The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) invites nominations for the Young Forest Champions initiative. This program recognizes individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 who lead innovative projects in forest monitoring using geospatial technology to support climate action. Eligible applicants include individual forest practitioners, researchers, and community leaders from Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Peru, Uganda, or Zambia, with a specific focus on those contributing to indigenous and local community efforts. Selected champions receive a US$10 thousand grant to scale their projects, along with technical mentorship and an invitation to participate in the XVIV IUFRO World Congress. The application deadline is 21 March 2026. Young Forest Champions
Funding News
Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry
Hindsight Ventures invites applications for the AFRISE Challenge accelerator program. This initiative supports young African founders between the ages of 18 and 35 who are developing scalable solutions in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and financial services. Eligible applicants must be based in Nigeria, Uganda, Morocco, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, or Senegal. Participants receive a four-week virtual bootcamp, mentorship from industry experts, and access to more than US$600 thousand in technology credits from partners like AWS and Microsoft. The program concludes with an international demo day where the top 15 startups can pitch for grant and equity-based funding. The application deadline is 27 March 2026. Know more
- Tags: Africa, agriculture, individuals, march2026, training/education
Village Capital supports startups tackling food loss and waste across Latin America. The 2026 program specifically targets eight early-stage startups using data and AI to optimize food distribution, prevent loss in production, or empower consumers to reduce waste. Eligible applicants must be legally incorporated as for-profit entities in at least one Latin American country. While the primary value of the program lies in intensive investment-readiness training, mentorship, and access to a Mexico City summit, participants also receive milestone-based funding, which in previous cycles has been approximately US$4,400 per startup. The application deadline for the 2026 cohort is 27 March 2026. Link
Biodiversity, Conservation, Wildlife
The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) invites proposals to enhance the conservation, restoration, and governance of seagrass ecosystems. This initiative supports applied, policy-relevant research designed to contribute to climate action and sustainable blue economy goals across the Western Indian Ocean region. Funding is available for up to two projects, with each eligible for a grant of up to EUR 150,000 (approximately CAN$220,000) for a 12-month implementation period. To be eligible, proposals must be submitted by a consortium of institutions from at least two of the following countries: Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, or Tanzania. The deadline for submitting proposals is 15 April 2026. Details here
The competition celebrates the hilarity of our natural world and highlights what we need to do to protect it through funny animal pictures. The competition is open to wildlife photography novices, amateurs, and professionals. Winners receive prizes (no cash awards). The deadline for entries is 30 June 2026. Comedy Wildlife
- Tags: awards/prizes, individuals, june2026, media/journalism, wildlife
The G20 Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) invites applications for the Coral Local Innovation Program (CLIP) to support research and development for coral conservation and restoration. This small grants program is open to organizations based in low- and middle-income countries, including non-profits, for-profit businesses, research institutes, and government agencies. The program provides up to US$100 thousand for projects lasting one to two years, with a requirement that the majority of funding be allocated to local individuals. The deadline for concept note submissions is 10 March 2026. Coral Local Innovation Program
Energy, Climate Change
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) offers a course focused on international environmental law-making and diplomacy. The 2026 session focuses on the special theme of “Critical Energy Transition Minerals.” Candidates from developing nations or economies in transition can apply for partial or full fellowships to help with costs. This course is designed for experienced government officials. Additionally, representatives from non-governmental organizations, the private sector, as well as researchers and academics specializing in international environmental law, are encouraged to apply. Applications must be submitted by 27 March 2026. Details
The Egis Foundation invites applications for the Team Up for Climate challenge to develop innovative solutions for climate change adaptation and resilience. This global competition is open to teams of two to five members consisting of current students or recent graduates from any country and academic discipline. Participants must propose an actionable project focused on a specific local area they know well. The first-place team receives €4,000 plus a €5,000 boost prize after six months of development and a study trip to Paris, while second and third-place winners receive €3,000 and €2,000 respectively in total funding. The deadline for applications is 28 March 2026. Climate Challenge
- Tags: awards/prizes, climate, individuals, march2026, worldwide, youth
The NYU Stern Climate Economics Journalism Fellowship is a two-day in-person fellowship designed to help journalists navigate the complex economic and financial shifts driven by climate change. This international opportunity is open to professional journalists (reporters, editors, and freelancers) worldwide who have a strong interest in covering the intersection of climate and the economy; prior formal training in economics is not required. Fellows residing outside the New York Metro Area receive a CAN$2,800 (US$2,000) stipend to cover travel and accommodation, while those within the metro area receive CAN$1,400 (US$1,000); all meals during the program are provided. The application deadline is 20 April 2026. Climate Economics Journalism Fellowship
Water Resources
The Palladium Group supports innovative, scalable projects that improve water security and economic prosperity. This global program is open to all types of organizations, with a particular emphasis on supporting small businesses, startups, and grassroots non-profits. Proposals must address one of five strategic pillars, including agricultural water productivity, urban water loss reduction, and nature-based solutions. Selected winners receive grants of up to AU$100 thousand to implement their solutions over a one-year period. The deadline for submitting a required initial concept note is 01 April 2026. Challenge Fund
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) invites its subscribing utilities to submit pre-proposals for the Tailored Collaboration Program, which funds research projects addressing regional or utility-specific challenges. This matching grant program allows subscribers to partner with research institutions, consultants, or other technical organizations to conduct applied research on “One Water” topics such as water reuse, asset management, and emerging contaminants. To be eligible, a project must be sponsored by a utility with an active WRF subscription, and the utility must provide a cash match for the funds requested. WRF provides a one-to-one match of up to US$150 thousand per project. Pre-proposals for the 2026 funding cycle must be submitted by 17 March 2026. Click here
The International Water Association (IWA) invites entries for its 2026 Project Innovation Awards, which recognize excellence in water management, research, and technology. The awards are open to organizations and teams worldwide that have delivered impactful projects across six categories, including drinking water supply, wastewater treatment, and water resources management. While the program does not provide a direct cash grant, winners receive global recognition, with gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded at the IWA World Water Congress in Glasgow. Preliminary applications must be submitted by 27 March 2026. Project Innovation Award
Cross-Cutting
The Swedish Institute invites applications for its Global Executive Programme, which focuses on integrating sustainability into core business strategies. This initiative is open to senior executives, such as CEOs and top managers, from medium to large companies in 24 participating countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The program covers all training fees, as well as accommodation and meals during a one-week onsite module in Stockholm; however, participants or their companies are generally expected to cover their own travel costs to Sweden. Applicants must be at least 30 years old and lead companies within or transitioning toward green industries, such as renewable energy or sustainable transport. The application deadline is 25 March 2026. Global Executive Program
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) provides small-scale grants to support high-impact projects designed by local partners in Liberia. Eligible applicants include local non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and community groups working on thematic priorities such as inclusive governance, peace and security, and economic growth. Funding contributions typically range from CAN$20 thousand to CAN$49 thousand, with a maximum possible allocation of CAN$100 thousand for qualified projects. The deadline for the current call for proposals is 27 March 2026. CFLI Liberia
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports high-impact projects focused on peace and security, inclusive governance, and climate action. The program primarily funds local non-governmental organizations, community groups, and academic institutions, with a focus on projects designed by local partners. Average grants range from CAN$20 thousand to CAN$49 thousand, while complex projects may receive a maximum of CAN$100 thousand. The deadline for the current call for proposals is 27 March 2026. CFLI Côte d’Ivoire