The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is a global competition for women social entrepreneurs who are advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The challenge honors innovative women entrepreneurs, invests in the most inspiring and transformational ideas, and ignites awareness. Awardees will participate in a dynamic pitch competition to present their business for the opportunity to receive a US$20 thousand grant. The competition is open to female entrepreneurs and business leaders from all around the world. Applications are open until 08 March 2026. More information
Ilka Westermeyer
Climate Investment Challenge — Climate Solutions
The Climate Investment Challenge is a global competition that invites graduate students and early-career professionals to develop investment-ready climate solutions addressing climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience across sectors such as energy, food systems, nature, cities, and industry. Participants work in teams to design financially viable projects and receive training, mentorship, and feedback from climate finance and industry experts throughout the challenge. Finalist teams compete for cash prizes (typically up to US$10 thousand) and gain exposure to investors and climate leaders to help advance or pilot their solutions. The challenge is open worldwide.The submission deadline for concept notes is 16 March 2026. Climate Investment Challenge
Fondation Franklinia — Conservation of Globally Threatened Trees
The Foundation Franklinia accepts project proposals focused on in-situ conservation of threatened trees in the Mediterranean basin. Eligibility extends to any organization with well-established expertise and efficiency in plant conservation. Projects must aim at improving the conservation status of globally threatened tree species listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Funding from the Foundation favors conservation projects with reasonable budgets in relation to proposed activities. A minimum of 20-50% of co-funding will be required. The deadline for submission of proposals (English) is 26 March 2026. Tree Conservation
East-West Center — Pacific Islands Leadership Program
The East-West Center welcomes applications for the Pacific Islands Leadership Program with Taiwan to enhance the leadership capacities of young leaders in the Pacific Islands. Participants will spend approximately two months at the East-West Center’s campus in Hawaii, in addition to a month in Taipei at the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs. The curriculum includes topics in climate change and environmental stewardship, among others. Eligibility extends to early and mid-careers professionals in the Cook Islands, Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The fellowship provides a fully funded experience, covering the costs of a one-week online session, two weeks of training in Honolulu, and three weeks in Taiwan. The application deadline is 27 March 2026. Pacific Islands Leadership Program
Tällberg Foundation — Global Leadership Prize
The Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize recognizes innovative leaders addressing complex global challenges. Each of the three laureates will receive an unrestricted US$50 thousand grant. Nominations are open to anyone. Nominations close on 31 March 2026. Global Leadership Prize
Asia Global Institute — Fellows Program
The AsiaGlobal Fellows Program (AGF) is a fully funded, residential fellowship designed for mid-career professionals who are engaged in public policy, global affairs, sustainability, and regional or international issues related to Asia. Fellows receive full financial support, including a monthly stipend, accommodation allowance, travel costs, and program expenses. The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities. The application deadline is 31 March 2026. Asia Global Fellows Program
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute — 3-year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) invites applications for a three-year postdoctoral fellowship in tropical animal behavior. The annual stipend is US$62 thousand, and the annual research and travel budget is up to US$13 thousand per year. Fellows will be based in Panama and will have the opportunity to conduct comparative research throughout the tropics. Please note that applicants must find a STRI scientific staff member who will serve as their main host/advisor before submitting a final application. Applications have to be submitted by 15 April 2026. Find the guidelines
International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology — Collaborative Research Grants
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) provides funding for scientific projects in the life sciences, healthcare, bioenergy, and agricultural biotechnology. This program is open to principal investigators at universities or research institutes located in ICGEB Member States, with a specific category of “Early Career Return Grants” available for researchers under 40 who have recently returned to their home country from abroad. Grants provide a maximum of €25 thousand per year for projects lasting up to three years, for a total award of €75 thousand. The application deadline is 30 April 2026. Collaborative Research Program
International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology — BiotechNet Grants
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) supports original research projects in basic science, healthcare, and biotechnology specifically for investigators in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. These two-year grants offer a maximum annual contribution of €24,000 (€48,000 total) to cover consumables, equipment, and travel, with a unique requirement that lead investigators must host a fellow from another partner country to foster regional collaboration. Eligible applicants must hold a position at a university or research institute in one of the four beneficiary countries, and a special “Early Career Return Grant” is available for researchers under 40 who have recently returned to the region after at least two years abroad. The application deadline is 30 April 2026. BiotechNet Grants
British Council — Scholarships for Women in STEM
The British Council launches a scholarship program in partnership with UK universities to benefit women from the Americas, South Asia, South East Asia, Egypt, and Wider Europe. The scholarship provides women with a background in STEM with financial support to inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in STEM. Applications should be made directly to the participating universities. Application deadlines vary between courses, with the last deadline on 30 April 2026. Women in STEM Scholarship