The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) invites institutions and individuals to submit proposals for transformative mountain projects. Projects must address glacier-related challenges, sustainable water management, agrifood systems, glacier preservation or the resilience and livelihoods of mountain communities. Winning projects will receive seed funding and project incubation assistance. New projects and projects in the initial planning stages are eligible; ongoing projects are not. The application deadline is 31 October 2025. Mountain Future Award
Category: Cross-Cutting Subjects
The UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge calls on startups, scaleups, and entrepreneurs globally to propose tech-driven solutions in three categories—Community-based Tourism, Inclusivity & Accessibility, and Green Projects. Selected finalists receive benefits including scholarships from Sommet Education Foundation (for hospitality programs at Les Roches), mentorship via the UN Tourism Innovation Network, opportunities to pitch at UN Tourism Demo Day, access to investors and corporate networks. Applications close 08 December 2025. Tourism Social Innovation Challenge
The AirAsia Foundation makes grants to social enterprises with projects to empower communities, enable them to build sustainable livelihoods, tackle social problems, or protect the environment. Applicants must be registered and be based in ASEAN. NGOs looking to diversify funding sources through social enterprise are welcome to submit an application. AirAsia’s priority is to support smaller social enterprises. Applications can be submitted anytime, but the review process may take up to 6 months. Link
The United People Global (UPG) Sustainability Leadership training program offers young leaders from all over the world the opportunity to participate in an immersive 1-week experience on an island in the USA. UPG seeks young people (18-35 years) who want to take positive action that helps the world tackle a sustainability challenge to achieve any of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 500 young leaders will be selected to participate in an online program and receive a certification after successful completion of the online training. 60 participants will have the chance to attend the complimentary 1-week training in the USA (all costs of the program will be covered). Applications should be received by 31 December 2025 for the Class of 2026. UPG Sustainability Leadership
Animal Welfare Student Scholarships enable students to develop their interests in animal welfare science. Students are encouraged to carry out their own projects (whether research or educational) with the aim of contributing to our growing knowledge of how best to assess, or improve, the welfare of animals (for example, farm animals, animals in zoos, pets, or wild animals). Projects may be carried out anywhere in the world. Applications are welcome from undergraduate or MSc students. Support is provided for up to 8 weeks up to a maximum of £2,800. The closing date for applications is 28 February 2026. Animal Welfare Student Scholarship
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) offers fellowships to young scientists in developing countries to enable them to spend three to 12 months at a research institution in a developing country other than their own. The purpose of these fellowships is to enhance the research capacity of promising scientists and to foster links for further collaboration. Costs are shared between TWAS and the host institutions. The fellowships are for research and advanced training. There is no age limit. However, preference is given to young scientists at the beginning of their research career and those working in Least Developed Countries. The deadline to apply is 06 October 2025. TWAS Fellowship
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) seeks nominations for the 2025 Mountain Prize. The Prize is awarded to an individual or organization that has demonstrated outstanding efforts enabling sustainable and resilient mountain development in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. The prize is currently set at US$ 2,500. Thematic areas include access to water for drinking or/and sanitation, food/nutrition security, climate change adaptation or/and disaster risk reduction, access to clean energy, ecosystems/biodiversity management, and two others. Women and youth are encouraged to apply. Nominations are accepted until 15 October 2025. Mountain Prize
Through the program IRES, the National Science Foundation supports U.S. university students (graduate and undergraduate) to engage in international research. Past fellowships include several in developing countries in subject areas such as ecology, renewable energy, climate change, and others. Full proposals are due 26 October 2026. More information
The Japan–Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program supports African nationals (aged 35 or younger) to pursue two-year master’s degrees in fields like energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, and engineering. To be eligible, candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in relevant disciplines. The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly living stipend (approximately ¥150,000 JPY, including housing), round‑trip airfare, health insurance, and may include additional support—such as research grants, internship allowances, and preparatory courses. The deadlines for enrollment applications for April 2026 are 16 September 2025, and for September 2026 enrollment, 12 November 2025 or 9 January 2026. Link
Each year, Earth Company selects one Impact Hero that has the potential to transform the future of developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Impact Heroes are visionary leaders who tackle some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges and make transformative changes to the communities they serve. Earth Company provides 3 years of support through leadership coaching, fundraising, marketing, and business development. Eligibility extends to everybody and all forms of organizations. Applications have to be received no later than 06 October 2025. Find details here