The UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge calls on startups, scaleups, and entrepreneurs globally to propose tech-driven solutions in three categories—Community-based Tourism, Inclusivity & Accessibility, and Green Projects. Selected finalists receive benefits including scholarships from Sommet Education Foundation (for hospitality programs at Les Roches), mentorship via the UN Tourism Innovation Network, opportunities to pitch at UN Tourism Demo Day, access to investors and corporate networks. Applications close 08 December 2025. Tourism Social Innovation Challenge
partnerships/collaboration
Science for People and Nature Partnership — Critical Conservation Challenges
In support of the United Nations agenda on sustainable development, the Science for People and Nature Partnership (SNAPP) aims to find solutions for problems at the interface of economic development, nature conservation, and human well-being. SNAPP operates through working groups that represent 200 institutions from more than 30 countries. SNAPP provides up to US$1 million total across 4-6 working groups. Proposals are invited from researchers and practitioners of any nationality affiliated with an academic, governmental, multilateral, or non-profit institution. Individuals operating independently are also eligible to apply. Proposals from low- and middle-income countries are especially welcome. The deadline for proposals is 06 January 2026. Science for Nature and People Partnership
Lighthouse Foundation — Coastal and Marine Conservation
The Lighthouse Foundation promotes science and research, teaching, culture, and the principles of environmentalism and international development in relation to the world’s seas and oceans. Funded partners of the Lighthouse Foundation are conservation NGOs, community NGOs, universities and educational organizations, and government organizations. There is no application form. Link
UK PACT — Nature-Based Solutions in Kenya
The Kenya–UK PACT accepts proposals for high-impact, demand-informed Nature-Based Solutions projects that support Kenya’s just climate transition and align with national priorities. The call is open to not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks, NGOs, academic institutions, and community groups). Funding ranges from £400 thousand to £650 thousand per project. Proposals are due 26 September 2025. Kenya–UK PACT
International Fund for Agricultural Development — Livestock and Communities
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) supports projects in Thailand, Cambodia, Viet Nam, and Laos to enhance community-level capacity and regional collaboration on One Health issues addressing disease prevention, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and environmental health. Projects must integrate participation from women, youth, and marginalized groups. Interested organizations must submit a concept note by 06 October 2025. More
Water Research Foundation — Research Support
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
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
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