Local Letters for Global Change is a Pulitzer Center writing contest for students. Students are encouraged to write a letter to a local elected representative that explains the global issue they want them to prioritize (e.g., Climate and Environment), shows how it connects to their local community and proposes a solution. The Pulitzer Center welcomes entries from all current K-12 students across the globe. First-place winners will receive US$300 to support global community engagement. Educators working with groups of 50 or more students can also schedule a free, virtual workshop facilitated by a member of the Pulitzer Center Education team. The application deadline is 01 November 2026. Letters for Global Change
awards/prizes
Composting Council Research and Education Foundation — Poster Contest
The International Compost Awareness Week Committee invites submissions for its annual poster contest. This year’s theme is “All Paths Lead to Compost”. The winning poster will serve as the promotional piece of the 2026 International Compost Awareness Week and the winner will receive US$500. The contest is open to anyone from 9th grade (age 14) or older from anywhere in the world. The deadline is 15 November 2026. About the poster contest
Zendal Group — Biotechnology Awards
The International Zendal Awards recognize outstanding contributions to biotechnology projects in human and animal health within a One Health framework, offering two prizes: €40 thousand for Human Health and €25 thousand for Animal Health. The award is open to public or private institutions worldwide, including universities, NGOs, foundations, startups, and government entities. Nominations are accepted until 20 September 2026. International Zendal Awards
Global Resilience Partnership — Climate Resilience Awards
The Climate Resilience Awards for Business recognize businesses worldwide for their measurable contributions to climate resilience in operations, supply chains, or communities. The awards seek to identify and celebrate businesses who are taking action to assess and ensure future resilience to climate change and broader physical risks for themselves, their supply chains and their communities. Finalists and winners will gain online recognition and potential networking opportunities. The application deadline is 30 September 2026. Climate Resilience Awards
Whitley Fund for Nature — Whitley Awards 2027
The Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) offers the Whitley Awards to outstanding biodiversity conservation leaders in developing countries around the world. The awards are both an international prize and a form of project funding, currently £50 thousand over one year. The program is open to mid-career conservationists who are leading wildlife conservation projects in a developing country. The application deadline is 30 October 2026. Learn more
Royal Academy of Engineering — Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation
The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation awards commercialization support to African innovators developing scalable engineering solutions to local challenges. (Note: This may include one or more thematic areas covered by the Terra Viva Grants Directory). The winner will receive £25 thousand, three runners-up will be awarded £10 thousand each. Applications are accepted from individuals or small groups. The lead applicant must be a citizen of a country within Sub-Saharan Africa. The deadline for submissions is 08 September 2026. Details
MDPI Sustainability — Journal Awards 2027
The journal Sustainability (MDPI) is accepting nominations and applications for its annual Journal Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to sustainability research and support the professional development of researchers. The 2027 awards include the Young Investigator Award, Travel Award, Best Paper Award, Outstanding Reviewer Award, Editor of Distinction Award, and Carbon Neutrality Award. Eligibility varies by award: for example, the Young Investigator Award recognizes early-career researchers, the Travel Award supports researchers presenting their work at conferences, while the Best Paper Award considers articles published in Sustainability. Award benefits vary by category and may include cash prizes, conference travel support, certificates, and publication recognition. The application and nomination deadline for the Young Investigator Award and Travel Award is 31 December 2026. Sustainability Journal Awards
Lipman Family Prize — Funding for Social Change
Each year, the Lipman Family Prize awards cash to three social impact organizations – US$250 thousand for the winning organization and US$125 thousand for each of the two other honorees. The award recognizes and amplifies the work of organizations devoted to positive social impact and creating sustainable solutions to significant social and economic challenges. Past winners include projects in the field of improved sanitation, energy innovations, and micro-forestry. Eligibility extends to organizations from all around the world addressing social and economic issues. Applications close on 31 July 2026. Find details
UNESCO — Nomadic Culture of Central Asia Photo Contest
UNESCO invites applications for the international photo contest “Nomadic Culture of Central Asia: Preserving Traditions and Biodiversity”. Professional and amateur photographers aged 18 and older from any country may submit original photographs taken in Central Asia that highlight pastoral traditions, nomadic communities, livestock diversity, or biodiversity and rangeland landscapes. Finalists’ photographs will be exhibited in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in autumn 2026. The submission deadline is 09 August 2026. Central Asia Photo Contest
Thomson Foundation — Young Journalist Award 2026
The Thomson Foundation invites entries for the Young Journalist Award 2026, an international competition recognizing outstanding young journalists whose work investigates important social issues and holds power to account. Eligible applicants are journalists aged 30 or under from, or reporting in, countries with a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita below US$20 thousand. Applicants must submit three published or broadcast pieces produced during the previous 12 months. Three finalists will be invited to London, United Kingdom, to attend the Foreign Press Association Media Awards, participate in newsroom visits, and receive professional training and networking opportunities. The application deadline is 09 August 2026. Young Journalist Award