The Botany in Action (BIA) Fellowship program at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens fosters the development of the next generation of plant-based scientists. Subject areas include ethnobotany, plant diversity and conservation, landscape and brownfield restoration, and others. The program is open to Ph.D. students of any nationality who are conducting plant-based scientific research at U.S. graduate institutions. Grants are US$5 thousand for research-related expenses at sites in the U.S. or internationally, plus an all-expenses paid trip to Phipps to make a public presentation. The application deadline is 09 January 2026. Find out how to apply
worldwide
WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award — Award in Leadership
The WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award invites nominations to recognize leaders who dare to confront problematic structures and systems driving sustainable transformation in global development and serve as powerful role models. The nominees will have created change that inspires others and shown what measures are necessary. Candidates for the WIN WIN Award compete for SEK 1 million. Candidates for the WIN WIN Youth Award (between the ages of 13 and 29) compete for SEK 50 thousand. Any organization, movement, business, group of people, or individual can be nominated. Nominations must be submitted by 11 January 2026. Gothenburg Sustainability Award
Kinship Foundation — Conservation Fellows 2026
The Kinship Foundation invites fellows worldwide to participate in its month-long conservation leadership program in the USA. Kinship focuses on market-based mechanisms for conservation by strengthening the participants’ skills in leadership, communication, economics, and business and finance. Selected participants receive training and a US$6 thousand stipend to cover travel and living expenses. Applicants should be mid-career conservation practitioners with at least five years of field experience, a bachelor’s degree, and a demonstrated desire to innovate. The next application deadline is 11 January 2026. Kinship Conservation Fellows
Keeling Curve Prize — Global Warming Mitigation Project
The Keeling Curve Prize offers micro-funding and recognition to individuals or organizations with active or ongoing projects that reduce CO2 emissions or increase CO2 uptake. Each year, US$50 thousand will be awarded to up to 10 winners, chosen by internationally recognized climate scientists and energy experts, for innovative ideas that generate, conserve, or design clean energy solutions. This may include a concept, a plan, a product, a technology, or a strategy. Entries are accepted from anywhere in the world. The closing date for applicants is 15 January 2026. More about the Keeling Curve Prize
Culture & Animals Foundation — Animal Rights
The Culture & Animals Foundation (CAF) funds academic and artistic projects that raise public awareness about animal rights. Grants are awarded in three categories: Research (scholarly projects about animal advocacy and its cultural roots and impact); Creativity (original work by artists); and Performance (public performances and exhibitions to raise awareness of animal advocacy). CAF does not fund animal rescue, public protest, trap-neuter-release programs or species conservation, unless they include a commitment to animal rights and fit into one of the three categories. CAF accepts grant applications from any country. The application deadline is 31 January of each year. Link to the CAF website
Rice University — Business Plan Competition for Early-Stage Startups
The Rice University (Texas, USA) invites student teams to participate in the Rice Business Plan Competition 2025. Entrepreneurs receive the opportunity to pitch their startups to investors, receive mentoring, network with the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and enhance their startup strategy. Typically, startups have a technology component in Energy/Clean Technology; Life Science/Biotechnology; or Digital Services. The competition is open to degree-seeking students currently enrolled at a college or university anywhere in the world. The grand prize winner receives up to $300 thousand in investments. The application deadline is 31 January 2026. Business Plan Competition
Harvard University — Award for Student Research on Asian Tropical Forest Biology
The Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University sponsors the Ashton Award for Student Research to support graduate and advanced undergraduate students working on Asian tropical forest biology. Applications are accepted from advanced undergraduates and graduate students worldwide. Awards are up to US$4 thousand to support research expenses. The application deadline is 01 February 2026. About the Ashton Award
King Baudouin Foundation — Access to Water
The Elisabeth and Amélie Fund supports Belgian organizations working with local partners in Africa, Latin America, and Asia to improve sustainable access to water. The 2026 call focuses on water management in family farming, guided by principles of agroecology and resilience to global change. The foundation provides funding of up to €50 thousand. Priority is given to initiatives offering structural, preventive solutions and equitable participation within families and communities. The application deadline is 19 March 2026. Details here
German Academic Exchange Service — Scholarships
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a comprehensive range of scholarship programs for German and international students, graduates, and academics. DAAD offers scholarship programs that are generally open to all subjects as well as subject-specific programs. Financial support consists of a regular monthly payment over a specified period. In addition to contributing to students’ cost of living, scholarship holders may often receive subsidies for books, health insurance, or childcare. Every scholarship provider has its own selection and application procedures. DAAD scholarship database
Government of Switzerland — Renewable Energy Promotion in Developing Countries
The independent platform Renewable Energy, Energy and Resource Efficiency Promotion in Developing and Transition Countries (REPIC) supports projects in the field of renewable energies and/or energy efficiency and/or resource efficiency (waste, wastewater, and industrial processes). The project applicant has to be a Swiss organization (companies, NGOs, institutes, etc.) but the project target country must be a developing country. The maximum amount per project is CHF 150 thousand. Applications can be submitted at any time. Application procedure