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
worldwide
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
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
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
Water Research Foundation — Research Support
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) has issued a call for proposals under its Research Priority Program for nine new research projects—covering topics like microbial and chemical contamination, asset condition assessment, pathogen evaluation, microplastics monitoring, biosolids drying technologies, methane emissions, and more. Funding is up to US$400 thousand. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, research organizations, utilities, government agencies, and consulting firms. Proposals are due by 22 October 2025. Link
Water Research Foundation — Climate-Smart Water Solutions
The Water Research Foundation Tailored Collaboration Program is a matching research initiative designed to support utility-specific or regional challenges that research can help to solve. WRF will provide up to US$150 thousand in matching funds for each selected project. The program encourages collaboration between utilities and researchers to address pressing water sector issues. Interested parties must submit a pre-proposal by 02 June 2025. Click here
Biodiversa+ — Biodiversity and Transformative Change
Biodiversa+ launches a joint call for transnational research proposals focused on fostering innovative research to be integrated into nature restoration practices for interconnected and well-functioning ecosystems and habitats, with special consideration for long-term sustainability and future-proofing of restoration efforts across spatial scales, including their evaluation. The call covers restoration efforts for biodiversity in all types of ecosystems and habitats, in all regions of the world. Funding organizations have reserved a total amount of over €40 million for joint research projects. Research teams must form transnational research consortia with eligible partners from a minimum of 3 countries participating in the call. The deadline for pre-proposals submission is 07 November 2025. Biodiversa Joint Call
National Geographic Society — The Future of Learning
The National Geographic Society seeks innovative education and research projects that cultivate the knowledge, attitudes, and skills across all learner ages and contexts necessary to protect our planet’s future. Two funding levels are available: Level I grants up to US $20 thousand for emerging leaders, and Level II grants up to US $100 thousand for more established practitioners or Explorers. This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide who are at least 18 years old. The submission deadline is 19 November 2025. The Future of Learning
United People Global — Leadership Training Program
The United People Global (UPG) Sustainability Leadership training program offers young leaders from all over the world the opportunity to participate in an immersive 1-week experience on an island in the USA. UPG seeks young people (18-35 years) who want to take positive action that helps the world tackle a sustainability challenge to achieve any of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 500 young leaders will be selected to participate in an online program and receive a certification after successful completion of the online training. 60 participants will have the chance to attend the complimentary 1-week training in the USA (all costs of the program will be covered). Applications should be received by 31 December 2025 for the Class of 2026. UPG Sustainability Leadership
University of California at Berkeley — Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program 2026
The Beahrs ELP sponsors an annual three-week summer course in environmental science, policy, management, and leadership at UC Berkeley. The next course is scheduled for July 2026. ELP invites applications from mid-career professionals around the world. Workshops and field trips draw on the strengths of UC Berkeley and the greater San Francisco Bay Area of California. Course participants continue their learning and networking through the Berkeley ELP Alumni Network. The program offers a limited number of partial scholarships. The final deadline for scholarship review is 16 January 2026. Learn about the program