The Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) supports entrepreneurs using technology to drive social and environmental change across Africa and the Middle East. Orange invites tech-based startups and individuals to apply if their projects address local needs in fields such as health, education, agriculture, or sustainable development. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and based in one of the 17 participating countries, including Botswana, Egypt, Morocco, and Senegal. The competition features a national stage followed by an international grand prix, where three winners receive prizes of €25 thousand, €15 thousand, and €10 thousand respectively, alongside an additional €20 thousand International Women’s Prize for projects supporting women’s empowerment. The deadline for applications is 10 May 2026. Social Venture Prize
Africa
UNESCO — Fellowships in Archaeology and Conservation
UNESCO invites applications for a nine-month fellowship at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland. This program provides an archaeological internship focused on multidisciplinary methods and conservation practices for seven selected professionals. Eligible candidates must be no more than 40 years old, hold a Bachelor of Arts or Master of Arts degree in archaeology or conservation, and be a national of one of the invited Member States across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The fellowship includes international travel costs, health insurance, and a monthly allowance of PLN 1,800 for Bachelor’s degree holders or PLN 2,200 for Master’s degree holders. Additionally, participants receive a one-time pocket allowance of US$120. The deadline for National Commissions to submit nominations to UNESCO is 15 May 2026. Link
Association of Commonwealth Universities — Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) supports the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries. The scholarships fund cultural and academic exchanges and are awarded across many subjects, including climate resilience and life sciences. Eligibility extends to citizens of (or with refugee status in) a Commonwealth country other than the country hosting the award. Scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses (stipend) for the duration of the award, return economy flight, one-off arrival allowance, and research support grant (on request). The application deadline is 03 June 2026. Find the available scholarships
Conservation Action Research Network — Aspire Grant Program 2026
The Aspire Grant Program provides competitive research grants of up to US$5 thousand for African graduate students and early-career professionals working in the areas of biodiversity, conservation, wildlife, and ecosystem health in the Congo Basin. Applicants should be 35 years of age or younger and reside in one of the following countries: Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, or Uganda. The application deadline (English, French, Spanish) is 10 June 2026. About the Aspire Grant Program
Watson Institute — Education in Social Entrepreneurship
The Watson Institute offers a 16-week program designed for entrepreneurs seeking to elevate their ventures with access to a global network, training designed to strengthen skills, and mentorship with seasoned professionals, venture capitalists, and executives. Fellows can earn up to US$6,000 in seed funding for their venture. Eligibility extends to entrepreneurs leading an early-stage social impact venture, with a preference to applicants from the USA, Brazil, China, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. The Watson Institute accepts applications until 28 June 2026. Link
International Elephant Foundation — Elephant Conservation and Research 2026
The International Elephant Foundation makes grants for the conservation and research of elephants. Eligibility extends to organizations and individuals internationally — including students, scientists, and institutions. The Foundation supports in situ or ex-situ conservation of African or Asian elephants or their habitats. Most awards are about US$15 thousand for one year. The application deadline for short pre-proposals is 07 August 2026. Click here
Earth Journalism Network — Great Ape Conservation Media Workshop
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) invites applications from journalists in Indonesia and Malaysia for a specialized workshop on reporting the conservation of gibbons and orangutans. This program seeks to strengthen the capacity of media professionals to cover the threats facing these primates, including habitat loss, illegal trade, and the impact of human-wildlife conflict. Eligible applicants include staff and freelance journalists from print, online, radio, and television outlets who have a demonstrated interest in environmental and biodiversity issues. Selected participants will receive full coverage for travel, accommodation, and meals during the workshop, and those who complete the training will be eligible to apply for follow-up story grants. The deadline for applications is 24 April 2026. Great Ape Conservation Media Workshop
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Guinean Forests of West Africa Large Grants
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites letters of inquiry for large grants to support biodiversity conservation in the Guinean Forests of West Africa hotspot. This call is open to civil society organizations operating in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Liberia, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Projects must align with specific investment priorities related to species conservation and the management of priority sites. Grant amounts range from US$50 thousand to US$250 thousand. Applicants are encouraged to review the regional ecosystem profile and consult with the Regional Implementation Team before submitting their proposals.The deadline for letters of inquiry is 11 May 2026. Know more
L’Oréal-UNESCO — Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa
The Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO invite applications for the For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Programme to support young women researchers across the region. This program is open to female PhD students and post-doctoral researchers who are citizens of one of the 49 Sub-Saharan African countries and are conducting research there. Eligible fields include formal and life sciences, environmental and physical sciences, and engineering and technological sciences. The program will award 30 grants of €10 thousand to doctoral students and eight grants of €15 thousand to post-doctoral researchers, alongside leadership and communication training. The deadline for applications is 15 May 2026. Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association — Marine Conservation Training Program
The School of Wildlife Conservation (SOWC) invites applications for a 12-week online training program focused on effective management for marine conservation and biodiversity in Africa. The course is designed for marine conservation practitioners across the continent and includes an optional five-day in-person intensive session at an African location. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, strategic management, and ethical practices to address environmental challenges while balancing economic and community needs. While the full cost of the program is not specified, partial merit-based scholarships are available to a limited number of successful applicants. The deadline for applications is 30 March 2026. Marine Conservation Training Program