The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers up to 10 story grants of up to US$2,000 each to journalists in Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Africa for in-depth reporting on mining, the environment and human rights. Story themes include mercury and cyanide contamination from small-scale gold mining, community displacement and land rights violations, the accountability of international mining companies, the suppression of environmental defenders, post-mining rehabilitation, and the local costs of the “green minerals” boom. Early-career and experienced journalists, freelancers and groups of journalists (applying through one lead applicant) can apply. Applications are accepted in English or French. The deadline is 01 December 2026. Story Grants to Report on Mining
Day: November 12, 2026
Ocean Culture Life — Storytelling Grants for Ocean Conservation Stories
Ocean Culture Life offers storytelling grants of £1,000, £3,000 and £5,000 to creators around the world, giving them funding, a platform and support to bring ocean stories to life. Formats include film, photography, essays, audio and illustration, and stories should inspire, educate or encourage protection of the ocean. The application deadline is 01 December 2026. Storytelling Grants
Obama Foundation — Leaders Program
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program is a one-year training program for leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to challenges in their communities or countries. Scholars attend courses and participate in leadership development training. Participants receive a furnished studio apartment during their stay, a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses, as well as travel and tuition fees paid. The program is open to applicants from all around the world. Applications for the 2027-2028 program have to be submitted until 04 December 2026. Applicant information
Earth Care Awards — Communicators for Climate Action
The Earth Care Awards recognise individuals, creative teams, organisations and collectives that use creative communication to deepen public understanding of climate change and inspire action. Entries can come from journalism, digital and social media, film and visual storytelling, performing arts and theatre, or audio, music and radio. Applicants must show at least three years of consistent work in climate and sustainability communication. Individuals and unregistered groups can apply, and entries from outside India are accepted. The deadline is 15 December 2026. Communicators for Climate Action
Cisco and Global Citizen — Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award
Cisco and Global Citizen invites applications for the Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award. The Award is made to a young individual (18-30 years) who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending global poverty. Global Citizen accepts applications from individuals who have, or contribute to, a registered legal entity such as a non-profit, for-profit, or social enterprise. The award includes a US$250 thousand prize paid to the organization to which the individual contributes. Submissions will close on 18 December 2026. Youth Leadership Award
WAAW Foundation — STEM Scholarships for African Women
The WAAW Foundation supports African women who seek a STEM-focused college education. The Foundation offers a need-based scholarship of US$500 to undergraduate female African students. Applicants have to be under 32 years old and be enrolled in an undergraduate B.S. degree program at a University or college in Africa. Eligible courses include Agriculture, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Natural Science, Zoology and many other fields. Application closes on 18 December 2026. Link to the WAAW Foundation
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Award for Innovation
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recognizes individuals, institutions, or organizations that have developed innovative approaches, technologies, or practices with a clear and positive impact on food security, sustainable agrifood systems, natural resource management, or rural livelihoods. The award includes a cash prize of US$10 thousand and an official certificate of recognition. Eligible nominees may come from the public or private sector, civil society, academia, or international organizations, and nominations must be endorsed by an FAO Representative or FAO senior official. The deadline to submit nominations is 31 December 2026. FAO Award for Innovation
International Center for Journalists — Award for Excellence in African Storytelling
The Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling honors journalists in Africa who strengthen people’s voices and show the transformational change taking place on the continent. The ICFJ seeks a wide variety of topics, not limited to health and social issues. This includes stories and initiatives about global climate change, development challenges, or the environment. The winner receives a US$5 thousand cash prize. The deadline to apply is 08 January 2027. Visit the website
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens — Botany in Action Fellowships 2027
The Botany in Action (BIA) Fellowship program at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens fosters the development of the next generation of plant-based scientists. Subject areas include ethnobotany, Indigenous ecological knowledge, food systems, plant diversity and conservation, landscape and brownfield restoration, and sustainable landscapes. Preference goes to research in tropical forests or southwest Pennsylvania, with special consideration in 2027 for Panama and Australia’s Daintree region. The program is open to Ph.D. students of any nationality who are conducting plant-based scientific research at U.S. graduate institutions. Grants are US$6 thousand for research and outreach expenses at sites in the U.S. or internationally, plus an all-expenses paid trip to Phipps for science outreach training. The application deadline is 08 January 2027. Find out how to apply
MIT — Knight Science Journalism Fellowship Program
The Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT offers academic-year fellowships to science journalists. Fellows will be able to leverage the resources and connections available to them at MIT and in the surrounding greater Boston area. The research project must be journalism-related. Fellows receive a US$85 thousand stipend paid out in installments over 9.5 months. The program is designed for journalists from around the world. International candidates are encouraged to apply. Applications close on 09 January 2027. KSJ Fellowship