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
partnerships/collaboration
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
Thomson Reuters Foundation — Free Legal Services for NGOs
TrustLaw is the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s global pro bono legal program. The pro bono network works with legal teams and lawyers who provide free legal support to NGOs and social enterprises. Interested organizations apply for a free membership, explain their project and specific needs and lawyers can volunteer to work on projects that interest them. New applications are accepted on a continuous basis. More about TrustLaw
Food and Agriculture Organization — Data for Farm Value Global Challenge
The UN FAO Data for Farm Value Global Challenge 2025 invites early-stage startups worldwide to propose scalable, data-driven solutions that empower smallholder farmers. Eligible startups must be registered companies with at least two team members. Selected participants will receive workshops, one‑on‑one mentoring, and the winner earns a €5,000 cash prize. Applications close on 25 August 2025. Know more
Global Resilience Partnership — TECH4Resilience Challenge
The Global Resilience Partnership launches the TECH4Resilience Challenge to accelerate seed‑level AI innovations that bolster climate-related emergency preparedness—focusing on solutions for low- and middle-income countries. Both not-for-profit and for-profit innovators are eligible, and selected projects will receive tailored leadership mentoring, communications support, investor pitch preparation, and funding of up to US$50 thousand to further develop and scale their solutions. The challenge closes on 31 August 2025. TECH4Resilience Challenge
British Council — Environments Collaboration Grants
The British Council’s Research Environments Collaboration Grants support joint research initiatives between a UK lead institution and a partner institution in Brazil, Morocco, Pakistan, or Peru. Funding ranges from £25 thousand to £40 thousand per project to establish new or significantly enhance existing collaborations that strengthen research capacity and foster sustainable, long-term academic links. Projects run for 12 months, starting January 2026, and applications must be submitted by the UK lead institution by 09 September 2025. Know more