The UNICEF Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education is a global, youth-focused fellowship designed to empower young climate leaders to strengthen and transform climate education in formal and informal settings. Up to 12 fellows aged 10–30 will be selected to research, advocacy, policy shaping, storytelling, and systems change while receiving a stipend and access to mentorship, networking and visibility opportunities. Fellows are also eligible for up to US$20 thousand in grant support to expand their initiatives. The application deadline is 31 December 2025. UNICEF Leading Minds Fellowship
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UN Decade Youth Task Force — Microgrants
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Youth Task Force Microgrant Call supports youth-led initiatives that advance ecosystem restoration and environmental action under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The call is open to youth-led groups, organizations, and informal collectives from around the world that are actively implementing or planning small-scale restoration, awareness, or community-based environmental projects. Selected initiatives receive microgrants of up to US$5,000 to support project implementation. Applications are open until 31 December 2025. More here
Algalita — Mini Grants to Combat Plastic Pollution
The Wayfinder Society Student Mini-Grant supports student-led projects that reduce plastic pollution and protect ocean health. The grant is open to students ages 11–25 worldwide who are leading or developing projects that address the root cause of plastic pollution. Selected applicants can receive up to US $500 to support project materials, outreach, or implementation. Applications are accepted until 15 January 2026. Link
International Fund for Animal Welfare — International Youth Art Contest
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) invites young artists worldwide to submit original hand-drawn artwork to the World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Contest 2026. The theme is “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods”. Finalists and winners will be showcased at the official World Wildlife Day (March 2026). The contest is free to enter, and all artwork must be created with traditional media (markers, crayons, colored pencils, or paint), scanned or photographed in high resolution, and submitted online by 01 February 2026. Youth Art Contest
New Leaders Initiative — Youth Awards for Environmental Leadership
The Brower Youth Awards for Environmental Leadership honors and recognizes the leadership efforts of young people who are working for the protection of the planet. Recipients will receive a US$3,000 cash prize, a professionally produced short film about their work, and flight and lodging accommodations for a weeklong trip to the San Francisco Bay Area. Youth environmental change leaders ages 13 to 22 living in North America (including Mexico, Canada, and some Caribbean Islands) are encouraged to apply. The application deadline for submission is 31 March 2026. Brower Youth Awards
Social Shifters — Global Innovation Challenge
Social Shifters announces the Global Innovation Challenge to help young leaders and founders solve the social or environmental issues that matter to them. The challenge seeks creative ideas, projects, and business solutions to the problems that matter to local communities and welcomes ideas from anywhere in the world. Participants compete for awards of up to US$10 thousand to deliver activities that improve lives, help communities, and protect the planet. All ideas must be led by young people aged between 18-30 years old. The application deadline is 12 December 2025. Link to Social Shifters
United Nations — Local Pathways Fellowship
The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Youth Initiative (SDSN Youth) recruits participants for its 2026 cohort of the Local Pathways Fellows. The 10-months fellowship program provides young leaders with a platform, capacity building, training opportunities and contacts of leading development experts and practitioners. The Local Pathways Fellowship is unpaid. Fellows will benefit from global visibility and exposure. Young candidates (18-30 years) working towards achieving any of the Sustainable Development Goals and representing any city or country in the world are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted until 21 December 2025. Link to Local Pathways
Yale University — Young Global Scholars Program
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) offers two-week academic summer programs for high school students from all around the world. The program offers four interdisciplinary sessions on campus at Yale (USA), including sessions on Innovations in Science & Technology and Solving Global Challenges. YYGS offers the opportunity for students to apply for need-based financial aid. Furthermore, YYGS will waive the application fee if it constitutes a significant financial burden for the student’s family. The application deadline is 07 January 2026. About Yale Young Global Scholars
Commission for Environmental Cooperation — Environmental Leaders Program
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) offers the Generation of Environmental Leaders Program (GELP). Youth aged 18–35 from Canada, Mexico or the United States are invited to propose practical solutions for protecting land, water, and air across North America. Selected teams get mentorship, participation in a youth-environmental network, and seed funding of C$15 thousand to help turn their ideas into real projects. The deadline for applications is 01 February 2026. Environmental Leaders Program
Action for Nature — International Young Eco-Hero Awards 2026
This program honors the work of young people between the ages of 8 and 16 who have completed successful projects in environmental advocacy, environmental health, research, and protection of the natural world. The selected individuals are awarded a cash prize (US$500) and certificate, as well as public recognition. The annual competition is open internationally. The application deadline is 28 February 2026. Become an Eco-Hero