The Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) is a global competition that empowers young researchers (ages 18–35) to advance applied research into real-world agrifood solutions. The challenge focuses on projects with a tested proof of concept that are ready to be refined for piloting. For the 2026 cycle, prizes are offered in categories such as forest restoration, protein diversification using native crops, and One Health-driven rural transformation. Winning teams receive up to US$10 thousand for prototype validation, with an additional US$10 thousand awarded to the overall global winner. The current application window closes at the end of April 2026. Transformative Research Challenge
Funding News
Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry
Thrive Philanthropy provides grants to support non-profit organizations outside the United States that are working to transition food systems away from industrial animal agriculture. The program funds initiatives that promote plant-rich diets, increase access to nutritious plant-based foods, and raise awareness about sustainable alternatives to factory farming. Mid-sized or larger organizations with a proven track record of success are eligible to apply. Grant amounts range from US$10 thousand to US$30 thousand. Deadlines for applications are 01 June, 01 September, and 01 December each year. Know more
The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF) offers planting materials and technical assistance to establish fruit orchards that will be used for charitable purposes. Fruit orchards must serve communities for generations, at places such as community gardens, public schools, city/state parks, low-income neighborhoods, international hunger relief sites, or animal sanctuaries. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations, public or nonprofit schools, or government entities serving a charitable purpose. Most programs are implemented in the USA. However, FTPF will also consider international projects. Applications are accepted continuously. Plant fruit trees
Biodiversity, Conservation, Wildlife
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites letters of inquiry to organize a regional final assessment workshop for the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot. This grant supports the planning and execution of a meeting, along with preliminary activities and a post-meeting report, to evaluate the impact of CEPF investment in the region. Non-governmental organizations, community groups, private enterprises, and universities are eligible to apply. Grant amounts range from US$50 thousand to US$180 thousand for this specific technical assignment. The deadline for applications is 17 May 2026. More
The United Nations Development Programme’s Learning for Nature platform offers a free eight-week online course to train ecosystem restoration practitioners in assisted natural regeneration (ANR) techniques. Developed in collaboration with the Society for Ecological Restoration and the ANR Alliance, the program provides practical skills for planning, implementing, and monitoring cost-effective forest restoration projects. The course is open to individuals and organizations worldwide, including conservation professionals, community leaders, and students. Participants who complete the weekly quizzes and surveys receive a digital certificate of completion. The course runs from 01 June to 24 July 2026, and enrollment is currently open. More information
The People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) provides Conservation Insight Grants to support scientific research and field action aimed at preserving endangered species worldwide. Applications are welcomed from scientific researchers and conservationists based within NGOs or university research departments, with a strong preference for local project leaders working in their own countries. Eligible projects must be located in the UK, UK overseas territories, or any country not classified by the World Bank as high-income. The program offers grants between £3,000 and £10,000 per year for projects lasting up to two years, totaling a maximum of £20,000. Please note that PTES does not fund projects focused on bird species. The deadline for stage one pre-applications is 28 May 2026. Info on worldwide grant criteria
Energy, Climate Change
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) hosts a virtual workshop for journalists in Thailand focused on reporting the business impacts of the transition to net-zero emissions. Professional journalists, including staff and freelancers from print, online, radio, and television outlets based in Thailand, are eligible to apply. Participants will receive training on corporate climate commitments and sustainable business practices, and those who complete the workshop may apply for a small reporting grant of US$1,000 to produce a related story. The deadline for applications is 12 May 2026. Virtual Workshop
The Enel Foundation provides advanced training for young energy professionals through Open Global Power. This program offers a structured learning journey focused on the technical, regulatory, and business skills required for a sustainable energy transition. Eligible applicants must be between 24 and 35 years old and hold a master’s degree, MBA, or PhD. Candidates must also be citizens and residents of an African country, Brazil, or Chile, with at least one degree from a university in those regions. While the program does not provide a traditional cash grant, it offers fully funded participation in online modules and a selective residential module in Italy for top performers. The deadline for applications is 15 May 2026. Open Global Power
- Tags: Africa, early-career, energy, individuals, LAC, may2026, training/education
The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) provides catalytic finance to unlock private-sector investments in renewable energy. SEFA offers technical assistance and concessional finance instruments. Funding requests must be aligned with three strategic priorities: (1) Green Baseload; (2) Green Mini-Grids; and (3) Energy Efficiency. Technical assistance grants are available to public and private sector entities. Applications can be submitted anytime. Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa
Water Resources
Well Aware aims to help local communities in East Africa find sustainable solutions to address water scarcity and contamination. Well Aware aims to support its water projects with integrated project planning; technical evaluation; project oversight; promotion of partnerships; community training in sanitation and hygiene; and community empowerment. At this time, Well Aware is only actively implementing water projects in Kenya and Tanzania. Applications can be submitted at any time; there is no deadline. About Well Aware
The International Water Association (IWA) invites nominations for its 2026 Fellows and Distinguished Fellows program. This initiative recognizes global water professionals for their leadership, expertise, and sustained impact on water science, technology, and management. To be eligible for a Fellowship, candidates must be active IWA members—including engineers, researchers, or utility managers—who have demonstrated outstanding professional contributions. Distinguished Fellow nominations are reserved for current IWA Fellows whose long careers have left an extraordinary mark on the global water sector. While these roles are honorary and do not include a direct monetary grant, selected individuals join a prestigious global community and represent IWA at international events. The deadline for nominations is 19 April 2026. Know more
- Tags: april2026, awards/prizes, individuals, water, worldwide
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) invites applications for a virtual media workshop focused on inclusive water governance and climate resilience within the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river basin. The program aims to strengthen the capacity of journalists to report on transboundary water issues, gender equality, and social inclusion in water management. Eligible applicants include early- and mid-career journalists from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal who are interested in environmental and climate reporting. While the workshop itself is a training opportunity, participants who complete the sessions become eligible to apply for story grants, which typically range from US$1,000 to US$2,500, to fund in-depth reporting projects. The deadline for applications is 30 April 2026. Virtual Media Workshop
Cross-Cutting
The World Bank Group invites applications for the Young Professionals Program as a starting point for a career at the World Bank. The program is designed for individuals skilled in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, and many others. Applicants should hold a PhD or master’s degree and relevant work experience; be fluent in English; and meet other criteria relevant to experience, skills, and age. Every year, around 40 applicants are accepted into the program. The closing date for applications is 06 May 2026. Young Professionals Program
The Communication Foundation (CF) offers technical assistance grants to non-profit organizations seeking to improve their digital footprint and community engagement. Rather than providing direct cash awards, this program provides a “Review Grant” where experts conduct a deep-dive assessment of an organization’s website and social media channels to provide actionable recommendations. Registered NGOs and civil society organizations are eligible to apply. The grant covers the full cost of the professional review and strategic training session, valued as a specialized service to help organizations turn online clicks into community action. Applications are reviewed in cycles throughout the year, with the next window for the Online Presence Review open from 20 April to 11 May 2026. Online Presence Review
- Tags: may2026, media/journalism, nonprofit orgs, worldwide
The Dana Foundation provides funding to locally led organizations working to alleviate multidimensional poverty through community-driven solutions. This program supports non-profit organizations that are locally governed and staffed, specifically targeting those operating in regions with high poverty rates. Grantees receive €50,000 annually for a three-year period, totaling €150,000, to strengthen organizational capacity and implement integrated interventions in areas such as education, health, and climate resilience. The deadline for applications is 11 May 2026. Link
- Tags: climate, community projects, may2026, nonprofit orgs, worldwide