[March 2026]
World Water Day highlights the significance of freshwater and advocates for the sustainable management of water resources worldwide. It provides a timely opportunity for organizations to scale innovative and community-driven solutions. That is why we have curated a listing of top NGO grants and funding opportunities to support impactful initiatives in the water and WASH sector for 2026.
iF Social Impact Prize: Empowering Projects for a Better Society
Deadline: 20-May-2026
The iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE recognizes already implemented projects that deliver measurable social and environmental impact aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative offers free applications, global recognition, and a total annual prize pool of EUR 100,000 distributed across two rounds to amplify design-driven solutions that create real-world change…[more]
Apply for AI Innovation Challenge to Transform Water Systems
Deadline: 03-Apr-2026
The Water Council is inviting applications for AI-native technologies that enhance water system management, treatment, and sustainability. Submissions should integrate artificial intelligence at their core to improve prediction, automation, optimization, and decision-making, supporting a cognitive water ecosystem across utilities and industrial applications…[more]
Fairways Foundation Grant to support Conservation-Based Projects
Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The FairWays Foundation funds conservation-focused projects that promote sustainable environmental practices within golf courses and professional turf or ornamental management. The program supports initiatives related to water conservation, habitat stewardship, and water education that create measurable, long-term environmental impact. Eligible organizations must demonstrate clear strategies, measurable outcomes, and alignment with the foundation’s conservation priorities…[more]
Nominations open for 2026 Champions of the Earth Award
Deadline: 15-Apr-2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is accepting nominations for the 2026 Champions of the Earth Award, the UN’s highest environmental honor. The award recognizes leaders and organizations implementing impactful solutions to protect and restore the world’s oceans, focusing on pollution prevention, ecosystem restoration, sustainable blue economies, and science-driven cooperation…[more]
Nominations open for Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award (5th Cycle)
Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The Suqia UAE Awards support innovative solutions providing emergency access to clean drinking water for communities affected by crises. The program recognizes organizations, institutions, and individuals with proven or ready-to-commercialize solutions, including large and small projects, research innovations, and youth-led initiatives, with prize money ranging from USD 20,000 to USD 300,000…[more]
Submissions open for World Food Prize
Deadline: 01-May-2026
The World Food Prize honors an individual whose exceptional achievement has significantly advanced global food security by improving the quantity, quality, availability, or access to food. Open to nominations from eligible organizations worldwide, the Prize recognizes measurable, large-scale impact across the entire food and agriculture system…[more]
Nomination Open: Startup Innovation Awards for Youth-Led Agrifood Tech Startups
Deadline: April 01, 2026
The World Food Forum Startup Innovation Awards (SIA), powered by MassChallenge Switzerland, is inviting applications from youth-led startups leveraging technology to transform agrifood systems, fight global hunger, and advance the Sustainable Development Goals. The 2026 awards focus on four key areas: Digital Innovation in Food Processing, Fighting Malnutrition and Enhancing Food Security, Enhancing Climate Resilience and Water Security, and Empowering Women in Agrifood Systems…[more]
BlueActionAA Transition Agenda Call: Promoting Sustainability in Arctic and Atlantic Basin
Deadline: 29-May-2026
The BlueActionAA Transition Agenda Call 1 (BAAT-01) funds the development of transition agendas that promote long-term sustainability and scalable solutions across the Arctic and Atlantic basins in alignment with the EU Mission Ocean and Waters. At least 10 grants of up to €100,000 each will be awarded to mobilise national, regional, and local actors to restore ocean and freshwater ecosystems by 2030. Eligible applicants must be based in EU Member States, associated countries, or specific overseas territories under Horizon Europe as of 1 September 2025…[more]
Open Call: Innovative Bioremediation Solutions for Aquatic Pollution
Deadline: 16-Apr-2026
The European Commission invites applications for projects developing innovative bioremediation solutions to tackle aquatic pollution, including contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) like PFAS, antimicrobials, and microplastics. Grants of up to €23 million support multi-disciplinary, scalable, and environmentally safe approaches that integrate biotechnology, nanotechnology, and environmental monitoring to restore freshwater, marine, and groundwater ecosystems…[more]
CFAs: Advancing Nature-Based Solutions in Climate and Biodiversity Strategies
Deadline: 16-Apr-2026
The European Commission invites proposals to advance Nature-based Solutions (NbS) by generating robust evidence, methods, and tools to integrate NbS across sectors and enhance climate resilience and biodiversity. Grants of up to €18 million support large-scale pilots, multi-sector collaboration, and the assessment of environmental, social, and economic impacts to enable effective climate adaptation and mitigation…[more]
Supporting Community Led Action to Restore Atlantic and Arctic Ecosystems
Deadline: 29-May-2026
The BlueActionAA Community-Led Pilot Action Call (BAAC-01) provides cascading grants between €200,000 and €2 million to support community-led marine and freshwater ecosystem restoration across the Atlantic and Arctic regions. Projects must align with the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030,” the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, and the Zero Pollution Action Plan. Eligible applicants include public authorities, NGOs, SMEs, research institutions, and civil society organizations from EU Member States and associated countries…[more]
Israel – India Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund
Deadline Date: May 11, 2026
The Israel-India Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F) invites technological companies from Israel to engage in joint projects with Indian partners to foster innovation and advance collaborative industrial research and development…[more]
Zayed Sustainability Prize Supporting Global Sustainable Solutions
Deadline: 15-Jun-2026
The Zayed Sustainability Prize is a global award recognizing organizations and schools with proven solutions in Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools that advance sustainability and human development. Managed by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, the prize awards US $5.9 million annually, rewarding innovation, measurable impact, and inspirational value. It supports scalable, real-world solutions rather than early-stage startups or untested concepts, enabling winners to expand their positive outcomes globally…[more]
TMU Cross-Cultural Collaboration Grants in Arts and Environment
Deadline: 01-May-2026
The Trust for Mutual Understanding (TMU) supports cross-cultural collaborations that advance contemporary arts, environmental stewardship, and projects at the intersection of arts and environment. Grants prioritize sustained, community-engaged partnerships led by professional artists, environmental practitioners, and Indigenous communities, with funding awarded to eligible U.S.-based nonprofit organizations…[more]
RFAs: Optimise the Usage of Resources in a Circular Economy
Deadline: 21-April-2026
The European Commission to optimise the efficiency of materials, water, and energy use through enhanced recycling and upcycling of production and end‑of‑use waste to strengthen competitiveness, sustainability, and resource independence in the European Union…[more]
AGYLE Program 2026: Driving GreenTech Innovation for Sustainable Impact
Deadline: April 01, 2026
AGYLE 2026 invites young leaders and entrepreneurs to explore innovative solutions that drive environmental impact, economic scalability, and social value creation. The program focuses on renewable energies, climate and agritech, water and resource management, and sustainable mobility. AGYLE 2026 brings together young leaders and entrepreneurs from Africa and Europe who understand technological innovation as a lever for sustainable transformation, creating space for exchange, collaborative learning, and strategic development with the aim of rethinking responsible growth and fair value creation. The program serves as a platform for innovation, leadership, and intercultural exchange between Africa and Germany, allowing participants to work together on solutions for a sustainable future…[more]
Apply for Ports of the Future (ZEWT Partnership) Program
Deadline: April 14, 2026
The European Commission is accepting grant applications to focus on supporting projects that develop and demonstrate sustainable and digital strategies to enhance the competitiveness, resilience, and environmental performance of middle- and small-sized ports across Europe…[more]
Call for EOIs: Sustainable Rural Sanitation in Gazaoua and Gangara (Niger)
Deadline: 27-Mar-2026
UNICEF is inviting Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to support sustainable rural sanitation services in Niger using a community-led WASH approach and sanitation marketing. The initiative strengthens municipal capacities, promotes youth and women’s participation, integrates climate resilience, and aims to sustain Open Defecation Free (ODF) practices across targeted regions…[more]
Call for Expression of Interest for Community Planning and Resilience Projects (Haiti)
Deadline: 20-Mar-2026
The World Food Programme (WFP) invites registered humanitarian organizations in Haiti to submit expressions of interest for community resilience and livelihood strengthening initiatives in Jean Rabel. Focus areas include food security, livelihoods support, WASH, environmental management, and climate action, using Participatory Community Planning (PCP) to guide project design…[more]
Strengthening Sanitation and Hygiene Services in Tahoua (Niger)
Deadline: 27-Mar-2026
UNICEF is inviting applications to enhance sanitation and hygiene services and strengthen WASH systems in the Tahoua region. The project supports sustainable hygiene practices, climate-resilient sanitation, and community-managed WASH services, aiming for universal access and FDAL-certified communes…[more]
CFPs: Strengthening the Humanitarian Response in Ethiopia
Deadline: 13-Apr-2026
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation is funding a €11,000,000 initiative to address humanitarian crises, natural disasters, and development challenges in Ethiopia and South Sudan. The programme focuses on health, nutrition, WASH, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, education, and gender equality, targeting vulnerable populations including displaced persons, refugees, and communities affected by conflict or extreme weather…[more]
CFAs: Sustainable Rural Sanitation and WASH Development (Niger)
Deadline: 27-Mar-2026
UNICEF is inviting Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to submit expressions of interest for a project aimed at strengthening sustainable rural sanitation services in Niger. The initiative focuses on Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), sanitation marketing, and capacity building in municipalities across several regions. Selected organizations will work with UNICEF and government partners to support SDG 6 goals by reducing open defecation and improving long-term WASH services…[more]
Grant to Improve Child Wellbeing and Community Health (Kenya)
Deadline: 03-Apr-2026
UNICEF is accepting grant applications to empower faith actors and religious leaders in promoting child rights, health, and wellbeing. The program supports advocacy, community engagement, and harmful-practice prevention across Africa and Asia, integrating the FPCC Mind-Heart Dialogue and faith-based tools to strengthen child protection and wellbeing…[more]
Open Call: Sustainable WASH and Hygiene Improvement Project in Zinder (Niger)
Deadline: 27-Mar-2026
UNICEF is inviting applications for a project that aims to improve access to sustainable sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, promote hygiene behavior change, and strengthen community and institutional WASH systems in targeted communes. The initiative emphasizes climate-resilient sanitation, FDAL certification, and community engagement in schools, health facilities, and households…[more]
Apply to Deliver Safe Water and Hygiene Services (Sudan)
Deadline: 04-Apr-2026
UNICEF Sudan is inviting applications to provide safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services to vulnerable populations affected by conflict and displacement. The programme targets improved water access, sanitation infrastructure, and hygiene promotion across critical regions including Blue Nile, South Kordofan, White Nile, Sennar, and North and West Kordofan. Activities support both emergency response and long-term WASH improvements…[more]
Call for Proposals: Sustainable Rural Sanitation in Niger
Deadline: 27-Mar-2026
UNICEF is inviting Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to express interest in implementing sustainable rural sanitation services in Niger, focusing on community-based WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) approaches. The initiative targets the communes of Matamey and Kourni and emphasizes gender equality, youth participation, local governance, and climate-resilient sanitation solutions aligned with SDG 6…[more]
Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects in Bangladesh
Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) provides funding to local NGOs and public organizations to implement small-scale, community-focused initiatives addressing essential social and economic needs. With grants up to 20 million Japanese Yen, the program supports projects in health, education, poverty alleviation, disaster risk reduction, and more, promoting human security and resilience in vulnerable communities…[more]
Call for Expression of Interest: Sustainable Rural Sanitation in Bosso and Toummour (Niger)
Deadline: 27-Mar-2026
UNICEF is inviting Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to submit expressions of interest to support sustainable rural sanitation services in the communes of Bosso and Toummour in Niger’s Diffa region. The initiative focuses on Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), sanitation marketing, and municipal WASH governance to help reduce open defecation and strengthen long-term sanitation systems. The project contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through community engagement, climate-resilient sanitation solutions, and local capacity building…[more]
Submissions open for the Rohini Nayyar Prize 2026 (India)
Deadline: 31-May-2026
The Rohini Nayyar Prize honours individuals or small teams making outstanding contributions to rural development in India, spanning sectors such as agriculture, climate action, education, health, women’s empowerment, and enterprise. Applicants are evaluated on innovation, sustained impact, and transformative outcomes, with eligibility for those up to 40 years old and at least five years of professional experience…[more]
CFAs: Fulbright Research Awards for African Scholars (Uganda)
Deadline: 10-Apr-2026
The Fulbright African Research Scholar Program 2027–2028, administered by the U.S. Embassy Uganda, provides funding for Ugandan university faculty and research professionals to conduct postdoctoral research or curriculum development at U.S. institutions. Grants range from 3 to 9 months and support academic exchange in areas such as sustainability, peacebuilding, emerging technologies, and global health. Applicants must meet academic and citizenship requirements and clearly demonstrate why their project requires a U.S.-based affiliation…[more]
Call for Submissions: Applied Research Grant Program (Kuwait)
Deadline: 15-Apr-2026
The KFAS Applied Research Grant Program supports practical, solution-oriented research with real-world impact across priority domains such as health, STEAM education, energy, environment, food & water security, and future economies. The program emphasizes projects with clear implementation plans, potential for innovation, commercialization, policy influence, or clinical applications, while fostering collaboration between Kuwaiti institutions and international partners…[more]
RFAs: School Infrastructure Improvement (Honduras)
Deadline: 24-Mar-2026
The World Food Programme has launched a call for expressions of interest to improve school infrastructure in Puerto Lempira, Honduras, under the national school feeding program. The initiative focuses on sanitation, nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), and education infrastructure. It aims to create safe, hygienic environments for food preparation and student well-being in underserved indigenous communities…[more]
Call for Proposals: On-Farm Non-Productive Investments Funding (Malta)
Deadline: 29-May-2026
The Ministry responsible for European Funds invites farmers in Malta to apply for grants supporting on-farm tree planting initiatives. Projects must enhance environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, with funding covering eligible costs for materials, labour, and professional services…[more]
Apply for Fundamental Research Grant Program (Kuwait)
Deadline: 15-Apr-2026
The KFAS Fundamental Research Grant Program supports curiosity-driven research that advances fundamental scientific knowledge without immediate commercial or applied objectives. The program funds high-quality research across priority science and innovation domains, encouraging innovation, collaboration, and long-term impact within Kuwait’s research ecosystem…[more]
Call for Civil Society Organizations to Support Recovery in Gaza
Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is offering grants to support early recovery, resilience, and community well-being in Gaza across sectors such as water, shelter, debris management, education, agriculture, and economic recovery. Funding ranges from $10,000 to $500,000, depending on the scale of the project and the capacity of the participating organization. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit civil society organizations and semi-governmental entities operating in Gaza with relevant sector expertise…[more]
Submissions open for Thailand Australia Awards
Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The Thailand Australia Awards 2027 provide scholarships for Thai citizens to pursue Master’s degrees in Australia, focusing on priority areas such as water security, climate resilience, economic resilience, transnational crime prevention, and gender equality. The program aims to develop emerging leaders who can contribute to sustainable development in Thailand and the Mekong subregion while fostering regional collaboration and long-term professional networks…[more]
CFAs: Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (Palestine)
Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects provides funding to support community-based initiatives that improve human security in Palestine. Grants address health, education, water supply, poverty alleviation, and socio-economic development, while promoting peace-building and local empowerment. Funding is typically up to 20,000,000 JPY (approx. $133,333 USD for FY 2025), with projects completed within one year…[more]
Sprout Grant for Environmental Sustainability Projects (Singapore)
Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The SG Eco Fund Sprout Category supports individuals, groups, and organisations in Singapore to implement projects that advance environmental sustainability and community engagement. Applicants can seek up to $30,000 for projects that demonstrate environmental impact, innovation, and active community involvement, excluding initiatives already funded by other government sources…[more]
Requests for Applications: Policy Research Grant Program (Kuwait)
Deadline: 15-Apr-2026
The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) Policy Research Grant Program invites proposals that generate evidence-based solutions, promote innovation, and contribute directly to policy development. The program supports policy-oriented research across priority domains such as health, energy, environment, food and water security, STEAM education, and future economies, with strong emphasis on real-world impact and policy relevance…[more]
Apply for Overseas Livelihoods Grant Programme (United Kingdom)
Deadline: 22-May-2026
The Charles Hayward Foundation provides grants of up to £15,000 to UK-registered charities supporting disadvantaged communities in Commonwealth countries of Africa. The fund focuses on clean water and sanitation, sustainable livelihoods linked to environmental or wildlife conservation, and self-sufficiency through training in farming or income-generating skills. Grants are one-year awards, requiring strong community engagement, robust governance, and a clear exit strategy…[more]
Wildseeds Grants: Empowering Communities for Transformative Food and Farm Justice (US)
Deadline: 27-Mar-2026
The Wildseeds Grants Program supports U.S.-based grassroots organizations transforming food and farm systems through cultural organizing, inclusive economies, Indigenous foodways, and community-led democracy initiatives. Grants range from $20,000–$50,000 for one year, with limited two-year commitments up to $75,000, funding strategic communications, media, and movement-building efforts. Eligible applicants are nonprofit grassroots organizations, networks, or tribal governments with a demonstrated focus on systemic change…[more]
Hibiscus and Bays Local Grant Program (New Zealand)
Deadline: 20-Mar-2026
The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board offers community grants ranging from $2,000 to $8,000 to support projects, programmes, and initiatives that strengthen local communities, protect the environment, and celebrate culture. Grants prioritize collaboration, sustainability, and measurable benefits aligned with local board priorities, fostering a vibrant, resilient, and connected Hibiscus and Bays community…[more]
Energy Performance Services Grant for NSW Businesses (Australia)
Deadline: March 31, 2026
The Energy Performance Services Grant provides eligible NSW businesses with up to $50,000 to improve their energy performance through the effective use of submetering data. The focus areas of this opportunity are support NSW businesses to improve energy performance through enhanced energy data monitoring and analysis, enable long-term monitoring and data-driven insights to support continuous improvement in energy performance and/or progress toward net zero goals, and enhance industry skills and knowledge while growing the market for businesses in supporting functions…[more]
Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub: Advancing Agri-Food Innovation (Canada)
Deadline: Ongoing
The Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub offers mentorship and advisory services to innovative agri-food companies to help advance their solutions and technologies to market. The initiative focuses on key priority areas including food safety, enhancing public confidence in the sector and mitigating hazards along the supply chain; animal health and welfare, addressing public expectations, reducing health hazards, and optimizing antimicrobial use; plant health and protection, improving resilience, reducing hazards, and promoting integrated pest management; soil health, protecting and enhancing soil quality to support agricultural productivity; water quality and quantity, strengthening sustainability through improved water management and conservation…[more]