The Young Leaders for the SDGs initiative recognizes young people who are leading efforts to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative offers Young Leaders a range of benefits designed to support and amplify their impact. The United Nations seeks applications from young people of all backgrounds from all around the world. Applications are being accepted until 18 April 2025. Young Leaders for the SDGs
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One Young World — IUCN World Conservation Congress
One Young World provides scholarships to global changemakers to participate in the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Participants will join global leaders and have the opportunity to present their entrepreneurial solutions to influential decision-makers. Applicants should be between 18 and 35 years and have demonstrated leadership and experience in developing and implementing environmental action projects in the fields of nature conservation, biodiversity, climate change, and / or sustainable development. The application deadline is 27 April 2025. Click here
Auckland Zoo — Small Grants Program
The Auckland Zoo’s Conservation Fund provides funding for ongoing projects or pilot programs with clear conservation value. The current round of funding will concentrate on innovative projects in New Zealand and the Pacific that have direct conservation benefits to coastal flora and fauna. Grants are up to a maximum of NZD$10 thousand, but most grants are smaller. The application must represent a minimum of 25% of the project’s overall budget. Applications close on 13 May 2025. More information about the Small Grants Program
Australian Museum Research Institute — Postgraduate Research Award
The Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI) offers students access to the Australian Museum’s collections and research programs. AMRI focuses on environmental challenges such as climate change impacts on biodiversity, the detection and biology of pest species, and understanding what constitutes and influences effective biodiversity conservation. The postgraduate award is open to students enrolled in any postgraduate qualification program relevant to the AMRI research priorities. AMRI provides financial support of $2,500. Applications for funding may be submitted until 30 April 2025. More information
Government of Luxembourg — Business Partnership Facility
The Government of Luxembourg provides financial support to the private sector in Europe to set up sustainable commercial projects in partnership with private or public organizations in developing countries. Project proposals should focus on one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and may not exceed €200 thousand. Applications can be submitted before 30 April 2025. Details here
Earth Journalism Network — Story Grants Bay of Bengal Coast
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN)offers support to produce in-depth reports on climate impacts in the Bay of Bengal that are hard to quantify and not usually accounted for by policymakers. Selected applicants will be provided support of up to INR 90,000 or BDT 1.25 lakh each and 1:1 editorial mentorship to produce rigorous and impactful reports. Communicators reporting from coastal Bangladesh and coastal areas of India are eligible to apply. EJN welcomes applications from early-career and experienced communicators with a track record of environmental issues. The application deadline is 24 March 2025. Link
French-African Foundation — Young Leaders 2025
The French-African Foundation invites applications for Young Leaders 2025. The program recognizes and supports young leaders to become true agents of change in relation to global challenges. Candidates must be between 28 and 40 years old and have French nationality or the nationality of an African country. Successful candidates will spend five days in France, five days in Africa, engage in high-level meetings and receive training and mentorship. Flights and accommodation will be provided. The deadline for applications is 30 March 2025. About the program
International Nature Image Festival — Biodiversity Short Films Contest
The International Nature Image Festival (FIIN) invites submissions of short films (duration 5-28 minutes) that promote biological natural heritage, natural regions, ecosystems, habitats, and species of wild fauna and flora. All formats including animations, documentaries, fiction, experimental films, and music videos are eligible. There are no regional restrictions for participation in the contest. The best short film will be awarded €4 thousand. The deadline to submit cinematographic works is 20 June 2025. Find more information
Food and Agriculture Organization — Camelids Photo Contest
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) invites professional and amateur photographers aged 18 and above to participate in the International Year of Camelids Photo Contest. The first prize winner will be invited to a camelid event at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, with travel expenses covered. The deadline for entries is 28 February 2025. Camelids Photo Contest
Legacy Project — Global Youth Awards 2025
The Global Youth Awards supports youth aged 11-25 who are leading inspirational projects for social and environmental impact around the world. This includes environmental projects and innovations to restore and regenerate the global ecosystem. The winners receive an invitation to become a Global Change Ambassador for collaborations, events, mentoring, and training. Youth from all around the world can be nominated. Nominations close 14 September 2025. Link