The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites consulting firms, NGOs, research institutions, or consortia with strong regional experience to lead the update of the Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands biodiversity hotspot ecosystem profile, which guides CEPF’s future conservation investment strategy in the region. The assignment involves technical analysis, stakeholder consultations, and synthesis of biodiversity, climate, and socio-economic data to identify conservation priorities. The selected applicant will receive up to US$150 thousand to carry out the work over a defined project period. The call is open internationally, with preference for teams demonstrating experience in biodiversity conservation and familiarity with the region. The deadline to submit proposals is 26 January 2026. Ecosystem Profile Update
biodiversity
BBVA Foundation — Awards in Biodiversity Conservation
The BBVA Foundation makes awards for biodiversity conservation in Spain and internationally. The Foundation’s goal is to publicly recognize the work done by conservationist organizations, institutions and agencies in carrying forward environmental conservation policies and projects. For Spain, there is one award of €250 thousand for actions in biodiversity conservation, and another award of €80 thousand for environmental communication. For the rest of the world, there is one award of €250 thousand for actions in biodiversity conservation. Applications for the worldwide award can be submitted in Spanish or English. The deadline for nominations is 30 April 2026. Biodiversity Conservation Awards
Hult Prize Foundation — Hult Prize Challenge
The Hult Prize is a start-up accelerator for social entrepreneurship which brings together college and university students to solve the world’s most pressing issues. In 2026, participants can pitch any idea for a social enterprise, as long as it is world-changing and aligned with at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Hult Prize runs regional competitions around the world, campus events, a national competition, and online for the chance to join the Global Accelerator Program. The winning team will be awarded US$1 million in seed capital. Hult Prize
United Nations University — MSc in Sustainability Science 2026
The UNU’s Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) offers an MSc degree program to produce scholars who will become key researchers in the field of sustainability science. UNU-IAS seeks to incorporate perspectives on global change, specifically those related to climate change and biodiversity. The Japan Foundation offers the UNU Scholarship to outstanding applicants from developing countries who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance. The deadline to apply for the MSc program is 01 February 2026. Overview
Wilson Ornithological Society — Research Grants 2026
The Wilson Ornithological Society (WOS) offers four types of research awards to fund avian research anywhere in the world. Awards support ornithologists, graduate students, young professionals, and independent researchers without access to funds. Eligibility is open to citizens of all countries. Grants range from US$2,000 to US$5,000 — varying with each award program. WOS membership is required. The next application deadline is 01 February 2026. Research Grants
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Biodiversity Data Mobilization Projects
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) funds regional and cross-regional biodiversity data mobilization projects that strengthen capacity to collect, share and apply open biodiversity data in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Eligible applicants are legal entities such as research institutions, universities, museums, NGOs or government agencies registered in the eligible regions with demonstrated experience in biodiversity data mobilization, and projects must be non-profit and publish data under open licenses. There are two grant types: regional grants of up to €90 thousand and cross-regional grants of up to €120 thousand, each with a 24-month implementation period. Concept notes must be submitted by 02 February 2026. Biodiversity Data Mobilization Projects
United Nations University — PhD in Sustainability Science 2026
The UNU’s Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) offers a three-year PhD program to produce scholars who will become key researchers in the field of sustainability science. The program seeks to incorporate perspectives on global change, specifically those related to climate change and biodiversity. The Japan Foundation offers the UNU Scholarship to outstanding applicants from developing countries who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance. The deadline for applications is 11 February 2026. About Ph.D. in Sustainability Science
Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen — Networking Civil Societies
The Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) promotes tandem cooperation between civil society organizations from Germany and partner countries (listed in the announcement). CCP Synergy is aimed at employees from two organizations who are planning a joint initiative. The purpose of such a collaboration could be, for example, the planning and implementation of joint events, fact-finding missions, research, or artistic undertakings in the fields of sustainable development or climate justice. CCP Synergy supports both cooperating organizations with a total of €4,500. The call for applications is open until 16 February 2026. CCP Synergy
Royal Society — Darwin Medal
The Darwin Medal recognizes outstanding contributions to the study of evolution, population biology, organismal biology, or biodiversity, in the spirit of Charles Darwin’s legacy. It is open to scientists of any nationality, with no age or career-stage restrictions, and is awarded biennially based on nominations rather than direct applications. The medal comes with a £2,000 monetary award and a silver-gilt medal. Nominations are submitted by peers, institutions, or learned societies. The closing date for nominations is 20 February 2026. Nominate here
Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust — Grants for Research and Training 2026
The Trust makes grants for education and research in ornamental horticulture, primarily in North America, South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Australia. Projects may focus on research in ornamental horticulture, creation and maintenance of gardens accessible to the public for educational purposes, educational activities that further ornamental horticulture, and environmentally responsible cultivation of plants which have ornamental horticultural value. Applicants include botanical gardens, arboreta, universities, and other nonprofit charitable organizations. Grants are up to US$25 thousand. The application deadline for Letters of Intent (LOIs) is 15 June 2026. More information