The Institute for Security Studies invites submissions for its Young Changemakers 2026 essay and video competition, aimed at centering youth perspectives on Africa’s long-term future. The opportunity is open to African citizens between 18 and 30 years old who are currently residing on the continent or in the diaspora. Applicants must submit either an essay of up to two thousand words or a three-minute video addressing key development and governance transitions for Africa over the next two decades. Winners will receive fully funded travel to participate in a high-level dialogue in Pretoria, South Africa, alongside mentorship and publication opportunities. The deadline for submissions is 26 July 2026. Details here
Ilka Westermeyer
Schmidt Marine Technology Partners — Ocean Innovation Funding Program
Schmidt Marine Technology Partners invites applications for its ocean innovation program to transform promising marine technologies into real-world conservation tools. Universities, non-profit organisations, and startup companies globally can apply with practical, scalable hardware or software projects that improve ocean health, enhance sustainable fisheries, or support habitat restoration. The program does not fund individuals directly unless they apply through an eligible institution or business. Grant amounts typically range between US$100 thousand and US$400 thousand to support the development, testing, and deployment of these systems. The application deadline is 31 July 2026. Ocean Innovation Funding
Munich Re Foundation — RISK Award “Climate Resilience”
The Munich Re Foundation and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction invite applications for the 2027 RISK Award to fund local initiatives that reduce climate-related disaster risks. Non-governmental organisations can apply with projects focused on strengthening the climate resilience of households and communities in informal and semi-formal urban settlements. Eligibility is limited to initiatives operating within low- and middle-income countries. The award provides up to €100 thousand in project funding. The deadline for Phase I applications is 31 July 2026. RISK Award
Advanced Research and Invention Agency — Climate and Weather
The Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) invites proposals for its opportunity to seed funding to explore new pathways for climate adaptation and resilience. Scientists, engineers, and social science researchers can apply with early-stage, curiosity-driven research or advanced translational science focusing on areas such as carbon dioxide removal and extreme weather forecasting. The program is open to individuals and research teams globally, though overseas applicants should note that the primary focus is on projects conducted mostly within the United Kingdom. The funding provides up to £500 thousand for selected projects. The application deadline is 31 July 2026. More
Conservation Action Research Network — Pangolin Conservation Grant
The Conservation Action Research Network invites applications for its Bochco Pangolin Conservation Grant Program to support scientific research that advances the protection of threatened African pangolins. Graduate students and early-career professionals who obtained their degree within the last five years are eligible to apply, provided they are residents of an eligible African nation, including Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, Uganda, and South Africa. Projects must focus on field-based conservation research targeting at least one of the four protected African pangolin species: the white-bellied, giant, black-bellied, or ground pangolin. The program provides funding of up to US$10 thousand per project. The deadline for applications is 01 August 2026. Pangolin Conservation Grant
Iran Ministry of Science and Technology — 40th Khwarizmi International Award
The Khwarizmi International Award recognizes outstanding scientific achievements made by researchers, inventors, and innovators from all over the world. The disciplinary fields include Agriculture, Natural Resources, Animal Sciences & Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnology, Green Technologies, among others. The deadline for submission is 07 August 2026. Learn about the award
Reckitt — Catalyst Social Impact Program
The Catalyst Social Impact Program supports social enterprises focused on health, hygiene, water, sanitation, and climate resilience. The program provides tailored business development, mentorship, and funding to scale purpose-driven ventures that address systemic inequalities and deliver community-level impact. The program is open to entrepreneurs from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States. The deadline to apply for the 2026 cohort is 09 August 2026. Social Impact Program
Future Blue Youth Council — True Blue Fellowship
The True Blue Fellowship connects and empowers youth around the world to leverage the creative arts to enact change in local communities to safeguard the ocean, waterways, and the climate. The Fellowship provides mentorship, capacity building, and funding of up to $2,500 for 10 youth-led projects that address ocean, waterways, or climate change issues in their local communities. Young people groups, clubs, or organizations worldwide can apply. Applications are due on 30 August 2026. True Blue Fellowship
UK Government — Environmental Capability and Capacity Grants
The Darwin Initiative invites applications for its Capability & Capacity grants to strengthen the organizational and technical skills of local environmental leaders in eligible low- to upper-middle-income countries. Non-governmental organisations, research institutes, and community groups can apply for projects aimed at developing the necessary expertise to design and manage effective biodiversity conservation initiatives. The program provides funding ranging from £50 thousand to £200 thousand for projects lasting between one and two years. The deadline for applications is 31 August 2026. Capability and Capacity Grants
UK Government — Environmental Capacity Building in UK Overseas Territories
The Darwin Plus People & Skills program invites applications for projects that build local capacity to protect the natural environment through training, education, and professional development. Eligible applicants include nationals, long-term residents, or individuals with an established relationship with a UK Overseas Territory. The program provides grants of up to £100 thousand to support individual training and institutional capacity building for a project period of up to 24 months. The deadline for single-stage applications is 07 September 2026. Darwin Plus People & Skills