The Rotary Foundation partners with UNESCO to offer funding for master’s studies in water and sanitation. Applicants for Rotary’s support must be provisionally admitted to one of the three participating degree programs at UNESCO’s Institute for Water Education (IHE). Students apply via their local Rotary club or district. Each award is approximately €34 thousand, paid directly to UNESCO-IHE. The deadline for submitting Rotary scholarship applications is 15 April 2026. Find the Application Process
worldwide
Lighthouse Foundation — Coastal and Marine Conservation
The Lighthouse Foundation promotes science and research, teaching, culture, and the principles of environmentalism and international development in relation to the world’s seas and oceans. Funded partners of the Lighthouse Foundation are conservation NGOs, community NGOs, universities and educational organizations, and government organizations. There is no application form. Link
Sea of Change Foundation — Reef Rescue and Rapid Response
Reef Rescue and Rapid Response grants seek to empower divers and their communities to act as first responders to localized impacts on coral reefs. Funds support the immediate response to coral reef damage from anchor drops, vessel groundings, entanglement, oil spills, and acute pollution that impact coral reefs. The grants will support divers and their communities in responding quickly to a reef-damaging incident by helping cover immediate costs such as boat fuel, staff time, video cameras, lift bags, transect tapes and handheld GPS units. These grants range from US$500 to US$5,000 per project and are available on a rolling basis and as funds are available. Reef Rescue and Rapid Response Grants
World Food Programme — Climate Adaptation
The WFP Innovation Accelerator aims to identify, support, and scale high-impact innovations that enhance climate adaptation in Nepal, Pakistan and the Philippines. The World Food Programme invites applications from innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers with groundbreaking solutions that drive resilience, enhance climate adaptability, and promote sustainable development in affected communities. The program offers funding of up to US$120 thousand for seed-stage or US$200 thousand for growth-stage solutions. The Accelerator will support innovations from around the world that hold the potential to address challenges in three target countries. The application deadline is 21 September 2025. Climate Adaptation Innovation Accelerator Program
National Geographic Society — Coastal Ecosystems
National Geographic invites science-driven proposals that protect, restore, or enhance blue forest coastal ecosystems—such as mangroves, salt marshes, kelp forests, and seagrass meadows—to benefit both biodiversity and local communities. The program supports two funding levels: Level I grants up to US $20 thousand, ideal for early-career project leaders, and Level II grants up to US $100 thousand for more established practitioners seeking deeper impact. Projects must be science-oriented and are strongly encouraged to partner with communities. The RFP closes on 03 October 2025. Link to RFP
Pure Ocean — Pure Ocean Challenges
Pure Ocean supports innovative applied research projects worldwide, protecting fragile marine ecosystems and biodiversity. 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. 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 01 October 2025. Pure Ocean Challenges
Explorers Club — Marine Exploration Grant
The Explorers Club supports the scientific fieldwork of groundbreaking explorers around the world. The Stephenson Explorers Advancement Program supports college undergraduates/graduate students, and independent explorers under the age of 35 conducting exploration and field research for marine exploration and conservation projects. The average award is US$10 thousand. The deadline to submit applications is 13 October 2025. Stephenson Explorers Advancement Program
Explorers Club — Exodus Exploration without Boundaries Grant
The Explorers Club supports the scientific fieldwork of groundbreaking explorers around the world. The Exodus Exploration without Boundaries Grant supports expeditions that further our understanding of the world through scientific, cultural, and conservation fieldwork. The average award is US$4.000. The deadline to submit applications is 13 October 2025. Exodus Exploration without Boundaries Grant
Explorers Club — Rolex Explorers Club Grant
The Explorers Club supports the scientific fieldwork of groundbreaking explorers around the world. The Rolex Explorers Club Grant supports young explorers under the age of 35 who are conducting field research to address a novel scientific, environmental, or historical question. The average award is US$10 thousand. The deadline to submit applications is 13 October 2025. Rolex Explorers Club Grant
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education — Young Water Diplomats Program
The Young Water Diplomats Program is an interdisciplinary training and networking program for early-career diplomats engaged in international water and environmental politics. The program features online and in-person learning activities to enhance participants’ understanding of transboundary water challenges and advance their ability to use tools for water cooperation and diplomacy. There are a limited number of fellowships for applicants from low- and middle-income countries. The application deadline is 14 October 2025. Young Water Diplomats Program