The UN SDG Action Awards aim to support action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mobilizers, storytellers, campaigners, connectors, visualizers, and creatives fighting for sustainable development can apply. The Awards are open to individuals, organizations, governments, foundations, or private sector leaders worldwide. While the program does not award direct cash grants, nine finalists receive a fully funded trip to Rome, Italy, for a multi-day program of coaching, networking, and capacity building, followed by a televised awards ceremony. The deadline for submissions is 17 May 2026. UN SDG Action Awards
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Learning for Nature — Assisted Natural Regeneration Practitioner Training Course 2026
The United Nations Development Programme’s Learning for Nature platform offers a free eight-week online course to train ecosystem restoration practitioners in assisted natural regeneration (ANR) techniques. Developed in collaboration with the Society for Ecological Restoration and the ANR Alliance, the program provides practical skills for planning, implementing, and monitoring cost-effective forest restoration projects. The course is open to individuals and organizations worldwide, including conservation professionals, community leaders, and students. Participants who complete the weekly quizzes and surveys receive a digital certificate of completion. The course runs from 01 June to 24 July 2026, and enrollment is currently open. More information
Public Interest Registry — .ORG Impact Awards
Nominations are now open for the .ORG Impact Awards. The global awards program recognizes individuals and organizations for the impact they have made in their communities. The award will recognize an organization or individual that works to combat the increased threats to the environment, or that has made significant contributions and innovations in the fight to end hunger or alleviate poverty, among other categories. The winner of the year receives US$40 thousand. Winners in their respective categories receive US$10 thousand each. The nomination deadline is 27 May 2026. .ORG Impact Awards
People’s Trust for Endangered Species — Conservation Insight Grants
The People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) provides Conservation Insight Grants to support scientific research and field action aimed at preserving endangered species worldwide. Applications are welcomed from scientific researchers and conservationists based within NGOs or university research departments, with a strong preference for local project leaders working in their own countries. Eligible projects must be located in the UK, UK overseas territories, or any country not classified by the World Bank as high-income. The program offers grants between £3,000 and £10,000 per year for projects lasting up to two years, totaling a maximum of £20,000. Please note that PTES does not fund projects focused on bird species. The deadline for stage one pre-applications is 28 May 2026. Info on worldwide grant criteria
Global Environmental Education Partnership — Youth Innovation Challenge 2026
The Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) invites applicants from 15 to 30 years of age to propose innovative solutions to protect marine resources and support people of all ages to be engaged stewards for marine conservation. Global Environmental Education Partnership seeks solutions that are innovative, feasible, and informed by research. Three solutions will be awarded a US$1000 prize. The deadline to submit proposals is 31 May 2026. Find the challenge
Volvo Environment Prize — Nominations 2027
The Volvo Environment Prize aims to promote scientific research and innovations that in broad terms fall within the environmental and sustainability field. The Volvo Environment Prize Foundation invites universities, research institutes, scientists, engineers, as well as other individuals and organizations to submit nominations. Priority is given to an individual or to a group of individuals. Past laureates have included leaders in fields such as global change, biodiversity, energy efficiency, and others. The Prize consists of a diploma, sculpture, and cash award for SEK 1.5 million. The deadline for nominations is 20 January 2027. Volvo Environment Prize
Well Aware — Water Projects in East Africa
Well Aware aims to help local communities in East Africa find sustainable solutions to address water scarcity and contamination. Well Aware aims to support its water projects with integrated project planning; technical evaluation; project oversight; promotion of partnerships; community training in sanitation and hygiene; and community empowerment. At this time, Well Aware is only actively implementing water projects in Kenya and Tanzania. Applications can be submitted at any time; there is no deadline. About Well Aware
Rescued Tools Foundation — Tools and Small Equipment for Grassroots Groups in Africa
The Rescued Tools Foundation (Stichting Gered Gereedschap) collects and refurbishes discarded tools and small items of equipment in the Netherlands for the benefit of recipients in Sub-Saharan Africa. The priority countries are Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania and Ghana. The Foundation favors projects that offer opportunities for women, marginalized groups, co-operatives, and ecological awareness and environmental protection. Organizations that meet the Foundation’s criteria for assistance can fill out an application form. About
The Pollination Project — Seed Capital for Community Projects Worldwide
The Pollination Project offers seed funding of up to US$1 thousand to compassion-driven individuals, informally organized groups and organizations, and formally registered or incorporated non-profit organizations based anywhere in the world. Topics for projects include education, clean water, afforestation, animal advocacy, and many others. The Pollination Project welcomes applications on a rolling basis. Program Overview
International Water Association — Fellows and Distinguished Fellows
The International Water Association (IWA) invites nominations for its 2026 Fellows and Distinguished Fellows program. This initiative recognizes global water professionals for their leadership, expertise, and sustained impact on water science, technology, and management. To be eligible for a Fellowship, candidates must be active IWA members—including engineers, researchers, or utility managers—who have demonstrated outstanding professional contributions. Distinguished Fellow nominations are reserved for current IWA Fellows whose long careers have left an extraordinary mark on the global water sector. While these roles are honorary and do not include a direct monetary grant, selected individuals join a prestigious global community and represent IWA at international events. The deadline for nominations is 19 April 2026. Know more