he Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge (YDC) is a project-based learning experience for middle and high school teams. Participants are asked to design bio-inspired ideas that can provide solutions to the climate crisis. The Youth Design Challenge follows an academic calendar which means that teachers can teach the biomimicry project at any time. The challenge is open to schools from all around the world (US equivalent grades 6th-12th). Schools have to register teams that consist of up to eight student team members and an official teacher coach. Each team has the chance to win multiple prizes. The registration deadline for student teams is 31 January 2026. Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge
Ilka Westermeyer
University of Antwerp — Masters Program in Development Studies
The University of Antwerp’s Institute of Development Policy and Management (IOB) offers three specializations for one-year master’s programs in development studies. Topics include poverty, climate change, conflict, good governance, sustainable development, and others. The Institute of Development Policy awards scholarships to students from many countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America for studies at Belgian universities that include Antwerp’s IOB. Candidates applying for an ICP Connect scholarship have to submit their application by 01 March 2026. Link
Australia and Pacific Science Foundation — Research Grants 2026
The Australia and Pacific Science Foundation (APSF) makes research grants in ecology, biodiversity, and life sciences in Australia and the Southwest Pacific region. Grants are awarded to institutions within Australia or other countries of the Southwest Pacific region for activities within those countries or within the region. Most grants are up to A$20 thousand per year for up to three years. Applications are due 13 March 2026. Link
Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas — Grants for Environmental Conservation
The Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas (MCFA) makes grants to nonprofit charitable organizations in Canada, the USA, and Latin America for biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, environmental justice, and environmental education. Most recent grants are for two to four years, ranging from under US$30 thousand up to US$1 million. The ideal timing for submitting proposals is during the first quarter of the calendar year. Link
Because International — Accelerator for Entrepreneurs
Because International accepts applications for the Because Accelerator, a free online program for early-to-middle stage entrepreneurs who want to take their socially innovative product to the next level. Participants will go through a 16-week training program, weekly one-on-one coaching, networking, and at the end of the cohort. There will be an opportunity to compete in a pitch event for a cash prize, long-term coaching support, funding opportunities, and exposure to international markets. Entrepreneurs from around the world are invited to apply. Link to the Because Accelerator
World Parrot Trust and Natural Encounters Conservation Fund — Parrot Conservation Grants Program 2025
The Parrot Conservation Grants Program invites applications. The purpose of this funding is to implement conservation projects for parrots currently threatened with global extinction. Priority will be given to projects directed towards conservation of threatened parrot species in the wild. Research projects with direct conservation application will also be considered. The total WPT/NECF contributions to any one project will be up to US$5 thousand. Pre-proposals have to be submitted by 03 October 2025. Parrot Conservation Grants
Echoing Green — Fellowships 2026
Echoing Green helps emerging social entrepreneurs around the world with grants of seed capital and technical assistance to support their start-up organizations. Seed funding of up to US$80 thousand over 18 months is offered to for-profit organizations through recoverable grants. Past fellowships include examples in renewable energy, waste management, smallholder farming, climate change, and other societal challenges in developing countries. Applications are due on 08 October 2025. Echoing Green Fellowships
ACT Foundation — Grant Cycle 2026
The Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation accepts applications from national and regional non-profit organizations working to address social, environmental, and economic challenges across the African Continent. Focus areas include health, environment, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Proposed projects must have a maximum life cycle of 12 months and benefit African communities. The application deadline is 10 October 2025. Click here
International Fund for Agricultural Development — Macadamia Nut Export Value Chain
IFAD launches an EOI to partner with food, agriculture, or trading companies interested in supporting Rwanda’s macadamia nut producers. The goal is to build sustainable export value chain linkages by combining private sector resources with smallholder production, improving livelihoods and adoption of sustainable practices. Eligible firms must be ready to co-invest and partner in the intervention. EOIs must be submitted by 13 October 2025. Details here
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development — African Women in Data Science Leadership Program
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) invites applications from high-potential African women under 35 in selected Sub-Saharan countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia). Up to 40 participants will be chosen for a nine-month, non-residential virtual program offering leadership training, mentoring, communication and personal branding skills, and gender-integration capacity. The program does not offer stipends or sitting allowances or subsidies. However, all training materials and mentorship provided will be at no cost. The call is open now and closes 15 October 2025. Leadership Program