The Planet Forward Storyfest Awards invites students to submit stories that inspire, motivate, and drive change. Planet Forward seeks stories surrounding the people, ideas, and innovations moving the world toward a greener future. Participants can submit stories (written, video, multimedia, or podcast) on topics such as climate justice, biodiversity, food, water, or energy. Entries will be accepted until 09 February 2026. Planet Forward Storyfest Awards
pollution
AirAsia Foundation — Improving Communities
The AirAsia Foundation makes grants to social enterprises with projects to empower communities, enable them to build sustainable livelihoods, tackle social problems, or protect the environment. Applicants must be registered and be based in ASEAN. NGOs looking to diversify funding sources through social enterprise are welcome to submit an application. AirAsia’s priority is to support smaller social enterprises. Applications can be submitted anytime, but the review process may take up to 6 months. Link
Art Partner — Earth Art Contest
The Earth Partner Prize is an international art competition that invites creatives aged 14 to 30 from all backgrounds to submit original works—across any medium including visual art, film, performance, writing, fashion, digital creations, and more—that address the ecological crisis. Each participant may submit one project. Eight finalists will receive cash prizes of US $10 thousand, $5 thousand, or $2 thousand, and an additional 20 participants will receive honorable mentions from a distinguished, global jury. Applications must be submitted by 10 October 2025. Earth Partner Prize
Dalai Lama Fellows — Mentorship for Emerging Leaders
The Dalai Lama Fellowship offers emerging leaders from all around the world mentorship and coaching to design and implement their own original field projects addressing a global challenge. Project areas include environmental sustainability, among others. The fellowship does not offer funding for projects, instead, it offers coaching and a global community. This program is open to next-generation leaders (20-35 years old). The deadline for applications is 12 November 2025. Dalai Lama Fellows
United People Global — Leadership Training Program
The United People Global (UPG) Sustainability Leadership training program offers young leaders from all over the world the opportunity to participate in an immersive 1-week experience on an island in the USA. UPG seeks young people (18-35 years) who want to take positive action that helps the world tackle a sustainability challenge to achieve any of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 500 young leaders will be selected to participate in an online program and receive a certification after successful completion of the online training. 60 participants will have the chance to attend the complimentary 1-week training in the USA (all costs of the program will be covered). Applications should be received by 31 December 2025 for the Class of 2026. UPG Sustainability Leadership
AAUW — International Project Grants
AAUW’s International Project Grants provides support for women to lead community-based projects that advance gender equity for women and girls in their home country. (Note: Fields of study may include one or more categories of the Terra Viva Grants Directory as long as they focus on the advancement of women and girls’ rights.) Award amounts are up to US$ 15 thousand for one year. To be eligible for an International Fellowship, applicants must have citizenship in a country other than the U.S. and intend to return to her home country to pursue a professional career. The deadline for applications is 30 September 2025. International Project Grants
Acumen Fund — India Fellows Program 2026
The Acumen Fund promotes the power of social innovation to create solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. The India Fellows Program is designed to equip local leaders with the tools, mindset, and community to tackle poverty and injustice in their communities. Past fellows have included several in smallholder agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, fair trade, and other areas. The fellowship is a mix of offline and online seminars, involving a time commitment of approximately 30 days in the year. The application deadline is 30 October 2025. India Fellows
Earth Company — Impact Hero 2026
Each year, Earth Company selects one Impact Hero that has the potential to transform the future of developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Impact Heroes are visionary leaders who tackle some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges and make transformative changes to the communities they serve. Earth Company provides 3 years of support through leadership coaching, fundraising, marketing, and business development. Eligibility extends to everybody and all forms of organizations. Applications have to be received no later than 06 October 2025. Find details here
Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation — Changemakers Innovation Challenge
The Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation seeks applications for the Changemakers Innovation Challenge. The challenge is open to non-profits and social enterprises across Africa who are using technological/digital tools to create innovative social solutions. Focus areas include health, environment, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Proposed projects must have a maximum life cycle of 12 months and benefit African communities. The challenge is open to non-profits and social enterprises across Africa. The application deadline is 22 August 2025. Changemakers
Environmental Research & Education Foundation — Sustainable Solid Waste Management Research Program
The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) seeks applications for the Sustainable Solid Waste Management Research Program in North America. Pre-proposals must relate to sustainable solid waste management practices in the topic areas of waste conversion to energy, biological conversion technologies, and recycling, among others. Previously awarded grants have ranged from $15 thousand to over $500 thousand with an average grant size of about $160 thousand for 2 years. There are no restrictions in regard to geographic location. EREF has two deadlines per year with pre-proposals being accepted 15 days prior to the deadline date. The next application deadlines are 01 December 2025 and 02 March 2026. Find out how to apply for a grant