UNEP invites community-based organisations and associations, civil society organisations, local and national NGOs, government institutions and regional not-for-profits that work directly with coastal and island communities in Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. Grants are up to US$100 thousand each, for community-led projects to restore coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass meadows, to develop blue carbon and carbon finance that improves coastal livelihoods, or to empower women, youth and Indigenous peoples in ecosystem management. Applicants must commit significant co-financing in cash or in kind. The deadline is 02 November 2026. Small Grants
nonprofit orgs
Sequoia Park Zoo — Conservation Grant Program
The Sequoia Park Zoo supports field research, habitat restoration, rescue and rehabilitation efforts, public awareness campaigns, and annual lecture series. The Zoo also offers an annual Conservation Grant Program, awarding up to US$3,000 per project, for work that delivers clear, measurable impact on wildlife or habitat conservation. Applicants must be affiliated with a conservation-related organization or an education institution. Pre-proposals can be submitted until 02 November 2026. Conservation Grant Program
Unearthodox — Exploration Co-Lab 2027
Unearthodox invites early-stage initiatives working at the intersection of environmental and societal change to apply to its Exploration Co-Lab, a 10-month incubator for systemic, root-cause work addressing humanity’s relationship with nature. Selected participants receive CHF 10,000 in grant funding, plus access to an estimated CHF 60,000 in non-financial support, including coaching, systems mapping, and community connection. Open to applicants worldwide, with particular welcome for underrepresented voices. The deadline is 16 November 2026. Exploration Co-Lab
Italian Agency for Development Cooperation — Agroforestry Value Chains in Uganda
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) invites proposals for Trees 4 Karamoja, a 36-month project to restore forest and tree cover in five districts of Uganda’s Karamoja region (Moroto, Napak, Nakapiripirit, Nabilatuk and Amudat). The project develops regenerative agroforestry value chains that raise incomes for communities, especially women and youth. AICS will award one grant of €1.78 million, covering 100% of project costs, with no co-financing required. Only non-profit organisations on Italy’s register of civil society organisations can lead an application. Each applicant must work with at least one local civil society organisation. The call and all application documents are in Italian. The deadline is 18 November 2026. More details
Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund — Grant Program 2027
The Keidanren Fund supports field projects in environment, biodiversity, and natural resources in developing countries worldwide, with emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region. The program is open to groups and organizations with appropriate legal status and at least three years of experience in nature conservation. Grants are for one year. The application deadline is 01 December 2026. Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund
Italian Agency for Development Cooperation — Agroecological Value Chains in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation invites proposals to strengthen markets and value chains for neglected and underutilized crops in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. It offers one grant of €2.7 million, covering 100% of costs, for a project of up to 36 months. The project must support at least 60 cooperatives, producer groups, and small businesses (at least 30 in each country) with training, financial support, and market links. The lead applicant must be a non-profit NGO with at least seven years of experience supporting agricultural and rural enterprises. It must also manage an average annual project portfolio of at least €1 million and work with at least one local co-applicant in each country. The deadline is 16 December 2026. Link
Mangrove Breakthrough — Mangrove Conservation and Restoration
Mangrove Breakthrough seeks projects worldwide that protect, restore or support mangrove ecosystems. Eligible proposals include mangrove restoration or conservation; blue-carbon finance; biodiversity or climate-linked crediting mechanisms; community-based livelihood or stewardship initiatives; nature-tech or monitoring tools for mangrove health; and sustainable businesses tied to mangrove landscapes (e.g. fisheries, coastal agriculture, eco-tourism). Successful submissions gain visibility, exposure at global climate events, and access to investors or funders. The deadline to submit the Expression of Interest is 30 December 2026. Link to more details
Right Livelihood Award — Annual Nominations 2027
The Right Livelihood Awards are annually made to individuals and organizations offering practical and exemplary answers to the most urgent challenges facing us today. The Award is sometimes referred to as the “Alternative Nobel Prize.” Past laureates include several whose work in issues of environment and natural resources advances social justice and grassroots development in the developing world. Normally, the Foundation makes three cash awards and one honorary award each year. Nominations are invited from anyone worldwide (excluding self-nominations, close relatives, and Foundation staff and jury). The deadline for nominations is 24 January 2027. Nominate
Effective Altruism Funds — Animal Welfare Fund
EA Funds invites applications for its Animal Welfare Fund, supporting projects that improve the well-being of nonhuman animals, with particular interest in neglected geographic regions or species, promising research into animal advocacy or welfare, and other high-impact opportunities. Grants range from $1,000 to $500,000, with no registered charity status required. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Animal Welfare Fund
UAE Water Aid — Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award
UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia) invites nominations for the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award. The award supports research and development of new and innovative technologies that produce, distribute, and purify water using renewable energy to support poverty- and disaster-stricken communities worldwide. Prizes vary according to category from US$20 thousand to US$150 thousand. Suqia invites corporations, research centers, institutions, innovators and youth from around the world, whose novel technologies provide solutions to the challenges of water scarcity, to participate in the awards. The deadline for nominations is 30 September 2026. Visit Suqia