The Asia Climate Solutions (ACS) Design Grant awards grant funding for the design and launch of innovative blended finance solutions for climate transition and resilience in Asia. The grant will target critical climate mitigation and adaptation sectors in Asia including nature-based solutions, clean energy transition, and sustainable cities and infrastructure. Feasibility study grants range between US$50 thousand to US$200 thousand. Proof-of-concept grants range between US$200 thousand to US$400 thousand. Proposals will only be accepted from organizations or consortiums of organizations. The next application deadline for concept notes is 11 January 2026. Asia Climate Solutions Design Grant
universities
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Ecosystem Profile Update: Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites consulting firms, NGOs, research institutions, or consortia with strong regional experience to lead the update of the Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands biodiversity hotspot ecosystem profile, which guides CEPF’s future conservation investment strategy in the region. The assignment involves technical analysis, stakeholder consultations, and synthesis of biodiversity, climate, and socio-economic data to identify conservation priorities. The selected applicant will receive up to US$150 thousand to carry out the work over a defined project period. The call is open internationally, with preference for teams demonstrating experience in biodiversity conservation and familiarity with the region. The deadline to submit proposals is 26 January 2026. Ecosystem Profile Update
Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa — Indigenous and Alternative Knowledge
The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) invites African researchers and institutions to submit project proposals that advance social science knowledge and policy dialogue on pressing African issues, including development, governance, inequalities, gender, youth, and climate change. Eligible applicants are African scholars, research centres, universities, NGOs, and think tanks based in Africa. Selected projects receive research grants (amounts vary by project scope) along with opportunities for networking, and capacity building. The deadline for submitting concept notes is 15 February 2026. AFRIAK Call for Proposals
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Partnership Award
The FAO Partnership Award recognizes institutions or organizations that have demonstrated outstanding cooperation with FAO to advance global food security and sustainable agrifood systems. It includes a cash prize of US$10 thousand and a scroll of recognition. Eligible nominees include FAO Member countries, UN agencies, international institutions, academic/research entities, civil society organizations, private sector partners, and media outlets that can show meaningful collaboration and impact aligned with FAO’s strategic goals. Nominations must be endorsed by an FAO Representative or Director to be valid. The deadline to submit nominations is 15 February 2026. FAO Partnership Award
UK Royal Society — International Exchanges 2026
The Royal Society’s International Exchanges Scheme makes grants to scientists based in the UK who seek new international collaborations. The scheme covers all areas of life and physical sciences, except clinical medicine. Applicants may request up to £12 thousand for travel to/from all countries outside the UK. The standard program is open for applications and will close on 18 March 2026. International Exchanges
Hult Prize Foundation — Hult Prize Challenge
The Hult Prize is a start-up accelerator for social entrepreneurship which brings together college and university students to solve the world’s most pressing issues. In 2026, participants can pitch any idea for a social enterprise, as long as it is world-changing and aligned with at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Hult Prize runs regional competitions around the world, campus events, a national competition, and online for the chance to join the Global Accelerator Program. The winning team will be awarded US$1 million in seed capital. Hult Prize
Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Water Innovation Prize 2025
The MIT Water Innovation Prize is a startup competition focused on water innovation. Submitted projects must involve a technology, product, service, or process aimed at solving a problem related to the world’s water challenges. Entering teams must include at least one student who is fully enrolled at any college or university. There are no restrictions regarding nationality. Winners will be awarded innovation grants of up to US$50 thousand. The application deadline for the statement of intent is 31 December 2025. Water Innovation Prize
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development — Women in Agricultural Sciences
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) announces the AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Science. The call targets young women in science under 35 years of age from Kenya, Malawi, and Senegal. Selected candidates will participate in a nine-month capacity building program. The call for applications closes on 31 January 2026. AWARD Leadership Program
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Biodiversity Data Mobilization Projects
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) funds regional and cross-regional biodiversity data mobilization projects that strengthen capacity to collect, share and apply open biodiversity data in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Eligible applicants are legal entities such as research institutions, universities, museums, NGOs or government agencies registered in the eligible regions with demonstrated experience in biodiversity data mobilization, and projects must be non-profit and publish data under open licenses. There are two grant types: regional grants of up to €90 thousand and cross-regional grants of up to €120 thousand, each with a 24-month implementation period. Concept notes must be submitted by 02 February 2026. Biodiversity Data Mobilization Projects
Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen — Networking Civil Societies
The Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) promotes tandem cooperation between civil society organizations from Germany and partner countries (listed in the announcement). CCP Synergy is aimed at employees from two organizations who are planning a joint initiative. The purpose of such a collaboration could be, for example, the planning and implementation of joint events, fact-finding missions, research, or artistic undertakings in the fields of sustainable development or climate justice. CCP Synergy supports both cooperating organizations with a total of €4,500. The call for applications is open until 16 February 2026. CCP Synergy