The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) invites nominations for the 2026 Champions of the Earth award, which represents the UN’s highest environmental honor. The 2026 edition specifically focuses on leaders, organizations, and government entities worldwide that are driving efforts to protect and restore ocean health, including work in pollution prevention, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable blue economies. Candidates may be nominated in four categories: Policy Leadership, Inspiration and Action, Entrepreneurial Vision, and Science and Innovation. While the award provides global recognition and a platform to scale environmental solutions rather than a direct cash grant, it serves as a transformative career and organizational milestone. The deadline for nominations is 15 April 2026. UN Champions of the Earth
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United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification — Media Reporting Fellowship
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA) invite journalists to apply for a fellowship to cover the COP17 conference in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The program is open to professional staff or freelance journalists who work with recognized media outlets and are based in countries affected by desertification, land degradation, or drought. Six selected fellows will receive fully funded support, including return economy-class airfare to Mongolia, accommodation, and media accreditation to the conference. Participants will attend pre-conference virtual briefings, engage in a field visit with local communities, and are expected to produce at least three independent stories related to land restoration and drought resilience. The application deadline is 15 April 2026. COP17 Reporting Fellowship
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Guyana and Suriname
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale, high-impact projects in Guyana and Suriname that align with Canada’s thematic priorities of inclusive governance and growth that works for everyone. The program is open to local non-governmental organizations, community groups, academic institutions, and municipal or national government agencies working on local development. While the maximum funding for a single project is CAN$100 thousand, the average contribution typically ranges from CAN$30 thousand to CAN$60 thousand. Projects may span one year or two years, depending on the complexity of the activities. The deadline for submitting applications via email is 15 April 2026. CFLI Guyana and Suriname
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Cambodia
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) provides support for small-scale, high-impact projects in Cambodia that align with Canada’s thematic priorities, including inclusive governance, gender equality, and peace and security. Eligible recipients include local non-governmental organizations, community groups, and academic institutions, as well as international or municipal agencies working on local development. While the maximum funding available for a single project is CAN$100 thousand, the average contribution typically ranges between CAN$15 thousand and CAN$30 thousand. The application deadline for the current cycle is 21 April 2026. CFLI Cambodia
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in the ASEAN region
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale, high-impact projects in the ASEAN region. The call is open to local non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and regional or international agencies working with local partners. To be eligible, projects must impact or include participants from at least three ASEAN countries. While the maximum allocation for a single project is CAN$100 thousand, the average contribution ranges between CAN$20 thousand and CAN$40 thousand. The deadline for submitting applications via email is 30 April 2026. CFLI ASEAN
Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area — Sustainable Water Management
The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) invites research consortia to submit projects focused on sustainable water management. The program targets the upscaling of nature-based solutions to address extreme weather events and seeks to enhance policy development through innovative water footprint concepts. Eligibility requires a consortium of at least three legal entities from three different participating countries, including at least one from an EU Member State or associated country and at least one from a Mediterranean Partner Country (such as Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, or Morocco). Funding amounts vary by section: Section 1 projects typically receive approximately €2.7 million each from EU funds, while Section 2 projects receive a minimum of €1.5 million supported by national funding bodies. The deadline for pre-proposals is 15 May 2026. Water Management
Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area — Farming Systems
The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) invites research and innovation consortia to apply for its “Farming Systems in the Nexus” calls. The program is divided into two sections: Section 1 focuses on enhancing sustainable farming within Mediterranean wetlands for conservation and coexistence, while Section 2 addresses the upscaling of agroecology practices at the farm level. Eligibility requires a consortium of at least four independent legal entities established in at least three different PRIMA participating countries, including at least one EU Member State or associated country and at least two Mediterranean Partner Countries (such as Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Tunisia, Morocco, Lebanon, or Türkiye). Section 1 projects typically receive approximately €2.7 million in EU funding for a 36-month duration, whereas Section 2 projects are supported by national funding bodies with varied amounts, often around €1.5 million per project. The deadline for pre-proposals is 15 May 2026. Farming Systems
Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area — Agro-Food Value Chain
The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) invites research consortia to submit proposals for its calls focused on the Mediterranean food value chain. The program aims to reduce food losses and waste through circular economy models and to improve the sustainability of food systems. Eligibility requires a consortium of at least three legal entities from three different participating countries, including at least one from an EU Member State or associated country and at least one from a Mediterranean Partner Country (such as Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, or Tunisia). Funding for Section 1 projects is approximately €2.7 million provided by the EU, while Section 2 projects are supported by national funding bodies with amounts typically reaching €1.5 million. The deadline for pre-proposals is 15 May 2026. Agro-Food Value Chain
Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area — Young Innovators Award 2026
The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) invites young entrepreneurs and researchers to apply for its 2026 Young Innovators Award. The program recognizes outstanding digital and technological solutions that address sustainability challenges in the Mediterranean region, particularly in the fields of water management, sustainable farming, and the agrifood value chain. Eligible applicants must be under 35 years old and be citizens or residents of a PRIMA participating country, which includes various nations across the European Union and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. The award provides a financial prize of €10 thousand to the winner in each category to support the further development or scaling of their innovation. The application deadline is 22 May 2026. Young Innovators Award
Ford — Environmental Grants
Ford Central America and Caribbean invites non-profit organizations to apply for its environmental grant program to support community projects that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The program is open to legally constituted organizations with their own bank accounts operating in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Projects must already be in the execution phase and fall into one of four categories: biodiversity conservation, food security, waste management, or renewable energy. While the specific total fund is not listed, the jury determines the amount awarded to each project for a twelve-month execution period, and funds cannot be used for operational salaries or travel. The application deadline for the current cycle is 31 May 2026. Environmental Grants