Social Shifters announces the Global Innovation Challenge to help young leaders and founders solve the social or environmental issues that matter to them. The challenge seeks creative ideas, projects, and business solutions to the problems that matter to local communities and welcomes ideas from anywhere in the world. Participants compete for awards of up to US$10 thousand to deliver activities that improve lives, help communities, and protect the planet. All ideas must be led by young people aged between 18-30 years old. The application deadline is 12 December 2025. Link to Social Shifters
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United Nations — Local Pathways Fellowship
The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Youth Initiative (SDSN Youth) recruits participants for its 2026 cohort of the Local Pathways Fellows. The 10-months fellowship program provides young leaders with a platform, capacity building, training opportunities and contacts of leading development experts and practitioners. The Local Pathways Fellowship is unpaid. Fellows will benefit from global visibility and exposure. Young candidates (18-30 years) working towards achieving any of the Sustainable Development Goals and representing any city or country in the world are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted until 21 December 2025. Link to Local Pathways
Imagine H2O — Water-Technology Startups Asia
Imagine H2O seeks innovative water solutions from anywhere in the world. Any company offering solutions for water access, safety, resilience, or efficiency is welcome to apply. Selected candidates will have access to a network of industry executives, experts, and entrepreneurs and showcase their ideas during a week-long boot camp at the Water Innovation Week. Participants will receive cash awards and in-kind donations from strategic partners. The deadline for applications is 19 December 2025. For more information, visit the Imagine H2O Accelerator Program
Yale University — Young Global Scholars Program
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) offers two-week academic summer programs for high school students from all around the world. The program offers four interdisciplinary sessions on campus at Yale (USA), including sessions on Innovations in Science & Technology and Solving Global Challenges. YYGS offers the opportunity for students to apply for need-based financial aid. Furthermore, YYGS will waive the application fee if it constitutes a significant financial burden for the student’s family. The application deadline is 07 January 2026. About Yale Young Global Scholars
Commission for Environmental Cooperation — Environmental Leaders Program
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) offers the Generation of Environmental Leaders Program (GELP). Youth aged 18–35 from Canada, Mexico or the United States are invited to propose practical solutions for protecting land, water, and air across North America. Selected teams get mentorship, participation in a youth-environmental network, and seed funding of C$15 thousand to help turn their ideas into real projects. The deadline for applications is 01 February 2026. Environmental Leaders Program
European Commission — Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowships
The European Commission, through the Euraxess initiative, offers the Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowships to support researchers from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. ZUKOnnect aims to extend research networks and environments through on-campus research stays at thirteen departments of the University of Konstanz. Subject areas include ecology, limnology, ecotoxicology, botany, amongst many others. The fellowship offers a stipend of €1,300/month for doctoral students and €2,000/month for postdoctoral researchers, as well as travel expenses and access to resources and events. The deadline for applications is 01 February 2026. Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowships
Global Water Intelligence — Global Water Awards 2026
Nominations are open for the annual Global Water Awards 2026. Global Water Intelligence seeks technologies, plants, projects, and companies that make significant contributions to the development of the water sector. Focus areas include water or wastewater treatment, water conservation and management, ecologically sustainable industry technologies, and commercial solutions, among others. Nominations are open to everyone (including individuals, companies, organizations, or initiatives etc.). Nominations close on 27 February 2026. Find the call
Rockefeller Foundation — Fellowship for a Better Future
The Rockefeller Foundation supports African leaders who are creating bold, systemic solutions to critical challenges across the continent. Projects can range from social innovation and policy work to tech-driven and community-based efforts. Key focus areas include renewable energy access, resilient health systems, transformed food systems, and regional economic integration. The pre-application deadline is 01 December 2025. Big Bets Fellowship
Imagine H2O — Accelerator Program 2026
Imagine H2O seeks innovative water solutions from anywhere in the world. Any company offering solutions for water access, safety, resilience, or efficiency is welcome to apply. Selected candidates will have access to a network of industry executives, experts, and entrepreneurs and showcase their ideas during a week-long boot camp at the Water Innovation Week. Participants will receive cash awards and in-kind donations from strategic partners. The deadline for applications is 19 December 2025. For more information, visit the Imagine H2O Accelerator Program
Embassy of Japan in Trinidad and Tobago — Grants for Grassroots Projects
The Embassy of Japan in Trinidad and Tobago provides financial assistance in the fields of basic human needs (agriculture, medical and health care, public welfare, and the environment), human resource development (education, research, training), and basic economic infrastructure. The Embassy supports projects proposed by NGOs, schools, hospitals, and local government authorities in 9 Caribbean countries. Potential recipients are international or local NGOs, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and local governments. The application deadline is 20 December 2025. More about this opportunity