The D-Prize funds pilot projects that more widely distribute relatively low-cost products and services in the fight against poverty. The current challenges include social enterprises for innovations in specified themes of agriculture; energy; WASH; and several other categories. The D-Prize will award 30 teams with up to US$20 thousand each to launch nonprofits or social ventures that can distribute proven poverty interventions to people in need. Eligibility to compete extends to entrepreneurs anywhere in the world and of any age or background. The D-Prize invites concept notes before 17 May (early deadline); 07 June (regular deadline); or 28 June 2026 (limited extension). Link to D-Prize
Ilka Westermeyer
Conservation Action Research Network — Aspire Grant Program 2026
The Aspire Grant Program provides competitive research grants of up to US$5 thousand for African graduate students and early-career professionals working in the areas of biodiversity, conservation, wildlife, and ecosystem health in the Congo Basin. Applicants should be 35 years of age or younger and reside in one of the following countries: Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, or Uganda. The application deadline (English, French, Spanish) is 10 June 2026. About the Aspire Grant Program
Watson Institute — Education in Social Entrepreneurship
The Watson Institute offers a 16-week program designed for entrepreneurs seeking to elevate their ventures with access to a global network, training designed to strengthen skills, and mentorship with seasoned professionals, venture capitalists, and executives. Fellows can earn up to US$6,000 in seed funding for their venture. Eligibility extends to entrepreneurs leading an early-stage social impact venture, with a preference to applicants from the USA, Brazil, China, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. The Watson Institute accepts applications until 28 June 2026. Link
MDPI — Climate Best Paper Award 2026
The journal Climate, published by MDPI, presents the Best Paper Award to recognize outstanding research and review articles that contribute significantly to the field of climate science. All papers published in the journal during 2024 are automatically eligible for consideration, including both regular submissions and those within Special Issues. The award is divided into two categories: one for a research article and one for a review paper. Each winner receives a prize of CHF 500 and a voucher to waive the Article Processing Charges (APCs) for a future submission in the journal, valid for one year. Winners will be announced on 30 June 2026. Climate Best Paper Award
International Elephant Foundation — Elephant Conservation and Research 2026
The International Elephant Foundation makes grants for the conservation and research of elephants. Eligibility extends to organizations and individuals internationally — including students, scientists, and institutions. The Foundation supports in situ or ex-situ conservation of African or Asian elephants or their habitats. Most awards are about US$15 thousand for one year. The application deadline for short pre-proposals is 07 August 2026. Click here
King Baudouin Foundation — Ernest Solvay Fund
The Ernest Solvay Fund provides grants to individuals and organizations implementing a non-commercial project that is intended to promote scientific and technological training and development, both in Belgium and abroad. Projects may focus on both education and entrepreneurship in areas such as chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and earth sciences. Financial support of up to €10 thousand will be provided. The deadline for submitting proposals is 30 September 2026. Link to Ernest Solvay Fund
100+ Accelerator — Sustainable Action Challenges
100+ Accelerator seeks companies that create products and goods that optimize water use, decarbonize value chains, help farmers produce sustainable and regenerative crops, and/or protect, renew, and grow the biodiversity of all ecosystems to sustain life on Earth. The Accelerator delivers 6 months of remote training to accelerate the collaboration and growth of cohort companies. Participants have access to mentor networks and may receive up to US$100 thousand toward pilot execution. The challenge has an open deadline. Action Challenges
Zoologische Gesellschaft für Arten- und Populationsschutz — Conservation of Globally Threatened or Data Deficient Species
The primary goal of the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP) is the conservation of unknown, but highly endangered species and their natural habitats. ZGAP funds conservation projects for globally threatened or data-deficient species, subspecies, and populations. Support is often given to young scientists from the developing world who are eager to implement conservation projects in their home countries. The maximum funding amount per project is €5 thousand. Please note that projects in the wealthier industrial countries (Western Europe, North America, Australia, and Japan) are only supported in exceptional cases. There is no application deadline. Find the guidelines for application here
Finnish Government — Recruiting Foreign Doctoral Students
The EDUFI Fellowship provides initial funding to carry out research for a doctoral thesis in Finland. Researchers or Teachers in Finnish university departments, who wish to recruit a doctoral student or a young researcher from outside Finland, can apply on behalf of the foreign student. The fellowship grant is intended for post-graduate studies as well as research and teaching cooperation in Finnish universities and covers the living costs of the fellow. The EDUFI Fellowship is available to all foreign nationals and all fields of study. Applications are accepted anytime. Link to EDUFI Fellowship
World Land Trust — Land Purchase for Conservation
The Trust provides funding for the initial acquisition of land that has conservation importance. It also funds additional activities related to protection, biodiversity monitoring, education, outreach, habitat restoration, and species reintroduction. The Trust works with legally registered and experienced conservation NGOs based in developing countries. Qualified conservation organizations that seek to become partners prepare a project proposal that follows the Trust’s criteria. There is no calendar deadline. About Buy an Acre