The Young Leaders for the SDGs initiative recognizes young people who are leading efforts to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative offers Young Leaders a range of benefits designed to support and amplify their impact. The United Nations seeks applications from young people of all backgrounds from all around the world. Applications are being accepted until 18 April 2025. Young Leaders for the SDGs
biodiversity
One Young World — IUCN World Conservation Congress
One Young World provides scholarships to global changemakers to participate in the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Participants will join global leaders and have the opportunity to present their entrepreneurial solutions to influential decision-makers. Applicants should be between 18 and 35 years and have demonstrated leadership and experience in developing and implementing environmental action projects in the fields of nature conservation, biodiversity, climate change, and / or sustainable development. The application deadline is 27 April 2025. Click here
Australian Museum Research Institute — Postgraduate Research Award
The Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI) offers students access to the Australian Museum’s collections and research programs. AMRI focuses on environmental challenges such as climate change impacts on biodiversity, the detection and biology of pest species, and understanding what constitutes and influences effective biodiversity conservation. The postgraduate award is open to students enrolled in any postgraduate qualification program relevant to the AMRI research priorities. AMRI provides financial support of $2,500. Applications for funding may be submitted until 30 April 2025. More information
Government of Luxembourg — Business Partnership Facility
The Government of Luxembourg provides financial support to the private sector in Europe to set up sustainable commercial projects in partnership with private or public organizations in developing countries. Project proposals should focus on one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and may not exceed €200 thousand. Applications can be submitted before 30 April 2025. Details here
PAGES — African Mobility Fellowship
PAGES runs an International Mobility Research Fellowship Program for African early-career scientists on past global changes. The program aims to contribute to the development of collaborative research and the promotion of paleoscience networks in Africa. The fellowship supports African early-career scientists pursuing international research experience in paleoscience and is intended to support costs associated with international travel and living expenses while abroad. The next deadline for new applications is 15 August 2025. African Mobility Fellowship
French-African Foundation — Young Leaders 2025
The French-African Foundation invites applications for Young Leaders 2025. The program recognizes and supports young leaders to become true agents of change in relation to global challenges. Candidates must be between 28 and 40 years old and have French nationality or the nationality of an African country. Successful candidates will spend five days in France, five days in Africa, engage in high-level meetings and receive training and mentorship. Flights and accommodation will be provided. The deadline for applications is 30 March 2025. About the program
OPEC Fund for International Development — Grants
The OPEC Fund provides financial assistance to developing countries, particularly low-income countries, in support of their economic and social development efforts. OPEC will consider requests for (i) grants for country-specific activities and projects; (ii) grants for special development initiatives of global or regional scope; and (iii) emergency aid. In the past, the OPEC Fund has financed projects in agriculture, energy, health, transportation, and water and sanitation sectors. The amount of the contribution will vary according to the scope and the nature of the proposed activity. However, except for emergency aid and small grants in amounts of up to US$100 thousand, OPEC’s contribution should not exceed 50% of the total cost. Eligible partners are any government or non-government entity, including co-financing partners, private sector entities, research entities, UN agencies, and international NGOs. There is no deadline. Know more about the OPEC Fund
International Nature Image Festival — Biodiversity Short Films Contest
The International Nature Image Festival (FIIN) invites submissions of short films (duration 5-28 minutes) that promote biological natural heritage, natural regions, ecosystems, habitats, and species of wild fauna and flora. All formats including animations, documentaries, fiction, experimental films, and music videos are eligible. There are no regional restrictions for participation in the contest. The best short film will be awarded €4 thousand. The deadline to submit cinematographic works is 20 June 2025. Find more information
Legacy Project — Global Youth Awards 2025
The Global Youth Awards supports youth aged 11-25 who are leading inspirational projects for social and environmental impact around the world. This includes environmental projects and innovations to restore and regenerate the global ecosystem. The winners receive an invitation to become a Global Change Ambassador for collaborations, events, mentoring, and training. Youth from all around the world can be nominated. Nominations close 14 September 2025. Link
Dory Foundation — Grants for Early Stage Non-Profit Work
The Dory Foundation supports promising, early-stage non-profit work with grants between US$10 thousand and US$250 thousand. There are no thematic restrictions, however, projects should respond to the question: “How can we keep life meaningful and fulfilling in a world where work is automated with AI”. The funding scope is global, no specific locations targeted. The project must be a charity or non-profit project. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Details