The European Commission provides technical assistance grants to support the preparation of Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) under the LIFE Programme. These grants are available to public bodies, private non-commercial organizations, and for-profit entities based in EU Member States or countries associated with the LIFE Programme. The funding is intended to help applicants develop full SIP proposals that implement regional, multi-regional, or national climate action plans. Each project can receive up to €70 thousand in co-funding. The deadline for applications is 16 September 2026. Details here
Ilka Westermeyer
QS ImpACT — Scholarships for Social Change
QS ImpACT offers several scholarship opportunities for young leaders and students who demonstrate a commitment to creating positive social impact in their communities. Eligibility is generally open to students globally who are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies, particularly those who are members of the QS ImpACT community or attending a QS event. The program provides various funding levels, including awards of US$2 thousand and larger scholarships up to US$10 thousand to support educational expenses. While some awards are periodic, major applications typically follow an annual cycle with a closing date of 21 September 2026. Scholarships for Social Change
Common Fund for Commodities — Support for Commodity Development
The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) provides financial and technical instruments to support projects proposed by enterprises, cooperatives, and institutions. Funding is targeted mainly to for-profit organizations and social enterprises. Projects focused on the sustainable use and conservation of forest resources in the Congo Basin region (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo) are eligible. The maximum amount is US$ 2 million for regular projects, and up to US$ 300 thousand under the Fast-Track procedure. The 29th call for proposals has a deadline of 01 October 2026. Link to the Call for Proposals
Royal Geographical Society — Gilchrist Fieldwork Award
The Royal Geographical Society invites applications for the Gilchrist Fieldwork Award. The aim of the award is to support challenging overseas fieldwork projects carried out by a team of university academics and researchers. The team should comprise up to 10 members, the majority of whom should be British. Previous winning themes include climate change, ecosystem function, climate science, and ocean circulation. The biennial award offers £15 thousand. The deadline for applications is 16 November 2026. More
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale, high-impact projects in Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Eligible applicants include local non-governmental organizations, community groups, and non-profit entities, as well as local academic and municipal institutions. The program focuses on thematic priorities such as democratic governance, human rights, peace and security, and environment and climate action, with gender equality as a cross-cutting theme. Grants typically average CAN$24 thousand, while the maximum annual contribution for a single project is CAN$30 thousand. The deadline for the submission of preliminary applications is 08 May 2026. Link
Blue Carbon + – Coastal Agriculture and Aquaculture Research
Blue Carbon +, a joint initiative by Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy, seeks proposals to investigate the climate change mitigation benefits of specific coastal business models. Qualified post-doctoral researchers and research groups are eligible to apply for this opportunity to conduct literature reviews, field research, and life cycle assessments focused on saltwater agriculture, mangrove-positive shrimp and mud crab production, and seagrass-positive sea cucumber production. While the program is global in scope, current research locations include Portugal, Mexico, Indonesia, Ecuador, Vanuatu, and Zanzibar. The total available budget for this work is US$280 thousand, which covers a two-year project period. The deadline for applications is 10 May 2026. Details here
Let’s Sustain — Youth Climate Project 2026
Let’s Sustain invites applications for the Youth Climate Project 2026 to support young changemakers with innovative climate solutions. The program offers a fully funded seven-day trip across Europe starting from Germany, where participants can choose their own destinations and present their projects to sustainability leaders. Eligibility is open to individuals between the ages of 18 and 50, as well as youth-led organizations or informal youth groups, provided they hold a valid passport and are committed to attending the program. While specific cash grant amounts are not listed, the program covers all travel and participation costs for the international tour. The deadline for applications is 10 May 2026. Youth Climate Project
Wildlife Acoustics — Bio-Acoustics Product Grants
Wildlife Acoustics aims to advance animal biology research, habitat monitoring and environmental conservation through bio-acoustics recording technology. The Wildlife Acoustics Scientific Product Grant Program offers US$4 thousand of product-in-kind grants to biologists, researchers, conservationists, and students who work for charitable, educational, and other tax-exempt organizations. Wildlife Acoustics provides additional support (up to US$1,000) for travel to present findings. There are no geographical limitations. Applications are evaluated quarterly with deadlines on 15 May, 15 August, and 15 November 2026. About the program
RES4Africa Foundation — Renewable Energy
The RES4Africa Foundation invites applications for the 2026 edition of RAISEAfrica, a program supporting renewable energy startups and entrepreneurs in Africa. The call is open to African citizens between 18 and 35 years old, or startups registered in Africa, who are developing innovative renewable energy solutions for the African market. Up to six selected participants will receive an initial entry contribution of €3,000, along with mentoring, coaching, and fundraising support. Additionally, participants can compete for the “Young Talent of the Year Award,” which offers a final prize between €5,000 and €10,000. The deadline for applications is 17 May 2026. Link to RES4Africa
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Burkina Faso
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) funds small-scale, high-impact projects in Burkina Faso. Eligible applicants include local non-governmental organizations, community groups, academic institutions, and municipal or national government agencies. Projects must align with thematic priorities such as inclusive governance, peace and security, and economic growth that works for everyone. The average grant size ranges from CAN$45 thousand to CAN$50 thousand, with a maximum allocation of CAN$100 thousand per project. The deadline for applications is 22 May 2026. More