The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) invites applications for the Social Aspects of Marine Protected Areas online seminar. The program is designed to support MPA practitioners in strengthening the social aspects of their management work. The Blue Nature Alliance will be providing 20 scholarships for this edition of the program. Marine conservation practitioners, community leaders, people working in NGOs and grassroots organizations, Indigenous Peoples leading ocean conservation, and others working in the management of marine spaces are encouraged to apply. Applications are now open, and the deadline is 16 January 2026. Link to Online Seminar
governments
Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions — Blue Food Research Grant Program
The Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions (COS) offers a global research grant aimed at early-career researchers and practitioners to support innovative work on “blue foods” (i.e., aquatic foods from oceans, rivers, lakes). The grant provides a six-month fellowship, including a US$ 10,000 research stipend plus travel support. Eligible are early-career professionals from academia, government, NGOs or private sector. Applications open on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Blue Food Research Grant Program
Marisla Foundation — Marine Resources and Toxic Chemicals
The Marisla Foundation makes grants to projects that promote the conservation of biological diversity and advance sustainable ecosystem management in North America, Mexico, Hawaii, Chile, and the Western Pacific. The Foundation also supports the search for solutions to health and environmental threats caused by toxic chemicals. Eligibility for grants extends to charitable organizations and governmental entities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed four times each year. Link
Embassy of Japan in Trinidad and Tobago — Grants for Grassroots Projects
The Embassy of Japan in Trinidad and Tobago provides financial assistance in the fields of basic human needs (agriculture, medical and health care, public welfare, and the environment), human resource development (education, research, training), and basic economic infrastructure. The Embassy supports projects proposed by NGOs, schools, hospitals, and local government authorities in 9 Caribbean countries. Potential recipients are international or local NGOs, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and local governments. The application deadline is 20 December 2025. More about this opportunity
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association — Marine Conservation Program
The Hifadhi Blu Program invites marine conservation organisations managing Marine Conservation Areas (MCAs) in the Western Indian Ocean to submit short motivation letters. The program will make grants of up to US$200 thousand over a two-year period (2026–2028). The focus is on strengthening site-level management effectiveness, such as enforcement, ecological monitoring, governance and community engagement. Eligible applicants include legally mandated managing authorities (government agencies, parastatals, delegated private entities) or community-based organisations with recognised management mandates. Submissions must be received by 29 November 2025. Hifadhi Blu Program
United Nations Environment Program — Sustainable Public Finance for Biodiversity
The IKI–GIZ “FAST” (Fast-tracking Transformation through Sustainable Public Finance for Biodiversity) Project seeks up to eight implementing partners to support work in Brazil, Costa Rica, Indonesia, and Nigeria. The program aims to help countries redesign public finance systems to align financial flows with biodiversity protection. Activities ( up to US$450 thousand per country) include conducting stocktaking and feasibility analyses on biodiversity-related public finance, capacity needs assessments, analyzing fiscal impacts on biodiversity, forming research networks, and developing indicators linking biodiversity, gender, and public finance. Partners must be non-profit or semi-governmental organizations. Proposals are due by 31 October 2025. Know more
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Biodiversity Information for Development: Sub-Saharan Africa
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) invites proposals for project funding from Sub-Saharan Africa under the “Biodiversity Information for Development” program. GBIF offers support for four types of projects: (1) Institutional-level biodiversity data mobilization to strengthen institutional capacity and mobilize policy-relevant biodiversity data (maximum funding: €30 thousand); and (2) Multi-institutional biodiversity data mobilization to build or strengthen collaborations between institutions to mobilize data for research and policy addressing national or regional priorities (maximum funding: €60 thousand. Applicants must be legal entities such as government agencies, natural history museums, research institutes, universities, or NGOs located in an eligible African country. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 03 November 2025. BID Africa
Caribbean Biodiversity Fund — Advancing Circular Economy
The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) seeks applications for projects that promote and apply practical circular economy principles to minimize or prevent waste from entering the marine environment. Grant funding amounts range from US$400 thousand to US$2 million and need to be complemented by co-financing. Eligible countries are Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Applications can be submitted until 25 November 2025. Details here
Science for People and Nature Partnership — Critical Conservation Challenges
In support of the United Nations agenda on sustainable development, the Science for People and Nature Partnership (SNAPP) aims to find solutions for problems at the interface of economic development, nature conservation, and human well-being. SNAPP operates through working groups that represent 200 institutions from more than 30 countries. SNAPP provides up to US$1 million total across 4-6 working groups. Proposals are invited from researchers and practitioners of any nationality affiliated with an academic, governmental, multilateral, or non-profit institution. Individuals operating independently are also eligible to apply. Proposals from low- and middle-income countries are especially welcome. The deadline for proposals is 06 January 2026. Science for Nature and People Partnership
Lighthouse Foundation — Coastal and Marine Conservation
The Lighthouse Foundation promotes science and research, teaching, culture, and the principles of environmentalism and international development in relation to the world’s seas and oceans. Funded partners of the Lighthouse Foundation are conservation NGOs, community NGOs, universities and educational organizations, and government organizations. There is no application form. Link