The National Geographic Society invites early-career scientists worldwide to apply to lead ship-based research aboard SOI’s Falkor (too) research vessel, currently recruiting for its 2027-2028 season traversing the west and south coasts of Africa. The opportunity provides one berth space and access to the vessel’s onboard laboratories, underwater robotics, camera systems, and high-performance computing infrastructure. In prior cycles, the Society has awarded grants of up to US$20,000 to cover travel and project-related costs for the selected research, conservation, or technology project. General National Geographic eligibility applies: applicants must be 18 or older, may lead only one active proposal at a time, and must have submitted final reports for any prior National Geographic grants before applying to lead a new one. The deadline is 21 October 2026. Ocean Exploration
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Bat Conservation International — Student Research Scholarships for Bat Conservation
Bat Conservation International (BCI) requests proposals from student researchers seeking financial support for bat conservation research projects. Research may focus on human-caused environmental changes (such as land development or climate change on bats), bat-human conflicts (such as hunting, roost disturbance, and persecution), or behavioral or ecological questions that aid the protection of a bat species. The geographical scope is Latin America and the Caribbean; Africa and its adjacent islands; and globally. BCI anticipates granting up to US$3,000 each. Additional funding is available through special awards. The scholarship is only open to students who are registered with a recognized academic institution. The application deadline is 31 October 2026. Link to Bat Conservation International
Oklahoma City Zoo — Conservation Grants 2027
The Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden offers competitive small grants up to $2,500 supporting research, education, or species preservation efforts. In 2026, funding is restricted to projects involving invertebrate conservation or research, and grants go exclusively to early-career professionals — those currently in a graduate program (MSc, PhD, DVM) or who received a graduate degree no earlier than 2021. No more than 20% of funds may go toward travel, and salaries aren’t covered except for locally hired support staff. The deadline is 13 November 2026. Conservation Grants
European Commission — TROPIMUNDO Masters Program in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems
TROPIMUNDO is a 2-year Erasmus Mundus master’s program in tropical biodiversity and ecosystems. Students alternate their semesters between consortium universities in Europe (Belgium, France, Italy) and tropical regions outside Europe (Australia, Cameroon, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Malaysia). Applicants should have an internationally accepted bachelor’s degree in biology, natural sciences, environmental sciences, or equivalent. The EC provides a certain number of scholarships for EU and non-EU students. The deadline for applications (for scholarship seekers or self-funded applicants) is 30 November 2026. About TROPIMUNDO
Marine Stewardship Council — Ocean Stewardship Fund: Transition Assistance Fund
The MSC’s Transition Assistance Fund supports fisheries verified as improving toward MSC certification through the MSC Improvement Program, funding implementation of their Improvement Action Plan. Around 40% of grants go to fisheries in developing countries, with small-scale and Global South fisheries a particular priority. In 2026, the fund awarded £383,000 across eight projects, including co-funding electronic monitoring systems for a mahi-mahi longline fishery spanning Ecuador and Peru, and stock assessment work for a Spanish shrimp trawl fishery. Applicants must contact their local MSC representative before applying, and applications are assessed on criteria including the rationale for selected improvement actions, the expertise of project leads, and the degree of matched funding already secured. Grants reach up to £50,000 over up to two years. The deadline is 01 December 2026. Transition Assistance Fund
D-Prize — Funding Entrepreneurs to Alleviate Poverty
The D-Prize funds pilot projects that more widely distribute relatively low-cost products and services in the fight against poverty. The current challenges include social enterprises for innovations in specified themes of agriculture; energy; WASH; and several other categories. The D-Prize will award 30 teams with up to US$20 thousand each to launch nonprofits or social ventures that can distribute proven poverty interventions to people in need. Eligibility to compete extends to entrepreneurs anywhere in the world and of any age or background. The D-Prize invites concept notes before 25 October (early deadline); 15 November (regular deadline); or 06 December 2026 (limited extension). Link to D-Prize
PADI Foundation — Grants for Marine Conservation 2027
The PADI Foundation offers worldwide grants in underwater science, environmental projects, and marine education. The Foundation supports research and education related to aquatic environments. In the past, applications have included many projects in tropical regions. Most grants range from US$5 thousand to US$10 thousand. There are no nationality restrictions. The deadline is 15 January 2027. Find the guidelines
The Earth Prize — Environmental Sustainability Competition for Teenagers
The Earth Prize invites students born between 2007 and 2014, worldwide, to submit solutions accelerating environmental sustainability, individually or in teams of up to five. Seven Regional Winners each receive US$10 thousand to implement their project, with a Global Winner selected by public vote from among them. Registration is open until 10 January 2027; the initial submission deadline is 31 January 2027. Environmental Sustainability Competition for Teenagers
The Liveability Challenge — Sustainability Solutions for Tropical Cities
Temasek Foundation and Eco-Business invite startups and ventures worldwide to submit scalable, commercially viable sustainability solutions addressing urban challenges in the tropics, across three tracks: Decarbonisation, Cool Earth (climate resilience and cooling), and Oceans (sustainable blue economy). The top three solutions in each track receive S$1 million in grant funding. Decarbonisation finalists may also receive up to S$2 million in additional development funding from A*STAR, and Oceans finalists may qualify for up to S$500,000 in equity investment from the Asia Ocean Fund. Finalists are showcased at a Grand Finale in Singapore during Ecosperity Week 2027. The deadline is 18 February 2027. Liveability Challenge
Marine Stewardship Council — Student Research Grants
The MSC’s Student Research Grants support postgraduate students doing research with a fishery that’s already MSC-certified, or one that’s actively working toward certification. The fishery needs to already be at a fairly advanced stage in that process, so the student’s project should be tied to a real fishery partner, not just a research idea on its own. Grants reach up to £10,000 over up to 12 months. The deadline is 28 February 2027. Student Research Grants