The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) invites non-profit organizations, private companies, universities, think tanks, or research institutes to submit proposals for a grant of up to US$1.2 million to implement an initiative strengthening country-level rural development policy and investment environments, through enhanced policy assessment. Selected recipients must provide a counterpart contribution of at least 20% of the grant amount (25% for private sector applicants). This call has been re-opened, with a new deadline of 07 October 2026. Find details here
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Marine Stewardship Council — Science and Research Fund
The MSC’s Science and Research Fund supports research projects addressing the barriers that MSC-certified fisheries face in maintaining certification, such as bycatch reduction, marine habitat protection, or climate change impacts. Grants reach up to £50,000 over up to two years. Applicants first submit an Expression of Interest before a full application. The deadline is 18 October 2026. Science and Research Fund
Pure Ocean — Pure Ocean Challenges
Pure Ocean seeks projects that develop marine conservation initiatives managed by local communities and Indigenous peoples or explore nature-based solutions for the preservation of blue carbon ecosystems. This year’s call is restricted exclusively to projects based in mainland France or its overseas territories — the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, and French overseas territories in the Indian Ocean and Pacific. Applicants of any nationality are welcome, provided the project itself is located in one of these areas. Only non-profit organizations (NGOs, universities, research institutes) can apply and receive funding. Pure Ocean only supports scientific projects addressing a clearly defined research question. Selected projects will receive up to €40 thousand (€30 thousand/year), for the duration of one to two years. Applications have to be submitted by 19 October 2026. Pure Ocean Challenges
National Geographic Society — Ocean Exploration and Discovery
The National Geographic Society invites early-career scientists worldwide to apply to lead ship-based research aboard SOI’s Falkor (too) research vessel, currently recruiting for its 2027-2028 season traversing the west and south coasts of Africa. The opportunity provides one berth space and access to the vessel’s onboard laboratories, underwater robotics, camera systems, and high-performance computing infrastructure. In prior cycles, the Society has awarded grants of up to US$20,000 to cover travel and project-related costs for the selected research, conservation, or technology project. General National Geographic eligibility applies: applicants must be 18 or older, may lead only one active proposal at a time, and must have submitted final reports for any prior National Geographic grants before applying to lead a new one. The deadline is 21 October 2026. Ocean Exploration
Bat Conservation International — Student Research Scholarships for Bat Conservation
Bat Conservation International (BCI) requests proposals from student researchers seeking financial support for bat conservation research projects. Research may focus on human-caused environmental changes (such as land development or climate change on bats), bat-human conflicts (such as hunting, roost disturbance, and persecution), or behavioral or ecological questions that aid the protection of a bat species. The geographical scope is Latin America and the Caribbean; Africa and its adjacent islands; and globally. BCI anticipates granting up to US$3,000 each. Additional funding is available through special awards. The scholarship is only open to students who are registered with a recognized academic institution. The application deadline is 31 October 2026. Link to Bat Conservation International
Schlumberger Foundation — Funding for Women in PhD and Postdoctoral Studies
Schlumberger Foundation’s ‘Faculty of the Future’ supports women in developing and emerging economies in pursuing PhD and postdoctoral studies at the international level. Grants are in the physical sciences, engineering, and related fields — including past grants in subjects such as ecology and environment. Grants can be up to US$50 thousand per year for PhD courses and a maximum of US$40 thousand for post-doc research programs. The deadline to submit new applications is 07 November 2026. Faculty of the Future
Oklahoma City Zoo — Conservation Grants 2027
The Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden offers competitive small grants up to $2,500 supporting research, education, or species preservation efforts. In 2026, funding is restricted to projects involving invertebrate conservation or research, and grants go exclusively to early-career professionals — those currently in a graduate program (MSc, PhD, DVM) or who received a graduate degree no earlier than 2021. No more than 20% of funds may go toward travel, and salaries aren’t covered except for locally hired support staff. The deadline is 13 November 2026. Conservation Grants
Malmar Knowles Family Foundation — Youth Leadership Program
The Knowles Educational and Charitable Trust for International Leadership (Kectil) Program is a one-year web-based mentoring program in youth leadership. The program consists of multiple-week modules with assignments to address issues facing youth globally. Youth (aged 17-26) from developing countries are eligible to apply. The deadline is 15 November 2026. Link
European Commission — TROPIMUNDO Masters Program in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems
TROPIMUNDO is a 2-year Erasmus Mundus master’s program in tropical biodiversity and ecosystems. Students alternate their semesters between consortium universities in Europe (Belgium, France, Italy) and tropical regions outside Europe (Australia, Cameroon, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Malaysia). Applicants should have an internationally accepted bachelor’s degree in biology, natural sciences, environmental sciences, or equivalent. The EC provides a certain number of scholarships for EU and non-EU students. The deadline for applications (for scholarship seekers or self-funded applicants) is 30 November 2026. About TROPIMUNDO
Marine Stewardship Council — Ocean Stewardship Fund: Transition Assistance Fund
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