The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Norad invite applications for the Clean Energy for Development program to support renewable energy projects in developing countries. This call is specifically for commercial enterprises in the renewable energy sector focusing on on-grid and mini-grid solutions. Eligible projects include development studies and the construction of basic public infrastructure, such as grid equipment or access roads, which must be transferred to public ownership upon completion. The grant covers up to 50% of eligible project costs and is disbursed in arrears, requiring the applicant to finance the remaining 50% and manage initial expenses. While no fixed grant amount is specified, applicants must demonstrate technical and administrative capacity and a deep understanding of the local context. The deadline for applications is 24 March 2026. Link to Norad
Ilka Westermeyer
European Training Foundation — Green Skills Award 2026
The European Training Foundation (ETF) invites applications for the Green Skills Award 2026 to recognize excellence in developing skills for the low-carbon economy. The award is open to a wide range of applicants, including schools, training centers, businesses, NGOs, and government agencies, particularly from ETF partner countries (South and Eastern Mediterranean, Western Balkans and Türkiye, Eastern Partnership, and Central Asia). The program highlights innovative projects that help workers and students adapt to the green transition. Ten finalists will be selected to participate in a high-level event, and three winners will receive an award. The deadline for applications is 27 March 2026. Green Skills Award
International Water Association — Project Innovation Award
The International Water Association (IWA) invites entries for its 2026 Project Innovation Awards, which recognize excellence in water management, research, and technology. The awards are open to organizations and teams worldwide that have delivered impactful projects across six categories, including drinking water supply, wastewater treatment, and water resources management. While the program does not provide a direct cash grant, winners receive global recognition, with gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded at the IWA World Water Congress in Glasgow. Preliminary applications must be submitted by 27 March 2026. Project Innovation Award
Earth Journalism Network — Biodiversity Media Grants 2026
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers grants to strengthen biodiversity reporting and increase public awareness of environmental threats. These grants support projects that produce in-depth journalism, such as investigative series or podcasts, and may include capacity-building activities like journalist training and field reporting trips. Eligibility is open to media organizations, journalist networks, and journalism-focused institutions based in low- and middle-income countries. The program provides three to four grants, each valued between €10,000 and €12,000. Applications must be submitted by 28 March 2026. Biodiversity Media Grants
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association — Marine Research Grant
The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), in partnership with the Blue Nature Alliance, invites proposals for research aimed at strengthening marine conservation finance systems in the Western Indian Ocean. This thematic call seeks to generate actionable evidence on sustainable financing mechanisms to support national and regional frameworks, particularly in relation to biodiversity targets and blue economy strategies. Eligibility is restricted to Early Career Ocean Professionals as well as current Master’s and PhD students. While the specific grant amount for this thematic call is detailed in the full guidelines, the MARG program typically provides small-scale funding to support field-based research. Applications must be submitted by 30 March 2026. Marine Research Grant
United Nations Environment Program — Young Champions of the Earth
The Young Champions of the Earth honors environmental entrepreneurs with innovative ideas for the planet. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 from all global regions are eligible to apply, provided they have at least six months of experience working on their environmental project. Winners receive US$10 thousand in funding, along with mentorship, workshops, and a smartphone multimedia production kit to document their progress over a one-year period. Additionally, winners may compete in a pitch competition for a Planet A grant of up to US$100 thousand. The deadline for applications is 31 March 2026. Young Champions of the Earth
United Nations University — Visiting PhD Fellowship
The Visiting PhD Fellowship Program gives registered doctoral students the opportunity to utilize the resources and facilities at UNU-WIDER for their PhD dissertation or thesis research on developing economies. Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD program and have shown the ability to conduct research on developing economies. NU-WIDER provides a travel grant and a monthly stipend of €1,850 to cover living expenses in Helsinki during the period of their fellowship. The deadline for submission of applications is 31 March 2026. UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship
African German Young Leaders in Business — Climate-Smart Economies
The AGYLE program connects emerging business leaders from Africa and Europe to build a long-term network focused on sustainable economic cooperation. The 2026 theme, “GreenTech for Impact,” targets young entrepreneurs and professionals developing solutions in renewable energy, climate-tech, agri-tech, and sustainable mobility. Eligibility is open to individuals up to 40 years of age with at least three years of leadership experience or who have founded their own company. Applicants must be from or have worked for at least five years in Austria, Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, or Tunisia. Selected participants attend a fully funded “Live Week” in Berlin. The deadline for applications is 01 April 2026. Link to AGYLE
World Food Forum — Startup Innovation Awards
The World Food Forum invites young entrepreneurs to apply for its Startup Innovation Awards. The program highlights youth-led startups using technology to transform agrifood systems, end global hunger, and meet sustainable development goals. Eligibility is limited to startups with at least one founder or executive between 18 and 35 years old. Award winners receive at least US$7,500 per category, while the overall “Startup of the Year” receives an additional US$10 thousand prize. Applications are open globally and must be submitted by 01 April 2026. WFF Startup Innovation Awards
The Iris Project — Prize for Nature Conservation
The Iris Prize celebrates and supports young people accelerating action to protect and restore nature. The Iris Project awards three grants each year: US$5,000 for ages 14-24 awarded for a new idea; US$10 thousand for ages 16-24 awarded for an existing project; US$15 thousand for ages 16-24 awarded for an established project. Application is open to individuals, teams and organizations from all around the world. Applications are open until 08 April 2026. About the prize