The Yves Rocher Foundation’s Photography Award is awarded to a professional photographer who wishes to make a journalistic study of issues relating to the environment, humanity’s relationship with the planet, or the core challenges to sustainability. Eligibility extends to professional photojournalists who can write and speak in French or English. The winner will receive an award of €8 thousand. The closing date for applications is 20 May 2026. Prix Photo
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Toyota Foundation — International Grant Program for East and Southeast Asia
The Toyota Foundation supports projects focusing on challenges and issues shared among Japan and other Asian countries. The grant program invites applications in the fields of mutual learning and knowledge-sharing among East and Southeast Asia. The Foundation has previously funded projects in the fields of sustainable energy, agriculture, and water resources. The maximum grant amount per project ranges from US$44 thousand to US$89 thousand. Eligible countries from East and Southeast Asia are listed in the announcement. The application deadline is 30 May 2026. More information
MDPI — Water Young Investigator Award
The journal Water invites nominations for the Young Investigator Award to recognize outstanding achievements by early-career researchers in water science, technology, management, and governance. To be eligible, nominees must have received their PhD no more than 10 years prior to 30 June 2026 and must be nominated by two established senior scientists. The first-prize winner receives CHF 2,000, while the second-prize winner receives CHF 1,500. The award is open to researchers worldwide who have made significant contributions to the field through groundbreaking research. The deadline for nominations is 31 May 2026. More
MDPI — Water Best PhD Thesis Award
The journal Water invites applications for the Best PhD Thesis Award to recognize young scholars who have completed outstanding doctoral research in any aspect of water science, technology, management, or governance. The competition is open to PhD students or recently qualified PhD fellows worldwide, provided their thesis is original work and was defended during 2025. One winner will be selected to receive CHF 800. Applicants must submit an executive summary of their thesis in English. The deadline for applications is 31 May 2026. Thesis Award
Stiftung Entrepreneurship — Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition 2026
The Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition (CEC) invites entrepreneurs from all around the world to submit innovative answers and ideas to solve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Young entrepreneurs (age 15-35) submit their ideas and projects in the Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship category. Entrepreneurs over 30 years apply to the Adult Citizen Entrepreneurship category. The winners receive a certificate and international recognition. The deadline for entries is 05 June 2026. About the competition
Japan Water Fund — Kyoto World Water Grand Prize 2027
The Japan Water Forum, in collaboration with the City of Kyoto and the World Water Council, invites applications for the Kyoto World Water Grand Prize 2027 to honor grassroots organizations solving water challenges. Eligible applicants are non-profit, non-governmental, and locally led organizations based in developing countries that have implemented water-related projects between 2020 and 2024. The prize aims to recognize initiatives that respect the social and cultural characteristics of local communities. One winner will receive 2 million JPY (approximately US$13 thousand) to support the continuation or enhancement of their activities and will be invited to the award ceremony at the 11th World Water Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The deadline for applications is 12 June 2026. Details here
NDN Collective — Community Self-Determination
The Community Self-Determination grant program invests in the self-determination of Indigenous people working in their community. Applicants are encouraged to describe their community self-determination efforts within one of the following strategic focus areas that are best suited for their intentions and goals (e.g., climate justice work, clean energy initiatives, access to clean water, etc.). Grants of US$20 thousand per year, with a commitment of two years. The geographical focus is Turtle Island (Island Nations of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as Canada and Mexico). Applications close on 16 October 2026. Community Action Fund
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Equatorial Guinea
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale, high-impact projects in Equatorial Guinea. The CFLI provides funding for projects focusing on governance, human rights, and inclusive economic growth. Eligible recipients include local NGOs and government agencies working on community-level initiatives. The average contribution ranges from CAN$20,000 to CAN$49,000, with a maximum of CAN$100,000. Applications must be submitted by 12 April 2026. CFLI Equatorial Guinea
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Malaysia
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) provides funding for small-scale, high-impact projects in Malaysia that align with Canada’s thematic priorities, including democratic governance, environment and climate action, and gender equality. Eligible applicants include local non-governmental organizations, community groups, academic institutions, and municipal or national government agencies. While the maximum allocation for a single project is CAN$100 thousand, the average contribution typically ranges between CAN$20 thousand and CAN$50 thousand. Projects may be designed for a single year or span two years for more complex activities. The deadline for submitting applications via email is 13 April 2026. CFLI Malaysia
United Nations Environment Program — Champions of the Earth 2026
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) invites nominations for the 2026 Champions of the Earth award, which represents the UN’s highest environmental honor. The 2026 edition specifically focuses on leaders, organizations, and government entities worldwide that are driving efforts to protect and restore ocean health, including work in pollution prevention, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable blue economies. Candidates may be nominated in four categories: Policy Leadership, Inspiration and Action, Entrepreneurial Vision, and Science and Innovation. While the award provides global recognition and a platform to scale environmental solutions rather than a direct cash grant, it serves as a transformative career and organizational milestone. The deadline for nominations is 15 April 2026. UN Champions of the Earth