The Neotropical Birding and Conservation (formerly Neotropical Bird Club) offers research grants for conservation work, or for research that may be of conservation benefit. Awards of US$1,500 and US$3,000 are for projects carried out by nationals and/or residents of countries in the Neotropics (i.e. the Caribbean, Central America, and South America). The Juan Mazar Barnett Award (up to US$5,000) is to encourage early-career neotropical bird conservationists and researchers. Application guidelines are available in English and Spanish. The deadlines are 01 January and 01 July of each year. Know more
Ilka Westermeyer
U.S. National Science Foundation — International Research Experiences for U.S. University Students 2026
Through the program IRES, the National Science Foundation supports U.S. university students (graduate and undergraduate) to engage in international research. Past fellowships include several in developing countries in subject areas such as ecology, renewable energy, climate change, and others. Full proposals are due 26 October 2026. More information
Rainforest Trust — Rapid Protected-Area Feasibility Awards
The Rainforest Trust provides partnership and funding opportunities to local conservation NGOs across the tropics. The Rapid Protected-Area Feasibility Awards is intended for conservationists and researchers to evaluate important potential sites for creating new Protected Areas. Awards average US$5 thousand. The applicant must be an NGO based in the country of the proposed protected area. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Link
Free Rivers Fund — Emergency Grant
The Free Rivers Fund collects donations from adventure sports companies and distributes funds to conservation groups. The idea is to give financial support to those who spend their free time protecting rivers from being dammed. The Free Rivers Fund offers emergency grants to help initiatives that have just formed in order to prevent a dam. Applications for emergency support can be submitted anytime. Free Rivers Emergency Grant
AI for Good — Environmental Footprint Measurement
AI for Good identifies innovative AI applications, building skills and standards, and advancing partnerships to solve global challenges. The AI Environmental Footprint Measurement Hackathon invites innovators worldwide to develop proof-of-concept tools that accurately measure and monitor AI’s carbon and water footprints, addressing high-impact areas like emissions, water usage in data centers, and life-cycle assessments. The winning team will earn the opportunity to present their solution at COP30 in Brazil. Participants—whether individuals or teams—must register by 27 August 2025. AI Environmental Footprint Measurement Hackathon
UN Women — Climate Entrepreneurship
The UN Women Care & Climate Entrepreneurship Accelerator is a 12-month program tailored for early- and growth-stage women-led or gender-diverse, for-profit enterprises in South and Southeast Asia focusing on solutions in the care economy, the green economy, or both. Selected participants receive grants ranging from US$5,000 to US$100 thousand, along with customized support. Eligible applicants must be legally registered, operational for at least two years. The application deadline is 31 August 2025. Care & Climate Entrepreneurship Accelerator
Africa Fellowship for Young Energy Leaders — Applications
Africa Energy Fellowship for Young Energy Leaders (AFYEL) is a capacitation program for early-career energy leaders working on sustainable access to energy and ultimately a zero-carbon Africa. The fellowship includes expert training sessions to enable participants to get empowered and gain clarity to create solutions in the area. The program is open to The ambition of the Program is to recent graduates of Physics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Building / Construction Engineering, Physics, Economics, Mathematics, Accounting, Finance and Solar Energy. The application deadline is 04 September 2025. Details here
IUCN — Environmental Sustainability and Gender Equality
The RISE (Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Environments) Grants Challenge 2025 seeks proposals that embed gender‑based violence risk mitigation into existing or ongoing environmental and conservation projects—particularly those involving Indigenous-managed lands and protected areas. The total funding ranges from US$200 thousand to US$300 thousand for projects lasting 12 to 18 months. Eligible applicants include legally registered NGOs, community-based and civil society organizations, Indigenous peoples’ organizations, academic and research institutions, private sector companies (if non-profit), and consortiums. The call closes on 08 September 2025. Link to the RISE Grants Challenge
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development — Co-Operative Research Program
The OECD Co-operative Research Programme (CRP) offers fellowships for scientists in agriculture, forestry, or fisheries to spend between 6 and 26 weeks doing research in another CRP country. The goal is to promote international collaboration, share knowledge, and strengthen research linked to food security, sustainable agriculture, and natural resources. To apply, researchers must have at least four years of postdoctoral experience, and a project idea that fits one of the CRP’s three themes: sustainable productivity, ecosystem services, or transformations for sustainability. The fellowship covers travel and living costs, helping scientists build networks and advance their research without extra financial burden. Applications for the 2026 round are open now and must be submitted by 10 September 2025. Know more
UNESCO — Land Restoration Training Program
The General Assembly of African Biosphere Reserves Network invites applications for fellowships to the GRÓ Land Restoration Training Program (GRÓ LRT). The program offers six months of training focused on land restoration and sustainable land management, hosted at the Agricultural University of Iceland. The Fellowship covers tuition and other academic expenses for the fellows, travel and health insurance costs, and a stipend that covers all their living expenses. Applicants should be working and having a prominent role in biosphere reserve ecosystem restoration activity. The deadline for application is 15 September 2025. Link to more information