The UN SDG Action Awards aim to support action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mobilizers, storytellers, campaigners, connectors, visualizers, and creatives fighting for sustainable development can apply. The Awards are open to individuals, organizations, governments, foundations, or private sector leaders worldwide. While the program does not award direct cash grants, nine finalists receive a fully funded trip to Rome, Italy, for a multi-day program of coaching, networking, and capacity building, followed by a televised awards ceremony. The deadline for submissions is 17 May 2026. UN SDG Action Awards
Ilka Westermeyer
Learning for Nature — Assisted Natural Regeneration Practitioner Training Course 2026
The United Nations Development Programme’s Learning for Nature platform offers a free eight-week online course to train ecosystem restoration practitioners in assisted natural regeneration (ANR) techniques. Developed in collaboration with the Society for Ecological Restoration and the ANR Alliance, the program provides practical skills for planning, implementing, and monitoring cost-effective forest restoration projects. The course is open to individuals and organizations worldwide, including conservation professionals, community leaders, and students. Participants who complete the weekly quizzes and surveys receive a digital certificate of completion. The course runs from 01 June to 24 July 2026, and enrollment is currently open. More information
Public Interest Registry — .ORG Impact Awards
Nominations are now open for the .ORG Impact Awards. The global awards program recognizes individuals and organizations for the impact they have made in their communities. The award will recognize an organization or individual that works to combat the increased threats to the environment, or that has made significant contributions and innovations in the fight to end hunger or alleviate poverty, among other categories. The winner of the year receives US$40 thousand. Winners in their respective categories receive US$10 thousand each. The nomination deadline is 27 May 2026. .ORG Impact Awards
People’s Trust for Endangered Species — Conservation Insight Grants
The People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) provides Conservation Insight Grants to support scientific research and field action aimed at preserving endangered species worldwide. Applications are welcomed from scientific researchers and conservationists based within NGOs or university research departments, with a strong preference for local project leaders working in their own countries. Eligible projects must be located in the UK, UK overseas territories, or any country not classified by the World Bank as high-income. The program offers grants between £3,000 and £10,000 per year for projects lasting up to two years, totaling a maximum of £20,000. Please note that PTES does not fund projects focused on bird species. The deadline for stage one pre-applications is 28 May 2026. Info on worldwide grant criteria
Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund — Grants in Support of Endangered and Critically Endangered Species
The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund provides targeted grants to support on-the-ground conservation initiatives for the world’s most threatened species. This global program is open to individual conservationists and organizations working to protect any species of plant, animal, or fungi, with a particular focus on those classified as endangered or data deficient. While the fund primarily supports field-based projects, it does not specify a strict limit for grant amounts; however, typical awards are small grants up to US$25 thousand. Applications are reviewed in three annual cycles, with the next submission windows closing on 31 May 2026, 15 October 2026, and 31 January 2027. Species Conservation Grants
Global Environmental Education Partnership — Youth Innovation Challenge 2026
The Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) invites applicants from 15 to 30 years of age to propose innovative solutions to protect marine resources and support people of all ages to be engaged stewards for marine conservation. Global Environmental Education Partnership seeks solutions that are innovative, feasible, and informed by research. Three solutions will be awarded a US$1000 prize. The deadline to submit proposals is 31 May 2026. Find the challenge
Thrive Philanthropy — Alternatives to Industrial Animal Agriculture
Thrive Philanthropy provides grants to support non-profit organizations outside the United States that are working to transition food systems away from industrial animal agriculture. The program funds initiatives that promote plant-rich diets, increase access to nutritious plant-based foods, and raise awareness about sustainable alternatives to factory farming. Mid-sized or larger organizations with a proven track record of success are eligible to apply. Grant amounts range from US$10 thousand to US$30 thousand. Deadlines for applications are 01 June, 01 September, and 01 December each year. Know more
Forest Conservation Fund — Project Grants
The Forest Conservation Fund (FCF) provides financial support to protect and restore natural forest ecosystems worldwide. The fund targets diverse applicants including community-based organizations, NGOs, indigenous groups, research institutions, and private companies that manage or own forest land. To be eligible, projects must cover at least 500 contiguous hectares of native forest and be located in areas where commodity production, such as palm oil, timber, or soy, threatens the landscape. While FCF does not specify a rigid maximum grant amount, it offers five-year grants to support field activities, ranger training, and community livelihoods. Deadlines for quarterly reviews occur during the third week of March, June, September, and December. More information
Volvo Environment Prize — Nominations 2027
The Volvo Environment Prize aims to promote scientific research and innovations that in broad terms fall within the environmental and sustainability field. The Volvo Environment Prize Foundation invites universities, research institutes, scientists, engineers, as well as other individuals and organizations to submit nominations. Priority is given to an individual or to a group of individuals. Past laureates have included leaders in fields such as global change, biodiversity, energy efficiency, and others. The Prize consists of a diploma, sculpture, and cash award for SEK 1.5 million. The deadline for nominations is 20 January 2027. Volvo Environment Prize
Global Fund for Community Foundation — Community Support
The Global Fund for Community Foundations (GFCF) provides grants to support community foundations and other local grantmakers around the world. These grants are intended to strengthen local philanthropic institutions that shift power to communities and promote community-led development. Registered non-profit organizations and community foundations in low- and middle-income countries are eligible to apply. While grant amounts vary based on the specific funding cycle, they typically range from US$7 thousand to US$20 thousand for a one-year period. Eligible organizations are welcome to submit inquiries throughout the year. Details here