The Open Rivers Programme invites applications for grants to support the removal of small dams and barriers to restore free-flowing rivers across Europe. Non-governmental organisations, public authorities, and community groups can apply for funding to complete preparatory work, technical assessments, and the physical removal of redundant instream structures. The program offers different grant categories, with funding amounts varying depending on the scope of the project, including small grants under €10 thousand for preparatory phases and larger allocations for full-scale barrier removals. The deadline for the current application cycle is 26 June 2026. Open Rivers
Category: Water Resources
The Catalyst Social Impact Program supports social enterprises focused on health, hygiene, water, sanitation, and climate resilience. The program provides tailored business development, mentorship, and funding to scale purpose-driven ventures that address systemic inequalities and deliver community-level impact. The program is open to entrepreneurs from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States. The deadline to apply for the 2026 cohort is 09 August 2026. Social Impact Program
The UNICEF Sustainable WASH Innovation Hub invites submissions for proven innovative water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions that have demonstrated evidence in addressing critical global challenges. The program targets individuals, businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and organizations worldwide with scalable technologies or models that align with UNICEF’s strategic problem statements, such as groundwater mapping, climate-sensitive data, or innovative financing. Selected participants gain access to UNICEF’s global network across more than 190 countries, technical guidance from experts, and strategic matchmaking to scale their impact, though specific monetary funding amounts are not disclosed. There is no fixed deadline, as submissions are reviewed on a rolling, quarterly basis. Innovative WASH Solutions
The Japan Water Forum makes small grants to grassroots organizations in least-developed countries. Funding is made to projects addressing local water-related issues, including innovative solutions for water and sanitation, risk reduction for water-related disasters, and WASH projects. Grants are up to US$1,500. The application deadline is 30 June 2026. Details here
The Foundation makes grants for sustainable development of water resources in Latin America. Grant recipients for community water projects include government agencies, development NGOs, foundations and institutes, and other nonprofit organizations. To propose projects, applicants should contact the Foundation via its email address or telephone. Details
- Tags: community projects, LAC, nonprofit orgs, water, worldwide
The World Economic Forum runs the Transforming Water Systems Challenge to accelerate innovative solutions for global water security. The program searches for early-stage startups and growth-stage enterprises that offer technological, financial, or policy-driven innovations to modernize water utilities and improve freshwater infrastructure. Winners will gain access to a global network, visibility and engagement opportunities to support deployment, and will each receive a CHF 175 thousand prize. The deadline to submit an application is 04 June 2026. Transforming Water Systems Challenge
The Earth Journalism Network invites applications for its Mekong story grants to support in-depth reporting on water governance, transboundary river issues, and community experiences. Early-career, experienced, or freelance journalists from Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam working in any medium are eligible to apply. The program expects to award 13 grants of up to US$2 thousand each to cover reporting expenses, with a focus on stories written in English that emphasize gender equity and social inclusion. The deadline for applications is 14 June 2026. Link
IHE Delft offers free online courses on various water topics on its OCW Platform. Available courses include Biological Wastewater Treatment, Spate Irrigation Systems, and Ecological Sanitation, among others. Each online course is divided by topics and course units for self-learning. Courses are available anytime. Browse the courses
- Tags: individuals, no deadline, training/education, water, worldwide
The African Center for Aquatic Research and Education (ACARE) invites applications for its African Women in Science (AWIS) program to support women pursuing careers in freshwater sciences. The program provides mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional development to female scientists who are citizens of African countries bordering the African Great Lakes (Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia). AWIS offers financial support to cover research-related expenses and participation in international conferences, though specific grant amounts are not listed. Applications must be submitted by 15 June 2026. Link to ACARE
- Tags: Africa, individuals, june2026, research, water
The RELX Group sponsors the RELX Group Environmental Challenge to recognize projects worldwide that best demonstrate sustainable access to safe water and/or access to improved sanitation. The challenge is open to individuals and organizations (profit and non-profit). Projects must advance sustainable access to safe water where it is presently at risk, and/or access to improved sanitation. Two prizes are available, with one winner in the clean water and sanitation category and one winner in the ocean category each receiving a grant of US$75 thousand. The submission deadline is 12 July 2026. About the RELX Group Environmental Challenge