The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Youth Initiative (SDSN Youth) recruits participants for its 2026 cohort of the Local Pathways Fellows. The 10-months fellowship program provides young leaders with a platform, capacity building, training opportunities and contacts of leading development experts and practitioners. The Local Pathways Fellowship is unpaid. Fellows will benefit from global visibility and exposure. Young candidates (18-30 years) working towards achieving any of the Sustainable Development Goals and representing any city or country in the world are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted until 21 December 2025. Link to Local Pathways
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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 07 January 2026. About Yale Young Global Scholars
Commission for Environmental Cooperation — Environmental Leaders Program
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) offers the Generation of Environmental Leaders Program (GELP). Youth aged 18–35 from Canada, Mexico or the United States are invited to propose practical solutions for protecting land, water, and air across North America. Selected teams get mentorship, participation in a youth-environmental network, and seed funding of C$15 thousand to help turn their ideas into real projects. The deadline for applications is 01 February 2026. Environmental Leaders Program
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission — Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026
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 09 December 2025. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
European Outdoor Conservation Association — Funding for Conservation Projects
The European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) makes grants for field-based projects in wildlife conservation; protection of forests and wetlands; litter clean-up on trails and mountains; environmental education in local communities; and other initiatives in support of nature-based travel and tourism. Project applications must protect a threatened species or habitat; have a link to the outdoor enthusiast; and involve hands-on practical conservation work. Grants are to nonprofit organizations in amounts up to €30 thousand for projects of one to two years anywhere in the world (except North America). There are two application periods per year. The next application window is 01-31 March 2026. View this opportunity
Waterloo Foundation — Environment Fund: Tropical Rainforests
The Waterloo Foundation manages an Environment Fund that supports projects to manage and conserve tropical rainforests. Applications are invited from UK charities in partnership with local organizations in the developing world, and from non-UK organizations that can provide suitable references in the UK. The majority of grants range from £50 thousand to £100 thousand for projects of up to three years. Application deadlines are 01 June and 01 November 2026. About the Fund
European Space Agency — Biomass Innovation
The European Space Agency (ESA) invites proposals from organizations in ESA Member States to exploit the unique capabilities of the BIOMASS mission for novel Earth-system, forest, and land-surface science applications. The exact funding ceiling per project is not publicly detailed in the summary announcement. The application deadline is 15 December 2025. Find the call here
Australian Government — Australia Awards Scholarships
The Australian government contributes to the education of talented individuals in developing countries through scholarship programs. Subject areas for study correspond to priorities of Australia’s aid programs by regions and countries — and include agriculture, energy, natural resources, and environment. Australian organizations can request funding of up to A$34,500 per Fellow. The call lists countries that are eligible for Australia Awards Scholarships, and country-specific eligibility criteria. Applications will close on 16 January 2026. Australia Awards Scholarships
Right Livelihood Award — Annual Nominations 2026
The Right Livelihood Awards are annually made to individuals and organizations offering practical and exemplary answers to the most urgent challenges facing us today. The Award is sometimes referred to as the “Alternative Nobel Prize.” Past laureates include several whose work in issues of environment and natural resources advances social justice and grassroots development in the developing world. Normally, the Foundation makes three cash awards and one honorary award each year. Nominations are invited from anyone worldwide (excluding self-nominations, close relatives, and Foundation staff and jury). The deadline for nominations is 16 January 2026. Nominate
Harvard University — Award for Student Research on Asian Tropical Forest Biology
The Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University sponsors the Ashton Award for Student Research to support graduate and advanced undergraduate students working on Asian tropical forest biology. Applications are accepted from advanced undergraduates and graduate students worldwide. Awards are up to US$4 thousand to support research expenses. The application deadline is 01 February 2026. About the Ashton Award