August 2025
Climate action and conservation are gaining momentum as communities, scientists and innovators rally to protect our planet. From grassroots restoration projects to pioneering research and AI solutions, a diverse array of funding opportunities awaits. Below, we’ve gathered top grants and fellowships opening in 2025–26 to empower your next environmental or climate-resilience initiative.
Conservation grants and awards
1. Whitley Award for Grassroots Conservation
The Whitley Fund for Nature invites nominations from the Global South for its 2025 award. Each winner receives £50 000 to support one year of grassroots conservation work. Nominees must be national leaders or have strong ties to the countries where they work. Deadline: 31 Oct 2025. Learn more.
2. Prince Talal International Prize for Affordable & Clean Energy
AGFUND’s prize encourages creative solutions that advance sustainable energy and human development. It awards a US$1 million prize split among winners who propose projects promoting affordable, clean energy solutions. Deadline: 30 Jan 2026. Learn more.
3. The Boring Fund
WILDLABS’ Boring Fund supports overlooked conservation technology tasks such as documentation, community training and equipment maintenance. Grants up to US$12 500 (from a US$80 000 pool) help ensure conservation tech continues functioning. Projects should start by October 2025 and finish by May 2026. Deadline: 19 Aug 2025. Learn more.
4. Purpose Earth Grants and Mentorship
Purpose Earth offers grants (up to US$10 000) and mentorship to projects that restore natural resources, reduce degradation or support community action. Up to 200 projects will be supported, and funds cannot be used for salaries or travel. Deadline: 31 Dec 2025. Learn more.
5. Madio Small Grant Programme
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites letters of inquiry for ecosystem-based climate adaptation projects in Madagascar and the Indian Ocean. Civil-society-led projects can request up to US$50 000. Priority themes vary by country (e.g., early warning systems, nature‑based disaster reduction). Deadline: 29 Aug 2025. Learn more.
6. Living Planet Fellowship
The European Space Agency’s fellowship supports early‑career researchers pursuing Earth observation and climate science. Fellows receive funding for small experiments, data collection and collaboration at ESA’s science hub. Deadline: 28 Sep 2025. Learn more.
7. West Africa Clean Cooking Fund
Worthington Companies Foundation invests US$1 million to replace biomass cooking fuels with cleaner options (e.g., LPG). Funding supports behaviour‑change campaigns, consumer education, microfinance and women’s empowerment to promote adoption of clean cooking. Deadline: 31 Dec 2025. Learn more.
8. Coastal Resilience Projects in West Africa
This call funds community‑led projects that enhance ecological, social and economic resilience of coastal communities and align with the WACA ResIP initiative. Projects must emphasise subsidiarity, equity and long‑term sustainability. Deadline: 25 Aug 2025. Learn more.
9. Klarna AI for Climate Resilience Program
Klarna’s program funds projects using artificial intelligence to improve climate adaptation in vulnerable communities. Grants up to US$300 000 include mentorship and training. Eligible projects address food security, health or coastal resilience and must demonstrate a responsible AI approach. Deadline: 31 Aug 2025. Learn more.
10. Restoration Returns Grants
Linked to the G20 Global Land Initiative, these grants support community‑led ecosystem restoration (reforestation, agroforestry, waste management, soil improvement). Grants provide around US$17 000 per project. Deadline: 15 Sep 2025. Learn more.
11. Fontagro Agrobioentrepreneurship Competition
FONTAGRO, IICA and the Latin American Bioeconomy Network seek projects that sustainably use biodiversity and biomass. Initiatives may include biomaterials, bioenergy, or new bioproducts. The competition aims to accelerate 100 high‑impact businesses. Deadline: 30 Aug 2025. Learn more.
12. Amphibian Conservation Fund
Stiftung Artenschutz funds projects that conserve threatened amphibian species. Grants up to €5 000 (for projects up to 12 months) support conservation actions, research, habitat protection and education. Deadline: 31 Aug 2025. Learn more.
13. Powering Healthcare Innovation Fund – Round 2
UNOPS and SEforALL support innovations that electrify healthcare facilities. Projects must offer scalable financial or technical models for health‑facility electrification. Grants of up to US$80 000 are available (from a US$300 000 pool). Deadline: 8 Sep 2025. Learn more.
14. Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF)
TCF grants up to US$5 000 (smaller grants of US$3 000 are encouraged) for pilot projects that conserve critically endangered or endangered tortoise and freshwater turtle species on the IUCN Red List. Proposals must use the TCF template. Deadline: 1 Dec 2025. Learn more.
15. Amphibian Ark Grant Program
Amphibian Ark supports ex situ conservation of amphibians that are no longer safe in the wild. Funding up to US$7 000 in year 1 (with potential follow‑up support) requires timelines and partner letters. Deadline: 31 Aug 2025. Learn more.
16. Allianz Climate Risk Award
This award honours early‑career researchers examining links between climate change, extreme weather and global trade. The 2025 category focuses on climate change and trade. Top prize €7 000; other finalists receive €3 000 and travel to Munich. Deadline: 31 Aug 2025. Learn more.
17. Regenerative Communities Fund
ECOLISE supports community‑led climate and ecosystem initiatives across Europe. Demonstrators can apply for €13 333 each (budgets between €10 000 and €100 000) to model eco‑social transitions and participate in peer learning over 22.5 months. Deadline: 30 Sep 2025. Learn more.
18. International Nature of Us Co‑Production Call
Part of Creative Europe’s “Nature of Us” project, this call supports performing artists working with scientists to create climate‑focused performances. One co‑production will receive €15 000 toward travel, accommodation and performance at the 2026 Bazaar Festival. Deadline: 17 Aug 2025. Learn more.
19. European Clean Energy Transition Partnership
This international call funds research consortia from at least three countries to accelerate integrated energy systems and hydrogen or renewable fuels. Projects may request up to €400 000 (total funding for Dutch participants is €2 million). Deadline: 9 Oct 2025. Learn more.
20. ABU Media Awards – Planet, People, Peace
The Asia‑Pacific Broadcasting Union seeks radio, video and cross‑platform stories promoting sustainable living, social justice and peace. Open to media organizations and independent producers across Asia‑Pacific. Deadline: 31 Aug 2025. Learn more.
21. DIMFE Grant Program
The Donors’ Initiative for Mediterranean Freshwater Ecosystems funds holistic projects restoring freshwater ecosystems in the Mediterranean Basin. Grants range from €100 000–€500 000 (covering up to 75 % of costs). Projects must start between March and June 2026. Deadline: 15 Oct 2025. Learn more.
22. Environmental Journalism Programme Europe
This programme supports cross‑border journalistic investigations into environmental issues linked to European affairs. A €1.6 million fund (with €400 000 per round) covers costs such as travel, data and production. Teams must include members from at least two countries. Deadline: 16 Oct 2025. Learn more.
23. UNICEF Pacific Contingency Agreement
UNICEF invites CSOs in the Pacific to sign contingency agreements for emergency response across health, nutrition, WASH, education and protection. Contracts offer up to US$300 000 per country for six‑month actions, helping communities recover from disasters. Deadline: 29 Aug 2025. Learn more.
24. Lincoln Prize for Climate & Urban Journalism
Latin American journalists can submit investigative works (published between Jan 2024 and Jun 2025) on urban policy, sustainable development and climate change. Prizes: first prize US$3 000, second US$2 000 and third US$1 000. Deadline: 12 Aug 2025. Learn more.
25. Biodiversity Sub‑Programme (Nordic Nature)
This Nordic call funds cooperative projects that stop biodiversity loss and integrate cultural heritage. Themes include implementing the Kunming‑Montreal Biodiversity Framework and exploring the relationship between biodiversity and cultural environments. Funding ranges from DKK 900 000–2 600 000. Deadline: 5 Oct 2025. Learn more.
26. PEDL Exploratory Research Grants (5th Call)
The PEDL programme invites low‑income country researchers to propose studies on private enterprise development, including innovation, markets, and climate/environment themes. Grants range from £10 000–£40 000 and must be completed within 12 months. Deadline: 31 Aug 2025. Learn more.
27. Amazon Film Grant
This grant supports journalists and filmmakers producing character‑driven stories about conservation and communities in the Amazon rainforest. Grants up to US$5 000 include mentorship and support for travel and post‑production. Deadline: 20 Aug 2025. Learn more.
28. Communication Capacity Grants for Grassroots CSOs
This call aims to strengthen the communication strategies of grassroots civil‑society groups working on women’s rights, environmental justice and anti‑corruption. Grants range from €7 500–€10 000 for campaigns lasting up to 12 months. Deadline: 15 Sep 2025. Learn more.
29. Holohil Grant Program
This program provides Holohil radio transmitters (worth up to CAD 2 500 per award) to researchers studying endangered species. Quarterly awards support tracking and data collection that aid conservation and public education. Deadline: 15 Oct 2025. Learn more.
30. Wildlife Fellowship Training Program
Morris Animal Foundation offers a 24‑month fellowship to early‑career researchers studying wildlife health. The fellowship provides up to US$145 000 and focuses on research that improves animal welfare and conservation outcomes. Deadline: 20 Aug 2025. Learn more.
31. ADB City Builders Challenge
The Asian Development Bank seeks digital solutions to address urban challenges such as flooding, waste and mobility. Although not a traditional grant, winners receive recognition and mentoring to implement pilots across Asian cities. Deadline: 30 Sep 2025. Learn more.
32. WISER Africa Co‑Production Fellowship
Met Office and partners offer a fellowship to early‑career African researchers to co‑produce weather and climate services with communities. Fellows receive up to £150 000 over 2.5 years, mentorship and training. Deadline: 8 Aug 2025. Learn more.
33. ESA Coastal Resilience to Climate Change
The European Space Agency invites companies to develop space‑based services that enhance coastal resilience through early warning systems, water management and nature‑based solutions. Winners receive zero‑equity funding and technical guidance. Deadline: 31 Oct 2025. Learn more.
34. Indigenous Research Leadership Program
IDRC’s program links Indigenous researchers in Canada with partners in the Global South to address climate‑resilient food systems, ecosystems and sustainable economies. Projects can receive up to CAD 100 000. Deadline: 23 Sep 2025. Learn more.
35. EU Coal Research Projects
The European Commission funds research that supports a just transition in former coal regions by reducing environmental impacts of coal and improving social outcomes. Budget €7 million. Deadline: 24 Sep 2025. Learn more.
36. UN‑Nippon Foundation Fellowship
This nine‑month fellowship builds capacity in ocean affairs and law of the sea. Participants receive training and conduct research to support sustainable ocean governance, marine resource management and UNCLOS implementation. Deadline: 14 Sep 2025. Learn more.
37. UArctic Entrepreneurship Fund
The University of the Arctic’s fund awards US$2 000–US$5 000 to early‑stage products or services that benefit Arctic communities or ecosystems. It encourages Indigenous and northern entrepreneurs with innovations that improve environmental sustainability. Deadline: 31 Oct 2025. Learn more.
38. EU Coal Pilot and Demonstration Projects
These projects accelerate coal‑sector transformation by testing innovative technologies and processes that reduce environmental impacts. The call budget is €2.88 million (part of a €40 million program). Deadline: 24 Sep 2025. Learn more.
39. Steel Accompanying Measures Projects
Under the EU Research Fund for Coal and Steel, this call supports knowledge‑sharing and workshops that advance sustainable, low‑carbon steelmaking, resource conservation and circular economy practices. A €1 million budget is available. Deadline: 24 Sep 2025. Learn more.
40. Play for Nature’s Biodiversity Conservation
Play for Nature offers scholarships of €5 000–€15 000 to biodiversity conservation projects. Two streams are available: Biodiv’World (in situ conservation) and Biodiv’Sport (conservation through sports events and awareness). Deadline: 25 Aug 2025. Learn more.
41. Climate Journalism Mentoring Program – 9th Cycle
Climate Tracker’s mentorship selects six journalists from Latin America and the Caribbean to produce energy‑transition stories. Participants receive personalised training, editorial mentoring and US$900 to produce three stories and an audiovisual piece. Deadline: 27 Jul 2025. Learn more.
42. Halton Foundation Grant Program
The Halton Foundation funds projects that improve human wellbeing in indoor environments through research or practical solutions (e.g., improving indoor air quality). Grants up to US$30 000 per year are offered for short‑term, multi‑year or start‑up programs. Deadline: 1 Sep 2025. Learn more.
43. King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award
This award recognises individuals or institutions that organise outstanding World Soil Day (WSD) events promoting sustainable soil management. Winners receive a medal, US$15 000, and a trip to Thailand. Deadline: 1 Sep 2025. Learn more.
44. ASEAN Research and Innovation on Ageing
The ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation seeks interdisciplinary research and scalable innovations that improve the lives of older people and include climate adaptation in ageing communities. Small grants up to US$50 000 and scale‑up grants up to US$150 000 are available. Deadline: 15 Aug 2025. Learn more.
This listicle highlights grant opportunities for environmental conservation, climate resilience and related research. Always verify eligibility and application requirements before applying.
Additional grants
45. Africa Think Tank Platform (ATTP) Project
The African Union Commission invites consortia of three to five African think tanks to join a five‑year platform that improves policy research across the continent. Funded with US$50 million from the World Bank, the project tackles themes like climate change, food security and regional integration. Deadline: 24 Sep 2025. Learn more.
46. STEG Small Research Grants (Ninth Call)
The Structural Transformation and Economic Growth (STEG) programme supports research on structural transformation in low‑ and middle‑income countries. Small grants of £10 000–25 000 and PhD grants up to £15 000 fund studies on topics such as data, firms, labour, agriculture, trade and the public sector, with cross‑cutting themes on gender and climate change. Projects must be completed in 12 months. Deadline: 11 Aug 2025. Learn more.
47. AU Media Fellowship Programme 3.0
This fellowship helps African journalists and storytellers produce high‑quality content aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Themes include economic development, emerging sectors, agricultural development and environmental management, good governance and public health. Applicants must be 25+ years old with at least six years’ experience. Deadline: 14 Aug 2025. Learn more.
48. AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge
The AI4D programme, run by the African Centre for Technology Studies and LEPSAI, offers seed funding (around US$100 000) and technical assistance to scale responsible AI solutions that already operate in real‑world conditions. Priority sectors include climate‑change adaptation, agriculture, food security, gender equality and inclusion. Projects must be deployed and ready to scale. Deadline: 4 Sep 2025. Learn more.
49. Robotics for Good Youth Challenge
This UN‑based educational robotics competition encourages youth (ages 12–18) to design robots that respond to natural disasters, with a focus on earthquakes. Participants build open‑source robots using recycled materials and can showcase their projects at the AI for Good Global Summit 2026. Junior and senior categories are available. Deadline: 1 Sep 2025. Learn more.
50. Young Civil Society Leadership Programme
The Anna Lindh Foundation’s programme selects 27 young leaders from ten Mediterranean countries to develop community‑based actions promoting inclusive growth and social impact. The nine‑month journey includes mentoring, online training and a bootcamp; each participant receives €1 400 to implement projects that foster circular economies, sustainability and job creation. Deadline: 31 Aug 2025. Learn more.