The UN Food Systems Coordination Hub invites applications for the second cohort of its Youth Leadership Program to build a global network of emerging leaders driving food systems transformation. This two-year fellowship is open to individuals between 18 and 35 years old who are proficient in English and hold nationality in a low- or middle-income country, with particular emphasis on Africa, Asia and the Pacific, or Latin America and the Caribbean. Applicants must demonstrate experience leading or contributing to initiatives in food systems, sustainable development, or climate action. The program provides comprehensive leadership development, peer mentorship, and direct exposure to global United Nations partners and expert networks. The deadline for applications is 13 July 2026. Youth Leadership Program
Day: June 21, 2026
Social Nest Foundation — Startup Challenge
The Social Nest Foundation invites applications for its 2026 Startup Challenge to support early- and growth-stage ventures driving social and environmental transformation. Legally incorporated startups from any country are eligible to apply, provided they have a validated minimum viable product or a product already on the market. The competition focuses on five innovation areas, including climate tech, smart cities, agritech, health, and inclusive economic systems. The single winning startup receives a €10 thousand cash prize, alongside international pitch opportunities and matchmaking sessions with investors in Valencia, Spain. The application deadline is 14 July 2026. Link
Conservation Nation — Global Grant Program
The Conservation Nation Grant Program provides funding to help save endangered animals and their ecosystems. This grant will assist early to mid-career conservationists in their efforts by granting up to US$5,000 each, which will fund activities that are essential for their life-saving work but may not be covered by standard grant programs. Applications have to be received by 15 July 2026. Link to grant portal
Sustainability & ESG Africa — Student Innovation Challenge
The Sustainability & ESG Africa Conference & Expo invites applications for its Student Innovation Challenge to uncover practical solutions to systemic environmental, social, and governance issues. Eligible applicants must be 30 years of age or younger and currently enrolled at an accredited university or higher learning institution. Submissions must fall under one of four designated themes, including Nature, Biodiversity and Inclusive Economies. While the specific cash prize amounts or grant funding totals are not specified, winners will present their solutions at the main conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. The deadline for applications is 16 July 2026. Student Innovation Challenge
African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum — Pitch n Grow Competition
The African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum invites applications for its Pitch n Grow competition. The program offers early-stage and high-growth women-led African startups the opportunity to present their business models directly to an audience of international investors, venture capitalists, and corporate executives during the annual forum. Eligible applicants must be female founders or business leaders running enterprises based in any African country. The competition focuses on providing market visibility, technical mentoring, and investor match-making; however, specific monetary grant awards are not disclosed. The application deadline is 20 July 2026. Pitch n Grow Competition
Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum — Gender Responsive Research for Optimized Women Fellowship
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) invites applications for its GROW Fellowship. This two-year, immersive non-residential program strengthens the leadership pipeline of women professionals working in plant breeding, livestock breeding, and related fields across Africa. Eligible applicants must be female citizens of any African country who hold at least a master’s degree in plant or livestock breeding and possess a minimum of five years of experience in crop or livestock improvement research. Eligible candidates must also be affiliated with a university, national agricultural research institution, private company, or other relevant organization. The fellowship provides customized leadership, negotiation, and mentoring training, though specific monetary funding amounts are not disclosed. The deadline for applications is 24 July 2026. Women Fellowship
Institute for Security Studies – Young Changemakers 2026
The Institute for Security Studies invites submissions for its Young Changemakers 2026 essay and video competition, aimed at centering youth perspectives on Africa’s long-term future. The opportunity is open to African citizens between 18 and 30 years old who are currently residing on the continent or in the diaspora. Applicants must submit either an essay of up to two thousand words or a three-minute video addressing key development and governance transitions for Africa over the next two decades. Winners will receive fully funded travel to participate in a high-level dialogue in Pretoria, South Africa, alongside mentorship and publication opportunities. The deadline for submissions is 26 July 2026. Details here
Schmidt Marine Technology Partners — Ocean Innovation Funding Program
Schmidt Marine Technology Partners invites applications for its ocean innovation program to transform promising marine technologies into real-world conservation tools. Universities, non-profit organisations, and startup companies globally can apply with practical, scalable hardware or software projects that improve ocean health, enhance sustainable fisheries, or support habitat restoration. The program does not fund individuals directly unless they apply through an eligible institution or business. Grant amounts typically range between US$100 thousand and US$400 thousand to support the development, testing, and deployment of these systems. The application deadline is 31 July 2026. Ocean Innovation Funding
Munich Re Foundation — RISK Award “Climate Resilience”
The Munich Re Foundation and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction invite applications for the 2027 RISK Award to fund local initiatives that reduce climate-related disaster risks. Non-governmental organisations can apply with projects focused on strengthening the climate resilience of households and communities in informal and semi-formal urban settlements. Eligibility is limited to initiatives operating within low- and middle-income countries. The award provides up to €100 thousand in project funding. The deadline for Phase I applications is 31 July 2026. RISK Award
Advanced Research and Invention Agency — Climate and Weather
The Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) invites proposals for its opportunity to seed funding to explore new pathways for climate adaptation and resilience. Scientists, engineers, and social science researchers can apply with early-stage, curiosity-driven research or advanced translational science focusing on areas such as carbon dioxide removal and extreme weather forecasting. The program is open to individuals and research teams globally, though overseas applicants should note that the primary focus is on projects conducted mostly within the United Kingdom. The funding provides up to £500 thousand for selected projects. The application deadline is 31 July 2026. More