The Rainforest Trust partners with local conservation organizations to create new protected areas and expand existing ones for Critically Endangered and Endangered species. The Initiative invites applications for conservation partnerships from nonprofit entities and NGOs for projects in tropical Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Applying organizations may submit proposals for either a land purchase or a protected area designation. Applications to create new protected areas are reviewed three times per year. The next application deadline is 01 October 2026. Applications for less than US$250 thousand may be submitted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Link
biodiversity
Explorers Club — Marine Exploration Grant
The Explorers Club supports the scientific fieldwork of groundbreaking explorers around the world. The Stephenson Explorers Advancement Program supports college undergraduates/graduate students, and independent explorers under the age of 35 conducting exploration and field research for marine exploration and conservation projects. The average award is US$10 thousand. The deadline to submit applications is 02 October 2026. Stephenson Explorers Advancement Program
Harvard University — Environmental Fellowships 2027
Harvard University’s Center for the Environment awards environmental fellowships. The fellowships enable recent doctorate recipients to use Harvard’s resources to tackle complex environmental problems. Eligibility for funding extends to candidates with a doctorate or equivalent in any subject area from any university in the world. Candidates may propose research projects in any discipline. The fellowship includes a salary of US$92 thousand per year, plus reimbursement for relocation expenses, annual allowance for travel and other professional expenses. The deadline for applications is 01 December 2026. HUCE Environmental Fellowships
Earth Journalism Network — Investigative Reporting Grants on Biodiversity in West Africa
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) invites applications for story grants supporting in-depth journalism on biodiversity in West Africa. EJN will award five grants averaging €1,000 to €2,000 each, plus mentorship from an experienced editor throughout the reporting process. Applicants must be journalists based in West Africa — Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, or Togo — with preference given to those based in Francophone West Africa. Freelancers and early-career journalists are welcome. The application deadline is 21 August 2026. Investigative Reporting Grants
Explorers Club — Fieldwork Addressing Novel Scientific or Environmental Questions
The Explorers Club supports the scientific fieldwork of groundbreaking explorers around the world. The Rolex Explorers Club Grant supports young explorers under the age of 35 who are conducting field research to address a novel scientific, environmental, or historical question. The average award is US$10 thousand. The deadline to submit applications is 14 September 2026. Rolex Explorers Club Grant
Pulitzer Center — Local Letters for Global Change
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
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Guinean Forests of West Africa Small Grants
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites letters of inquiry for small 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 are up to US$50 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 31 August 2026. Guinean Forests of West Africa Small Grants
Explorers Club — Fieldwork by Graduate Students and Early-Career Scientists
The Explorers Club invites applications for the Pathfinder Grant, previously called the Exploration Fund Grant. The grant supports graduate and post-graduate students and early-career scientists conducting field research. Relevant disciplines include anthropology, archaeology, wildlife, botany, earth sciences, marine and freshwater research, ecology, geography, and paleontology, and the Club gives priority to expeditions tackling ambitious research questions over survey data. Awards average US$2,500 to US$5,000. Each application requires two written recommendations. The deadline is 31 August 2026. Pathfinder Grant
Explorers Club — Field Science by High School and Undergraduate Students
The Explorers Club invites applications for the Rising Explorer Grant, which funds scientific fieldwork by high school students, college undergraduates, and independent researchers working at an equivalent level. Awards average US$1,500. Each application requires two written recommendations. The deadline is 31 August 2026. Rising Explorer Grant
Explorers Club — Conservation and Sustainability Fieldwork
The Explorers Club and the Swedish outdoor company Fjällräven invite applications for the Fjällräven Field Grant, which supports fieldwork in the natural sciences related to conservation, the environment, and sustainability. The grant is open to graduate and post-graduate students and early-career scientists; the Club’s grant criteria also specify explorers under the age of 35. Awards are US$5,000. Each application requires two written recommendations. The deadline is 06 September 2026. Fjällräven Field Grant