The Water Research Foundation (WRF) has issued a call for proposals under its Research Priority Program for nine new research projects—covering topics like microbial and chemical contamination, asset condition assessment, pathogen evaluation, microplastics monitoring, biosolids drying technologies, methane emissions, and more. Funding is up to US$400 thousand. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, research organizations, utilities, government agencies, and consulting firms. Proposals are due by 22 October 2025. Link
partnerships/collaboration
Water Research Foundation — Climate-Smart Water Solutions
The Water Research Foundation Tailored Collaboration Program is a matching research initiative designed to support utility-specific or regional challenges that research can help to solve. WRF will provide up to US$150 thousand in matching funds for each selected project. The program encourages collaboration between utilities and researchers to address pressing water sector issues. Interested parties must submit a pre-proposal by 02 June 2025. Click here
CIFAR — Global Scholars
The CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars program provides funding, skills training, mentorship, and opportunities for research collaboration. CIFAR invites early-career researchers pursuing the most exciting and important research questions across the natural, biomedical and social sciences and the humanities to join an interdisciplinary research program. As part of the program, scholars receive C$100 thousand in unrestricted research support over two years. To be eligible for this program, applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) and be within the first five years of starting a full-time research position at an institution of higher education or research. The deadline for applications is 05 November 2025. CIFAR Global Scholars
Biodiversa+ — Biodiversity and Transformative Change
Biodiversa+ launches a joint call for transnational research proposals focused on fostering innovative research to be integrated into nature restoration practices for interconnected and well-functioning ecosystems and habitats, with special consideration for long-term sustainability and future-proofing of restoration efforts across spatial scales, including their evaluation. The call covers restoration efforts for biodiversity in all types of ecosystems and habitats, in all regions of the world. Funding organizations have reserved a total amount of over €40 million for joint research projects. Research teams must form transnational research consortia with eligible partners from a minimum of 3 countries participating in the call. The deadline for pre-proposals submission is 07 November 2025. Biodiversa Joint Call
National Geographic Society — The Future of Learning
The National Geographic Society seeks innovative education and research projects that cultivate the knowledge, attitudes, and skills across all learner ages and contexts necessary to protect our planet’s future. Two funding levels are available: Level I grants up to US $20 thousand for emerging leaders, and Level II grants up to US $100 thousand for more established practitioners or Explorers. This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide who are at least 18 years old. The submission deadline is 19 November 2025. The Future of Learning
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation — International Climate Protection Fellowships 2026
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation offers 15 fellowships for young climate experts from developing countries interested in conducting a project in Germany and pursuing long-term collaboration. The fellowship (up to €2,670 per month) allows future leaders to spend a year in Germany working on a research-based project of their own choice in the field of climate protection. Fellows choose their own hosts. The fellowship includes intensive language training and an orientation program during the introductory phase. The deadline for applications is 01 February 2026. Climate Protection Fellowships
Stockholm Resilience Center — SwedBio Collaboration Program
The SwedBio Collaboration Program contributes to ideas, methods, and policies regarding how biodiversity, ecosystem services, and resilience help sustain livelihoods. SwedBio welcomes submissions of concept notes for project ideas. SwedBio contributes to shorter projects through a small-grants program (max. SEK 500 thousand). Preferred partners include regional and international network organizations; action-oriented research institutes; think-tank institutions; and civil society organizations based in developing countries. Concept notes can be submitted anytime. About collaboration with SwedBio
Next Einstein Forum — Africa Energy Innovation Challenge
The Africa Energy Innovation Challenge (AEIC) invites young African energy entrepreneurs to submit early-stage prototypes that address energy needs across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, transport, or AI-powered energy management. Applicants (aged between 18 and 35) form teams to co-develop and pitch their innovations, competing for support that may include funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Proposals have to be submitted by 15 September 2025. Link to AEIC
European Energy Communities Facility — Support for Energy Communities
The European Energy Communities Facility offers emerging or evolving energy communities across 31 European countries a grant of €45 thousand to develop a solid business plan, along with access to a tailored capacity-building program and peer-to-peer exchanges. Eligible applicants are legally registered energy companies that are based in eligible countries (EU-27, Iceland, Moldova, North Macedonia, or Ukraine). All materials must be submitted before the deadline on 30 September 2025. Details here
Donors’ Initiative for Mediterranean Freshwater Ecosystems — Freshwater Restoration across the Mediterranean Basin
The Donors’ Initiative for Mediterranean Freshwater Ecosystems (DIMFE) launches a call for projects to fund on-the-ground freshwater restoration and conservation actions across the Mediterranean basin. Eligible field-based initiatives must aim to restore or conserve freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity, promote sustainable and equitable water resource management, or develop long-term financing mechanisms. Grants range from €100 thousand to €500 thousand (with 25% co-financing required for requests over €300 thousand). The call is open to NGOs, scientific institutions, local authorities, and small private enterprises in the region. The deadline for submission is 15 October 2025. Link to DIMFE