The Young Champions of the Earth honors environmental entrepreneurs with innovative ideas for the planet. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 from all global regions are eligible to apply, provided they have at least six months of experience working on their environmental project. Winners receive US$10 thousand in funding, along with mentorship, workshops, and a smartphone multimedia production kit to document their progress over a one-year period. Additionally, winners may compete in a pitch competition for a Planet A grant of up to US$100 thousand. The deadline for applications is 31 March 2026. Young Champions of the Earth
Category: Biodiversity, Conservation, Wildlife
The Iris Prize celebrates and supports young people accelerating action to protect and restore nature. The Iris Project awards three grants each year: US$5,000 for ages 14-24 awarded for a new idea; US$10 thousand for ages 16-24 awarded for an existing project; US$15 thousand for ages 16-24 awarded for an established project. Application is open to individuals, teams and organizations from all around the world. Applications are open until 08 April 2026. About the prize
The Pulitzer Center seeks local movements across Africa to promote climate and environmental action by supporting outreach initiatives that creatively integrate Pulitzer Center-supported journalism. Participants will receive micro grants to develop community engagement, dialogue forums, and awareness campaigns focused on climate and labor, rainforest protection, and ocean conservation. Grants range from US$2,500 to US$3,000. Eligibility extends to local organizations and movements targeting young professionals or communities across Africa. Applications close on 30 April 2026. ACE Micro Grants
The ABC Conservation Awards (up to £3 thousand) support small and medium-sized bird conservation projects in Africa. Applicants should normally be resident in Africa. The ABC Expedition Awards (up to £5 thousand) take place within continental Africa or adjacent islands, with a strong base in conservation and birds. Applications are reviewed multiple times a year, with deadlines at the end of February, June, and October. Link
The American Society of Primatologists (ASP) supports students and young researchers from habitat countries who are engaged in primate conservation. Grant proposals are invited for either captive or wild primate-oriented research projects. Applications for start-up funds, supplementary funding for students, and innovations in animal care and research technology are welcome. Award amounts range from US$500 to US$2000. Applications for small grants need to be submitted by 20 March 2026. Learn about ASP’s research grants
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) recognizes and honors individuals and organizations at the grassroots level who have made significant contributions to protect Nepal’s rich biodiversity. WWF Nepal welcomes nominations for Conservation Awards 2026 from Nepali individuals and/or organizations working in the field of conservation and natural resource management. Up to three awards will be made to individuals (Rs. 50 thousand) and organizations (Rs. 100 thousand). Nominations should be submitted by 30 March 2026. More about the Conservation Awards
Youth Learning as Citizen Environmental Scientists (YLACES) invites applications for its grant programs to support youth-led environmental research and data collection. The program provides educators and organizations with funding to purchase scientific instruments and supplies or to host student research symposia. Eligible applicants include K-12 educators and educational organizations in the United States, as well as international educators in countries participating in the GLOBE Program. US-based applicants can receive up to US$1,500 for equipment or up to US$5,000 for symposia, while international applicants are eligible for equipment grants of up to US$1,500 with a national GLOBE coordinator’s endorsement. The deadline for applications is 31 March 2026. Link to YLACES
The Pulitzer Center invites applications for the Africa Impact Seed Funding to support micro-scale education projects that address socio-ecological challenges. Open to K-12 teachers, lecturers, researchers, and student groups based in Africa, the program funds activities that utilize Pulitzer Center reporting on rainforests, oceans, and climate change. Projects must be implemented within a four-month period and demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Grants range from US$2,000 to US$3,500 to cover project-related costs and engagement activities. The deadline for applications is 16 April 2026. Africa Impact Seed Funding
The Elephant Managers Association (EMA) accepts proposals focused on field-based conservation projects in Africa and Asia. Projects should have a significant impact on resolving current or urgent elephant-related issues. Higher priority will be given to proposals that provide education and community outreach, provide capacity-building in local communities, and improve captive elephant management and welfare. EMA will award two grants of US$3,000 each. The opportunity is open to anyone, including keepers, conservationists, and researchers. The deadline for the grant application is 18 April 2026. Elephant Managers Association
The Tusk Conservation Awards highlight the achievements of individuals working for conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa (£100 thousand) is awarded to a distinguished individual for exceptional lifetime achievement in African conservation. The Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa (£75 thousand) is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated a considerable commitment to conservation, and who has already made a significant impact. The Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award (£30 thousand) recognizes the dedication and commitment of an individual who works in the field on a daily basis protecting Africa’s wildlife. The deadline for nominations is 26 April 2026. Nominate here
- Tags: Africa, april2026, awards/prizes, biodiversity, conservation, individuals, wildlife