The Royal Geographical Society funds geographical research, fieldwork and expeditions. Four awards close on 16 November 2026: the Ralph Brown Expedition Award (up to £15,000 for an expedition working in an aquatic environment such as coral reefs, rivers, lakes or shallow seas), the Thesiger-Oman International Fellowships (two awards of £15,000 for fieldwork in arid and semi-arid environments), the Walters Kundert Fellowship (£15,000 for post-PhD field research in Arctic or high mountain environments) and the Gilchrist Fieldwork Award (£15,000 for challenging overseas fieldwork by small teams). The Postgraduate Research Awards (up to £2,500 for PhD fieldwork and data collection) close on 23 November 2026. Grant deadlines
forests
International Development Research Center — Research in Community Forestry 2026
The John G. Bene Fellowship is awarded to graduate students at Canadian universities who hold Canadian citizenship or permanent residency. The grant is for research on the relationship between forest resources and the social, economic, cultural, and environmental welfare of people in developing countries. Therefore, the student must spend a minimum of 10 consecutive weeks in the field in the following regions: Middle East, North Africa, West Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Far Eastern Asia, Caribbean, Central America, South America, or Oceania. The award covers field research expenses up to CA$30 thousand per year. The deadline for submitting applications has been extended to 30 November 2026. Community Forestry Fellowship
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission — Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2027
With funding from the UK’s Department for International Development, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are available to citizens of Commonwealth countries for master’s studies at UK universities, usually for one year. The participating academic programs include several subject areas such as environmental science and management, agroforestry, livestock management, remote sensing, disaster management, wetlands science, etc. The CSC lists the participating universities and their eligible courses. Potential applicants must check with the relevant UK university regarding their admission requirements and guidelines for applying. The deadline for scholarship applications is 08 December 2026. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Yale University — Young Global Scholars Program
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) offers two-week academic summer programs for high school students from all around the world. The program offers four interdisciplinary sessions on campus at Yale (USA), including sessions on Innovations in Science & Technology and Solving Global Challenges. YYGS offers the opportunity for students to apply for need-based financial aid. Furthermore, YYGS will waive the application fee if it constitutes a significant financial burden for the student’s family. The application deadline is 15 October 2026. About Yale Young Global Scholars
Global EbA Fund — Small Grants for Scaling Ecosystem-based Adaptation
The Global EbA Fund invites proposals that remove the barriers to scaling ecosystem-based adaptation. Projects can strengthen institutional and technical capacity, build evidence and learning networks, prepare investment-ready concepts, adapt proven technologies or fund applied research. Grants are up to US$250,000 for projects of up to 24 months. The call focuses on Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries. NGOs, community and Indigenous organisations, universities, research institutes, private companies, and international and intergovernmental organisations can apply, alone or in consortia. Projects must build on existing work and partner with local institutions. Applications are open until 26 October 2026. Ecosystem-based Adaptation
Technische Universität Dresden — Masters in Tropical Forestry 2027
The MSc Course in Tropical Forestry taught at Technische Universität Dresden (TDU) in Germany qualifies students to develop sustainable forest management strategies and implement development-relevant interventions in rural and peri-urban areas. Germany’s DAAD (the German Academic Exchange Service) will fund a limited number of scholarships for applicants from developing countries to enroll in TDU’s 2-year master’s program. Applicants must hold a university degree in forestry, agriculture, horticulture, or other related field. DAAD scholarship applications must be submitted latest until 30 October one year prior to the beginning of the course. About this scholarship
MIT Solve — Global Climate Challenge 2027
MIT Solve invites individuals, nonprofits and companies worldwide to submit tech-based solutions that help communities adapt to a warming climate and cut emissions from how people live and eat. Its focus areas are low-carbon, climate-resilient cities, protection from heat, floods, drought and wildfire, climate-resilient or nature-positive agrifood systems, and sustainable use of ocean and coastal systems. Solutions must be at prototype, pilot, growth or scale stage. Every selected team receives a US$10,000 Solver Award and joins a nine-month support program. The sponsored prizes relevant to this challenge include US$150,000 for climate-positive food systems, up to US$100,000 for ocean innovation from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and up to US$100,000 for scale-ready marine technology from Schmidt Marine Technology Partners. Applications are online and close on 02 November 2026. MIT Solve Global Climate Challenge
Awesome Foundation — Micro-Grants to Projects Worldwide
The Awesome Foundation invites individuals and small teams worldwide to apply for micro-grants. It backs innovative projects on wildlife conservation, habitat protection, climate change, ecotourism or environmental communication, especially ones that haven’t been done before or are done in a unique way. The chapter looks for projects where a grant of US$1,000 or less is the difference between happening and not happening. The next deadline is 27 November 2026. Micro-Grants for Environmental Projects
Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation — Start-up Support for Social Enterprises
The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation supports early-stage, high-impact social enterprises and seeks projects and innovations that dramatically improve the lives of people and the world. Eligibility extends to non-profit, for-profit, and hybrid organizations in the early stages of their development that have scaling potential. The DRK investments are distributed twice a year over a three-year term, totaling $300 thousand. The Foundation has a rolling online application process throughout the year; there is no deadline. Click here
Rainforest Trust — Rapid Protected-Area Feasibility Awards
The Rainforest Trust provides partnership and funding opportunities to local conservation NGOs across the tropics. The Rapid Protected-Area Feasibility Awards is intended for conservationists and researchers to evaluate important potential sites for creating new Protected Areas. Awards average US$5 thousand. The applicant must be an NGO based in the country of the proposed protected area. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Link