The MSC’s Transition Assistance Fund supports fisheries verified as improving toward MSC certification through the MSC Improvement Program, funding implementation of their Improvement Action Plan. Around 40% of grants go to fisheries in developing countries, with small-scale and Global South fisheries a particular priority. In 2026, the fund awarded £383,000 across eight projects, including co-funding electronic monitoring systems for a mahi-mahi longline fishery spanning Ecuador and Peru, and stock assessment work for a Spanish shrimp trawl fishery. Applicants must contact their local MSC representative before applying, and applications are assessed on criteria including the rationale for selected improvement actions, the expertise of project leads, and the degree of matched funding already secured. Grants reach up to £50,000 over up to two years. The deadline is 01 December 2026. Transition Assistance Fund
worldwide
D-Prize — Funding Entrepreneurs to Alleviate Poverty
The D-Prize funds pilot projects that more widely distribute relatively low-cost products and services in the fight against poverty. The current challenges include social enterprises for innovations in specified themes of agriculture; energy; WASH; and several other categories. The D-Prize will award 30 teams with up to US$20 thousand each to launch nonprofits or social ventures that can distribute proven poverty interventions to people in need. Eligibility to compete extends to entrepreneurs anywhere in the world and of any age or background. The D-Prize invites concept notes before 25 October (early deadline); 15 November (regular deadline); or 06 December 2026 (limited extension). Link to D-Prize
University of Delaware — Diamond Challenge for High School Entrepreneurs
The Diamond Challenge seeks social innovations that solve a social problem and make a positive impact on people or the environment. Teams must consist of 2-4 high school students typically between 14-18 years of age and have one adult advisor (21 years of age or older). The winners will receive a prize package worth over US$12 thousand. Finalists receive access to our Diamond Challenge Summit, automatic entry into our summer accelerator and accelerator scholarships. Concepts have to be submitted before 14 January 2027. Link to the challenge
PADI Foundation — Grants for Marine Conservation 2027
The PADI Foundation offers worldwide grants in underwater science, environmental projects, and marine education. The Foundation supports research and education related to aquatic environments. In the past, applications have included many projects in tropical regions. Most grants range from US$5 thousand to US$10 thousand. There are no nationality restrictions. The deadline is 15 January 2027. Find the guidelines
The Earth Prize — Environmental Sustainability Competition for Teenagers
The Earth Prize invites students born between 2007 and 2014, worldwide, to submit solutions accelerating environmental sustainability, individually or in teams of up to five. Seven Regional Winners each receive US$10 thousand to implement their project, with a Global Winner selected by public vote from among them. Registration is open until 10 January 2027; the initial submission deadline is 31 January 2027. Environmental Sustainability Competition for Teenagers
Marine Stewardship Council — Student Research Grants
The MSC’s Student Research Grants support postgraduate students doing research with a fishery that’s already MSC-certified, or one that’s actively working toward certification. The fishery needs to already be at a fairly advanced stage in that process, so the student’s project should be tied to a real fishery partner, not just a research idea on its own. Grants reach up to £10,000 over up to 12 months. The deadline is 28 February 2027. Student Research Grants
Marsh Christian Trust — Support for Environmental Causes and Animal Welfare
The Marsh Christian Trust offers long-term core funding to small registered charities. It supports a few hundred different charities per annum across fields that include environmental causes and animal welfare, among other subjects. Since its inception, the Trust has been a supporter of organizations devoted to nature conservation and the well-being of wildlife, both within the UK and internationally. Grants range from £300 to £2,000. The applicant must be a UK-registered charity. Applications are sent to the Trust’s postal address in London, where they are reviewed continuously. About the Marsh Christian Trust
Tara for Women — Cash Awards for Women-Led Impact Startups
Tara for Women invites women-led, seed-stage startups worldwide to apply for Tara’s Circle, awarding €20,000 per thematic area (€10,000/€6,000/€4,000 for 1st–3rd place) across five areas, one of which is Sustainability, Environment & Mobility. Applicants must be women aged 18+, founder or co-founder, with a defined or functional MVP. Open internationally, though fund disbursement depends on applicable legal and sanctions restrictions. The deadline is 17 September 2026. Cash Awards for Women
Girls Who Click — Nature Photography Mentorship for Young Women
Girls Who Click invites young female and female-identifying photographers and videographers aged 16–30 to apply for its Ambassador Program, a nine-month mentorship with a professional nature photographer, plus access to workshops and an international peer network. No funding, stipend, or prize is offered — the programme is free but non-monetary. Applications are open worldwide. The deadline is 01 October 2026. Nature Photography Mentorship
World Academy of Sciences — Research Cooperation Visits Program
TWAS-SISSA-Lincei invites young scientists from least-developed countries to carry out collaborative research projects in Physics, Neuroscience, Mathematics, and Science Outreach as well as projects that fall under the umbrella of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Scientists have the opportunity to visit research laboratories in Trieste (Italy) to carry out research work in scientific fields within the SISSA portfolio. TWAS will cover travel expenses and provide subsistence costs for the stay in Italy. The deadline for receipt of applications is 31 October 2026. More