two categories, offering up to US$100 thousand for small-size projects lasting up to 24 months, and greater than US$100 thousand for regular projects lasting between two and four years. Applicants must also provide a counterpart contribution of at least 20% of the total budget. The deadline for the submission of mandatory concept notes is 05 July 2026. Visit APFNet
Conservation, Food and Health Foundation — Local Project Support
The Conservation, Food and Health Foundation supports special projects and programs in the areas of conservation, food, and health in low- and lower-middle-income countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The foundation supports projects that demonstrate local leadership; develop the capacity of local organizations; and address a particular problem or question in the field. Eligibility extends to NGOs, community-based organizations, and academic institutions. There is no maximum grant size. Most grants will fall in the US$25 thousand to US$50 thousand per year range. The application deadlines for concept notes are 22 December 2026 and 15 June 2027. Guidelines
Earth Journalism Network — Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions Story Grants 2026
The Earth Journalism Network invites applications for its Biodiversity Story Grants to support the production of in-depth media stories on biodiversity and nature-based solutions. Early-career and experienced journalists from Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan or Madagascar may apply. The program expects to award up to 25 grants with an average budget of €1.800 each. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2026. More
Melania Development Foundation — Support to Grassroots Womens’ Groups
Melania focuses on self-help projects that contribute to the improvement of the social, economic, and cultural position of women in Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. Projects have to focus on income-generating activities, which may include agriculture (e.g., chicken farming, beekeeping, aquaculture, etc.) and several others. Melania invites and reviews project applications. Melania selects and proposes some of these projects to Dutch women’s groups for requested financial support. There is no calendar deadline. Find support
UNESCO — Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest
UNESCO invites photographers aged 14 to 25 to participate in the Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest. This competition encourages young people to document the shared heritage and cultural interactions along the historic Silk Roads, with the current cycle focusing on the theme “Life on the Silk Roads.” Participation is divided into two categories based on age: 14 to 17 years old and 18 to 25 years old. Three winners from each category will receive professional photography equipment, and approximately 60 selected photographs will be featured in a traveling exhibition and a commemorative photo album. The deadline for submissions is 30 June 2026. Silk Roads Photo Contest
European Marine Research Network — Foresight Workshops
EuroMarine funds Foresight Workshops with a maximum funding of €10 thousand. Workshops should focus on emerging and important topics requiring European-wide coordination. All workshops are expected to yield scientific publications in the wider area of understanding, protection, and management of the Ocean. Proposals should involve at least three full Member Organizations of EuroMarine, from at least two different countries. Applicants are welcome to involve any relevant organizations from developing countries. The submission deadline for workshop proposals is 31 August 2026. EuroMarine Foresight Workshops