The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) and IUCN invite Letters of Inquiry from Sri Lankan NGOs, community-based organizations, Indigenous and women’s groups for projects supporting community engagement in managing threatened ecosystems and species, under the GEF Small Grants Program. Grants are up to US$60,000. Eligible only in five districts: Nuwara Eliya, Kegalle, Ratnapura, Galle, and Matara. The deadline is 09 October 2026. Small Grants Program
marine/coastal
World Academy of Sciences — Research Cooperation Visits Program
TWAS-SISSA-Lincei invites young scientists from least-developed countries to carry out collaborative research projects in Physics, Neuroscience, Mathematics, and Science Outreach as well as projects that fall under the umbrella of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Scientists have the opportunity to visit research laboratories in Trieste (Italy) to carry out research work in scientific fields within the SISSA portfolio. TWAS will cover travel expenses and provide subsistence costs for the stay in Italy. The deadline for receipt of applications is 31 October 2026. More
Roger Williams Park Zoo — Danforth Conservation Grants
The Sophie Danforth Conservation Biology Fund makes grants of up to US$1 thousand to protect threatened wildlife and habitats worldwide. Priority is for projects that demonstrate a multi-disciplinary approach to ecosystem conservation, and that involve in-country collaborators. Projects must directly affect biological conservation. Applicants can be of any nationality but must be associated with an organization (non-profit, university, etc.) through which they can receive funding. The application deadline is 01 January 2027. About the conservation grants
iF International Forum Design GmbH — Student Design Award
The iF Student Design Award recognizes students and their future-oriented concepts that aim to solve a global development challenge. The best concepts earn a share of €50 thousand. All winners will be honored with a two-day event in Istanbul. Students and recent graduates of all design-related courses and programs are welcome to register their concepts. The registration deadline for participation is 03 February 2027. iF Student Design Award
National Geographic Society — Slingshot Challenge
The National Geographic Society seeks applications for its Slingshot Challenge. The challenge invites 13–18-year-olds to submit a 1-minute video describing their idea for solving environmental issues. Video submissions must be in English or Spanish. Subtitles are not required but are allowed. National Geographic will select a small number of submissions to receive up to US$10 thousand in funding. Submissions are due by 05 February 2027. Know more
Trust for Sustainable Living — International Schools Essay Competition
Every year, the essay competition focuses on a different global sustainability challenge. This year’s theme is “Navigating El Niño.” Participating students are invited to create a piece of artwork, music, video, poem, essay, letter, or story. The Grand Prize trophy winner will receive a free international trip to a TSL Summit, including £1000 spending money. Schools have to register a Teacher Champion to participate in the competition. The deadline for essay entries is 01 March 2027. Details
Waterloo Foundation — Environment Fund: Marine Resources
The Waterloo Foundation manages an Environment Fund that supports projects to manage and conserve marine resources. 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 March and 01 September each year. About the Marine Fund
Asia Community Foundation — Southeast Asia Ocean Fund
The 30×30 Southeast Asia Ocean Fund invites NGOs, research institutions, and civil society organizations to apply for grants supporting marine conservation, prioritizing projects led by or engaging coastal frontline communities. Grants of up to US$250,000 are awarded over multiple years, with no predetermined activity restrictions. Eligible applicants include local NGOs and research institutions in Southeast Asia; individuals, private enterprises, and government bodies are not eligible. Applications, in the form of an Expression of Interest, are accepted on a rolling basis. Link
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Grants for Wallacea Biodiversity Hotspot
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites Letters of Inquiry for grants supporting biodiversity conservation in the Wallacea Hotspot. The grants fund biodiversity conservation projects in Indonesia’s Wallacea region — reducing threats to endangered species, improving management of key biodiversity areas, and supporting sustainable natural resource use by Indigenous peoples and local communities across specific island and marine priority zones. Small grants are up to US$50,000 with a deadline of 26 September 2026. Large grants range from US$50,000 to US$150,000 with a deadline of 27 September 2026. Grants for Wallacea Biodiversity Hotspot
Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation — Science without Borders Challenge 2027
The Science Without Borders (SWB) Challenge is an international student art competition. The theme for the 2027 challenge is “Navigate with care.” Students are asked to create artwork that explores how mariners can help protect both people and life in the ocean by navigating safely and responsibly. The SWB Challenge is open to primary and secondary school students (aged 11-19 years) from all around the world. The winners will receive scholarships of up to US$500. The deadline is 01 March 2027. Science Without Borders Challenge