The Conservation Leadership Program (CLP) makes grants to advance the leadership capacity of early-career conservationists in the developing world. Grants combine research with conservation. CLP provides support to small teams of at least three individuals. Future Conservationist Awards are up to US$15 thousand. Follow-up awards and Leadership Awards are up to US$25 thousand and US$50 thousand, respectively. CLP explains each category of award; eligibility criteria; and details on how to apply. CLP offers support to early-career conservationists living and working in low- and middle-income economies in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Eastern and South-eastern Europe, and the Middle East. The application deadline is 09 January 2026. Link to the Conservation Leadership Program
wildlife
Ocean Foundation — Scholarship for Sea Turtle Preservation
The Ocean Foundation and the Boyd Lyon Sea Turtle Fund seek applicants for the Boyd N. Lyon Scholarship. Students with field research projects on sea turtle behavior and habitat use in the marine environment, as well as projects that promote sea turtle conservation in coastal ecosystems, can apply. One award of US$2,500 will be made to a Masters or PhD student. The applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university during 2026/2027. The application deadline is 15 January 2026. Boyd N. Lyon Scholarship
Waterbird Society — Research Grants for Wading Birds
The Waterbird Society offers three grants to advance the biology, ecology, or conservation biology of wading birds. The Kushlan award (herons, egrets, storks, ibises, and spoonbills) is a maximum of US$7 thousand; the Niblet award (terns or gulls) is up to US$1 thousand, and the Waterbird Society Research Award of US$3 thousand covers basic research on species not covered by other Waterbird Society grants. These awards are open globally to professionals, amateurs, and students of any age. The deadline for proposals is 01 February each year. Find the research grants
American Society of Mammalogists — Research in Latin America
The American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) offers the Latin American Student Field Research Award for field projects by Latin American graduate students. Each of the five grant recipients receives US$1,500. The ASM also offers the Oliver P. Pearson Award to young professional mammalogists of any nationality who hold academic or curatorial positions in Latin America. The Pearson research grant is US$5,000 plus a travel grant of US$2,000 to attend the ASM annual meeting following the award. The application deadline for both types of awards is 01 March 2026. More about the Field Research Awards
Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation — Science without Borders Challenge 2026
The Science Without Borders (SWB) Challenge is an international student art competition. The theme for this year’s challenge is “Microscopic Marine Life.” Students are asked to create artwork celebrating the vital role of tiny ocean organisms—like phytoplankton, zooplankton, bacteria, and protists—that sustain marine ecosystems, produce oxygen, recycle nutrients, and regulate Earth’s climate. The SWB Challenge is open to primary and secondary school students (aged 11-19 years) from all around the world. The winners will receive scholarships of up to US$500. The deadline is 02 March 2026. Science Without Borders Challenge
Smithsonian.com — Annual Photo Contest 2025
Smithsonian.com accepts submissions from photographers worldwide in the theme of “Natural World,” among other categories. The Grand Prize is US$2,500 and the winners in each category will receive US$500 each. The deadline for submissions is 01 December 2025. Submit your photos
Holohil Systems Ltd. — Transmitters for Wildlife Conservation
Holohil Systems Ltd. supplies radio-tracking equipment and related services for wildlife research and management. Holohil manages a grant program to offer transmitters at a reduced or no cost for projects focusing on wildlife species of especially high research and/or conservation value. Holohil will contribute up to C$2,500 toward the purchase of transmitters. Holohil will pay all shipping charges. Eligibility to apply for the grants extends to conservation professionals and researchers anywhere in the world. Support is awarded four times a year. The application deadlines are 15 January, 15 April, 15 July, and 15 October each year. About the Program
Ghent University — Special Research Fund
Ghent University grants PhD “sandwich” scholarships to promising PhD students from Global South countries who wish to carry out half of their PhD research at Ghent University. The candidate must have full-time funding for the other 24 months of research to be carried out in the South. Research proposals must be jointly submitted by a candidate, a supervisor at Ghent University, and a supervisor at the partner university. The deadline for scholarship applications is 17 February 2026. Special Research Fund
Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund — Krill Fishing and Marine Ecosystem
The Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund (AWR) calls for proposals from scientific researchers who can aid in determining the impact of the krill fishing industry on the Antarctic marine ecosystem. Funding will range from US$25 thousand to US$90 thousand per project. The deadline for applications is 01 April 2026. Find the 12th call for proposals
TED-Ed — Earth School
Earth School consists of 30 days of nature-focused content for learners of all ages. Each Quest includes videos and a quiz, combined with a series of engaging learning resources curated by environmental experts. Teachers and parents are invited to use these lessons and activities to keep their students and kids engaged and connected to the outside world. Lessons are free and accessible anytime. Link to Earth School