The Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance, an investor-led public-private initiative, invites applications to its Call for Ideas, seeking innovative financial vehicles designed to mobilize private capital for climate mitigation and adaptation in developing countries. Rather than funding projects directly, the Lab provides selected teams with roughly seven months of technical assistance, investor engagement, and go-to-market support worth over US$250,000, aimed at developing and launching the vehicle itself. Applicants must be cohesive teams with a proven track record in deploying capital or climate solutions, targeting implementation in ODA-eligible countries, with a specific focus this cycle on Africa, Asia-Pacific, Brazil, India, or Latin America and the Caribbean. Preliminary applications are due 18 October 2026. Call for Ideas
Ilka Westermeyer
Marine Stewardship Council — Science and Research Fund
The MSC’s Science and Research Fund supports research projects addressing the barriers that MSC-certified fisheries face in maintaining certification, such as bycatch reduction, marine habitat protection, or climate change impacts. Grants reach up to £50,000 over up to two years. Applicants first submit an Expression of Interest before a full application. The deadline is 18 October 2026. Science and Research Fund
Pure Ocean — Pure Ocean Challenges
Pure Ocean seeks projects that develop marine conservation initiatives managed by local communities and Indigenous peoples or explore nature-based solutions for the preservation of blue carbon ecosystems. This year’s call is restricted exclusively to projects based in mainland France or its overseas territories — the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, and French overseas territories in the Indian Ocean and Pacific. Applicants of any nationality are welcome, provided the project itself is located in one of these areas. Only non-profit organizations (NGOs, universities, research institutes) can apply and receive funding. Pure Ocean only supports scientific projects addressing a clearly defined research question. Selected projects will receive up to €40 thousand (€30 thousand/year), for the duration of one to two years. Applications have to be submitted by 19 October 2026. Pure Ocean Challenges
United Nations Development Programme — Czech Challenge Fund
The Czech Challenge Fund invites private-sector entities, NGOs, universities, state institutions, and research centers to submit innovative solutions addressing development challenges in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, or Moldova. Funding ranges from $20,000 to $40,000 for feasibility studies or pilot projects lasting up to 12 months, with at least 20% co-funding required from the applicant, financial or in-kind. The deadline is 20 October 2026. More information
National Geographic Society — Ocean Exploration and Discovery
The National Geographic Society invites early-career scientists worldwide to apply to lead ship-based research aboard SOI’s Falkor (too) research vessel, currently recruiting for its 2027-2028 season traversing the west and south coasts of Africa. The opportunity provides one berth space and access to the vessel’s onboard laboratories, underwater robotics, camera systems, and high-performance computing infrastructure. In prior cycles, the Society has awarded grants of up to US$20,000 to cover travel and project-related costs for the selected research, conservation, or technology project. General National Geographic eligibility applies: applicants must be 18 or older, may lead only one active proposal at a time, and must have submitted final reports for any prior National Geographic grants before applying to lead a new one. The deadline is 21 October 2026. Ocean Exploration
Bat Conservation International — Student Research Scholarships for Bat Conservation
Bat Conservation International (BCI) requests proposals from student researchers seeking financial support for bat conservation research projects. Research may focus on human-caused environmental changes (such as land development or climate change on bats), bat-human conflicts (such as hunting, roost disturbance, and persecution), or behavioral or ecological questions that aid the protection of a bat species. The geographical scope is Latin America and the Caribbean; Africa and its adjacent islands; and globally. BCI anticipates granting up to US$3,000 each. Additional funding is available through special awards. The scholarship is only open to students who are registered with a recognized academic institution. The application deadline is 31 October 2026. Link to Bat Conservation International
MedWet — World Wetlands Day 2027 Awareness Grants
MedWet invites local initiatives across the 27 Mediterranean countries that are Ramsar Convention Contracting Parties to apply for small grants supporting awareness and education activities marking World Wetlands Day. This year’s call selects 34 projects, each receiving up to €300, with particular attention to activities aimed at audiences up to 25 years old. Each organization may submit only one proposal. The deadline is 03 November 2026. Awareness Grants
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development — Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) invites African women agricultural scientists to apply for a 24-month, non-residential leadership fellowship combining mentoring, leadership development, and technical training. Free to apply, no fees. Eligible countries: Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. Applicants need a minimum Master’s degree and at least seven years of professional experience, working in national research systems, ministries of agriculture, universities, or research institutions. The deadline is 06 November 2026. Visit AWARD
Schlumberger Foundation — Funding for Women in PhD and Postdoctoral Studies
Schlumberger Foundation’s ‘Faculty of the Future’ supports women in developing and emerging economies in pursuing PhD and postdoctoral studies at the international level. Grants are in the physical sciences, engineering, and related fields — including past grants in subjects such as ecology and environment. Grants can be up to US$50 thousand per year for PhD courses and a maximum of US$40 thousand for post-doc research programs. The deadline to submit new applications is 07 November 2026. Faculty of the Future
Oklahoma City Zoo — Conservation Grants 2027
The Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden offers competitive small grants up to $2,500 supporting research, education, or species preservation efforts. In 2026, funding is restricted to projects involving invertebrate conservation or research, and grants go exclusively to early-career professionals — those currently in a graduate program (MSc, PhD, DVM) or who received a graduate degree no earlier than 2021. No more than 20% of funds may go toward travel, and salaries aren’t covered except for locally hired support staff. The deadline is 13 November 2026. Conservation Grants