The Darwin Plus Local program invites applications for small-scale projects aimed at protecting biodiversity and the natural environment in eligible UK Overseas Territories. Environmental non-governmental organizations, community groups, research institutions, and individuals can apply with practical initiatives that focus on biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and habitat restoration. The program provides up to £50 thousand for projects managed by organizations and up to £20 thousand for projects led by individuals. The application deadline is 25 June 2026. Details here
MENA
UK Government — Extra Grants for Biodiversity
The Darwin Initiative invites applications for its Extra grants program to fund large-scale, collaborative projects aimed at protecting biodiversity and reducing poverty in eligible low- to upper-middle-income countries. Non-governmental organisations, research institutions, and private sector businesses can apply with initiatives that demonstrate strong potential to scale up proven environmental interventions. The program provides funding ranging from £1 million to £5 million for a project period lasting between two and five years. The deadline for Phase I applications is 01 July 2026. Grants for Biodiversity
UK Government — Environmental Capacity Building in UK Overseas Territories
The Darwin Plus People & Skills program invites applications for projects that build local capacity to protect the natural environment through training, education, and professional development. Eligible applicants include nationals, long-term residents, or individuals with an established relationship with a UK Overseas Territory. The program provides grants of up to £100 thousand to support individual training and institutional capacity building for a project period of up to 24 months. The deadline for single-stage applications is 07 September 2026. Darwin Plus People & Skills
UK Government — Transformative Biodiversity Conservation
The Darwin Plus Strategic program invites applications for large-scale, collaborative projects aimed at delivering long-term biodiversity conservation and climate change resilience. Non-governmental organizations, research institutions, public entities, and private businesses can apply with ambitious initiatives that demonstrate clear scalability or systemic impact. Projects must directly benefit the natural environment of eligible UK Overseas Territories, such as Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and the Falkland Islands. The program provides funding ranging from £1 million to £3 million for collaborative interventions lasting between three and five years. The deadline for single-stage applications is 14 September 2026. Darwin Plus
Conservation, Food and Health Foundation — Local Project Support
The Conservation, Food and Health Foundation supports special projects and programs in the areas of conservation, food, and health in low- and lower-middle-income countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The foundation supports projects that demonstrate local leadership; develop the capacity of local organizations; and address a particular problem or question in the field. Eligibility extends to NGOs, community-based organizations, and academic institutions. There is no maximum grant size. Most grants will fall in the US$25 thousand to US$50 thousand per year range. The application deadlines for concept notes are 22 December 2026 and 15 June 2027. Guidelines
GoGettaz — Agripreneur Prize 2026
The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition supports innovative, young food and agribusiness entrepreneurs who are transforming the African food system. The contest is open to food system founders or co-founders aged 18 to 35 who hold nationality from an African Union member state. Eligible businesses can span any part of the agrifood value chain, including production, logistics, agro-processing, and digital farming solutions. The program features a total prize pool of US$160 thousand, which includes two US$50 thousand grand prizes awarded to one male-led and one female-led business, alongside four US$15 thousand impact awards for ventures excelling in areas like climate resilience, technology, and food security. The deadline for complete applications is 28 June 2026. Agripreneur Prize
Africa Centre for Energy Policy — Energy Leaders Innovation Challenge 2026
The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) invites applications for the Future Energy Leaders Innovation Challenge. The program is open to young African innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs who are developing sustainable energy solutions to address energy poverty and climate change across the continent. Selected participants receive technical mentorship, access to industry networks, and a grant of US$5 thousand to pilot or scale their innovations. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and residents of an African country. The deadline for applications is 31 May 2026. Energy Innovation Challenge
UNESCO — Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest
UNESCO invites photographers aged 14 to 25 to participate in the Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest. This competition encourages young people to document the shared heritage and cultural interactions along the historic Silk Roads, with the current cycle focusing on the theme “Life on the Silk Roads.” Participation is divided into two categories based on age: 14 to 17 years old and 18 to 25 years old. Three winners from each category will receive professional photography equipment, and approximately 60 selected photographs will be featured in a traveling exhibition and a commemorative photo album. The deadline for submissions is 30 June 2026. Silk Roads Photo Contest
European Marine Research Network — Foresight Workshops
EuroMarine funds Foresight Workshops with a maximum funding of €10 thousand. Workshops should focus on emerging and important topics requiring European-wide coordination. All workshops are expected to yield scientific publications in the wider area of understanding, protection, and management of the Ocean. Proposals should involve at least three full Member Organizations of EuroMarine, from at least two different countries. Applicants are welcome to involve any relevant organizations from developing countries. The submission deadline for workshop proposals is 31 August 2026. EuroMarine Foresight Workshops
Ornithological Society of the Middle East — Trevor Poyser Species Conservation Fund
The Ornithological Society of the Middle East (OSME) makes grants to support bird research in the Middle East, Caucasus, and Central Asia. The Trevor Poyser Species Conservation Fund supports research projects that lead to clear conservation benefits for a globally threatened species that occurs within the OSME region. One grant of £5 thousand is available. The application deadline is 01 December 2026. Know more