The Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Okayama Award rewards outstanding education for sustainable development practices in local communities around the world. The award aims to support the organizations carrying out ESD activities and promote the concept to local communities globally through showcasing their initiatives. Two projects will be selected to receive an award of US$3 thousand each. One representative of the winning projects will be invited to the Award Ceremony in Okayama (Japan). Organizations based in any country are eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is 14 May 2026. ESD Okayama Award
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Morris Animal Foundation — Veterinary Student Scholar Program
The Morris Animal Foundation supports research on animal health and welfare, including wildlife/exotics. The Foundation provides veterinary students with the opportunity to become involved in mentored research that advances the health and/or welfare of companion animals and wildlife exotics. The Veterinary Student Scholars program awards stipends up to US$5 thousand to veterinary students. The program is open to currently enrolled veterinary students from all around the world. Applications are due 20 May 2026. Veterinary Student Scholar Program
Fondation Yves Rocher — Photography Award, Environment and the Planet 2026
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
Skål International — Sustainable Tourism Awards 2026
Skål International announces the call for submission to its 2025 Sustainable Tourism Awards. The idea is to enhance visibility and get recognition of outstanding performance in terms of sustainable and responsible tourism from all over the world. Companies, NGOs, government agencies, and educational institutions worldwide are welcome to submit an entry in one of nine available categories, including ‘Countryside and Biodiversity’ and ‘Marine and Coastal’. Applications close on 31 May 2026. Find the guidelines
UNESCO — Visual Storytelling Competition
UNESCO invites young people to participate in a visual storytelling competition “Capture the Future: Global Youth Storytelling Initiative for People and Nature”. The program seeks original photography and video submissions from individuals aged 18 to 35 from all countries. Participants should submit visual stories about the relationship between people and nature in UNESCO biosphere reserves. All winners will receive a smartphone designed for high-quality photography and an invitation to join an intensive visual storytelling training camp. The deadline for submissions is 31 May 2026. Know more
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
Global Humane Society — International Prize for Species Conservation
The Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation honors exceptional conservation scientists who have made significant contributions to combating biodiversity loss and advancing species protection. The recipient will receive an unrestricted grant of US$80 thousand, participate in a global media campaign, and be recognized at an award ceremony. Applicants must be conservation scientists who have made demonstrable, long-term impacts in preserving ecosystems and species. The application deadline is 01 June 2026. Prize for Species Conservation
TiE WOMEN — Support for Female Entrepreneurs
The TiE Women Program offers women founders the chance to showcase their innovative business ideas. Female-founded startups and established businesses gain visibility, network with industry leaders & investors, and access mentorship. Participants receive up to US$50 thousand equity-free cash prizes. This opportunity is open to women entrepreneurs across the globe. The application deadline is 10 June 2026. TiE Women Program
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