Applications are open for the Food Leaders Fellowship. The fellowship is an 8-month program for food system leaders consisting of in-person and virtual gatherings including site visits. Candidates must be based in the United States, Mexico, or Canada. Applications are open until 05 December 2025. Food Leaders Fellowship
individuals
Obama Foundation — Leaders Program
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program is a one-year training program for leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to challenges in their communities or countries. Scholars attend courses and participate in leadership development training. Participants receive a furnished studio apartment during their stay, a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses, as well as travel and tuition fees paid. The program is open to applicants from all around the world. Applications for the 2026-2027 program have to be submitted until 12 December 2025. Applicant information
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
Cisco and Global Citizen — Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award
Cisco and Global Citizen invites applications for the Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award. The Award is made to a young individual (18-30 years) who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending global poverty. Global Citizen accepts applications from individuals who have, or contribute to, a registered legal entity such as a non-profit, for-profit, or social enterprise. The award includes a US$250 thousand prize paid to the organization to which the individual contributes. Submissions will close on 17 December 2025. Youth Leadership Award
CIRES — Visiting Fellows Program
The CIRES Visiting Fellows Program invites early-career postdocs and senior scientists on sabbatical to engage in interdisciplinary environmental research at the University of Colorado Boulder in collaboration with CIRES and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Postdoctoral fellowships run for up to two years with an annual salary of US$70 thousand in the first year plus a research budget of up to US$8 thousand, relocation stipend, and provided laptop. Eligible applicants must be within four years of completing their PhD, hold a doctorate in a CIRES-relevant field, and have a CIRES researcher sponsor. Applications are due 01 January 2026. CIRES Visiting Fellows Program
International Center for Journalists — Award for Excellence in African Storytelling
The Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling honors journalists in Africa who strengthen people’s voices and show the transformational change taking place on the continent. The ICFJ seeks a wide variety of topics, not limited to health and social issues. This includes stories and initiatives about global climate change, development challenges, or the environment. The winner receives a US$5 thousand cash prize. The deadline to apply is 09 January 2026. Visit the website
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens — Botany in Action Fellowships 2026
The Botany in Action (BIA) Fellowship program at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens fosters the development of the next generation of plant-based scientists. Subject areas include ethnobotany, plant diversity and conservation, landscape and brownfield restoration, and others. The program is open to Ph.D. students of any nationality who are conducting plant-based scientific research at U.S. graduate institutions. Grants are US$5 thousand for research-related expenses at sites in the U.S. or internationally, plus an all-expenses paid trip to Phipps to make a public presentation. The application deadline is 09 January 2026. Find out how to apply
WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award — Award in Leadership
The WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award invites nominations to recognize leaders who dare to confront problematic structures and systems driving sustainable transformation in global development and serve as powerful role models. The nominees will have created change that inspires others and shown what measures are necessary. Candidates for the WIN WIN Award compete for SEK 1 million. Candidates for the WIN WIN Youth Award (between the ages of 13 and 29) compete for SEK 50 thousand. Any organization, movement, business, group of people, or individual can be nominated. Nominations must be submitted by 11 January 2026. Gothenburg Sustainability Award
Kinship Foundation — Conservation Fellows 2026
The Kinship Foundation invites fellows worldwide to participate in its month-long conservation leadership program in the USA. Kinship focuses on market-based mechanisms for conservation by strengthening the participants’ skills in leadership, communication, economics, and business and finance. Selected participants receive training and a US$6 thousand stipend to cover travel and living expenses. Applicants should be mid-career conservation practitioners with at least five years of field experience, a bachelor’s degree, and a demonstrated desire to innovate. The next application deadline is 11 January 2026. Kinship Conservation Fellows
Keeling Curve Prize — Global Warming Mitigation Project
The Keeling Curve Prize offers micro-funding and recognition to individuals or organizations with active or ongoing projects that reduce CO2 emissions or increase CO2 uptake. Each year, US$50 thousand will be awarded to up to 10 winners, chosen by internationally recognized climate scientists and energy experts, for innovative ideas that generate, conserve, or design clean energy solutions. This may include a concept, a plan, a product, a technology, or a strategy. Entries are accepted from anywhere in the world. The closing date for applicants is 15 January 2026. More about the Keeling Curve Prize