The Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge is an annual global initiative encouraging young individuals aged 15-26 to pitch their ideas for innovative learning programs for their dream university. Participants can pitch programs on one of the following themes: Community Engagement, Socio-emotional Development, and Sustainability (planetary health and regenerative economy). The 12 finalists will receive regular mentorship from a global network of industries with the goal of implementing their programs. The winner receives US$1000. The deadline for submissions is 01 December 2024. Youth Design Challenge
marine/coastal
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 07 February 2025. Know more
Swedish Institute — Scholarships for Global Professionals
The Swedish Institute (SI) provides fully-funded international scholarships for master’s studies in Sweden. The scholarship for global professionals aims to develop future global leaders who will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and contribute to positive and sustainable development in their home countries. The scholarship is intended for full-time one-year or two-year master’s programs. SI fully covers tuition fees and makes regular payments of SEK12 thousand to cover living expenses throughout the scholarship. The application portal will close on 26 February 2025. SI Scholarships for Global Professionals
Sea of Change Foundation — Reef Rescue and Rapid Response
Reef Rescue and Rapid Response grants seek to empower divers and their communities to act as first responders to localized impacts on coral reefs. Funds support the immediate response to coral reef damage from anchor drops, vessel groundings, entanglement, oil spills, and acute pollution that impact coral reefs. The grants will support divers and their communities in responding quickly to a reef-damaging incident by helping cover immediate costs such as boat fuel, staff time, video cameras, lift bags, transect tapes, and handheld GPS units. These grants range from US$500 to US$5,000 per project and are available on a rolling basis and as funds are available. Reef Rescue and Rapid Response Grants
National Geographic Society — Ocean Exploration and Discovery
The National Geographic Society provides early-career ocean scientists from around the world the opportunity to lead impactful projects that will explore, understand, and inform the protection of the ocean. Scientists will take advantage of the available berth space and research infrastructure aboard SOI’s Falkor research vessel during its 2025 season traversing the southeast coast of South America. To cover travel and project-related costs, the Society will award grants of up to US$20 thousand to selected research, conservation or technology projects. The deadline for this opportunity is 14 November 2024. Link
Paul M. Angell Family Foundation — Marine and Ocean Conservation 2025
The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation makes grants in thematic areas that include marine and ocean conservation. The Foundation is interested in marine protected areas; sustainable fisheries; conserving sharks and rays; conservation of coral reefs; and limiting plastics pollution. Eligibility extends to U.S. nonprofit organizations that have 501(c)3 registration and international conservation organizations. The application deadlines are 10 January and 18 July 2025. Know more
Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund — Krill Fishing and Marine Ecosystem
The Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund (AWR) calls for proposals from scientific researchers who can aid in determining the impact of the krill fishing industry on the Antarctic marine ecosystem. Funding will range from US$25 thousand to US$90 thousand per project. The deadline for applications is 11 April 2025. Find the 11th call for proposals
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — Atlantic Flyway Shorebirds 2025
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and partners support the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats through strategic investments to secure populations of three species – American oystercatcher (short distance migrant), whimbrel (mid-distance migrant) and threatened red knot (long-distance migrant). The program focuses on priority shorebird sites along the U.S. Atlantic seaboard (including the Florida Gulf Coast and panhandle) as well as priority wintering sites for each of the focal species in the Caribbean and South America. The award size is not specified, but the majority of awards will fall in the US$75 thousand to US$250 thousand range. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, Indian tribes, and universities. The deadline for applications is 04 November 2024. Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative
ProBleu — Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
The ProBleu funding initiative supports primary and secondary schools as essential champions in educating children and youth about blue sustainability and the safeguarding of marine and freshwater ecosystems. The call is open to primary and secondary-level schools in the EU Member States and associated countries. Schools can apply for up to €10 thousand for water & ocean literacy projects that last up to a year. The application deadline is 21 November 2024. Link to ProBleu
Earthshot Prize — Nominations 2025
The Earthshot Prize searches the globe for game-changing innovations that will help repair our planet. The best five solutions receive £1 million to scale their work. The categories are: Protect and Restore Nature; Clean our Air; Revive our Oceans; Build a Waste-Free World; and Fix our Climate. The Earthshot Prize has a network of official nominators. Some nominators are happy to accept proposals from the public for consideration. Nominations for the 2025 prize year will close on 11 December 2024. View Official Nominators