The Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work recognize individuals ages 15 to 29 who lead innovative development projects in themes that include agriculture, small enterprise, skills training, climate change, environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, and poverty reduction. The program selects regional winners from each of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Winners are awarded grants of up to a total of £5 thousand in total to advance their projects. The application deadline is 17 October 2025. Commonwealth Youth Awards
pollution
Caribbean Biodiversity Fund — Advancing Circular Economy
The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) seeks applications for projects that promote and apply practical circular economy principles to minimize or prevent waste from entering the marine environment. Grant funding amounts range from US$400 thousand to US$2 million and need to be complemented by co-financing. Eligible countries are Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Applications can be submitted until 25 November 2025. Details here
Global Thinkers Forum — Mentoring Program 2026
The Global Thinkers Forum brings together a diverse network of thought leaders to share their visions of the future, create meaningful conversations around them, and effect positive change in the world. The program consists of an 8-month mentoring cycle that includes one-on-one sessions with experienced thought leaders and individuals aged between 18 and 29 from all over the world. The program’s mentors are successful individuals across several professional fields and countries. The application deadline is 28 November 2025. Become a Global Thinkers Mentee
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
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
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
Climate & Clean Air Coalition — National Policy & Mitigation Projects
The Climate & Clean Air Coalition invites proposals to support national strategies and action plans addressing short‑lived climate pollutants across six thematic areas: agriculture, cooling & refrigeration, heavy‑duty transport, household energy, waste management, and national policy & planning. Grants cover project design and implementation tailored to country priorities, including methane and black‑carbon reduction strategies, clean cooking transitions, refrigerant phase‑down, organic waste pipelines, and improved air quality regulation. Target countries currently include Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Madagascar, Mexico, Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Nigeria, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, and others. Applicants may include national or subnational government bodies, public agencies, or consortia with civil society and technical partners. The deadline for submissions is 29 August 2025. Know more
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine — Planetary Health Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Planetary Health Postdoctoral Fellowship is aimed at early-career researchers focused on the intersection of human health and environmental change. The fellowship supports solutions-oriented research addressing critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and sustainable food systems. The fellowship is fully funded for two years, with a competitive salary and research support. The fellowship is open globally to researchers within three years of completing their PhD, with experience in planetary health-related disciplines (e.g., epidemiology, environmental science, health policy). The application deadline is 11 July 2025. Planetary Health Postdoctoral Fellowship
German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety — Marine Litter Innovation Challenge
The PROTEGO Marine Litter Innovation Challenge empowers organizations in Ghana and Nigeria to develop and scale innovative solutions addressing marine plastic pollution in identified hot spots along the Gulf of Guinea. Participants can receive up to €40,000 in project funding. Eligible applicants include NGOs, companies, research institutions, or community organizations. The application deadline is 21 July 2025. Know more