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
biodiversity
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
Gadfly Project — Software for Environmental Protection and Climate Change Mitigation
The Gadfly Project makes in-kind grants for organizations seeking to implement a software initiative in the fields of environmental protection and climate change mitigation. The grant is available to organizations both international and domestic with a focus on environmental protection and sustainability. Software development efforts with a magnitude between US$5 thousand and US$100 thousand are preferred. Please note that this is an “in-kind” grant (not a cash grant). Grants are evaluated quarterly. The deadlines are 23 January, 24 April, 24 July, and 23 October 2026. Details here
Scientific Exploration Society — Explorer Awards 2026
The Scientific Exploration Society (SES) awards “pioneers with purpose” who combine innovative field expeditions with important research contributions, including in subject areas related to the environment and conservation. The awards are intended to provide a financial contribution to the overall cost of the fieldwork phase of scientific exploration. Grants range from US$4 thousand to US$7 thousand. For 2026, SES announces six award categories. The application deadline for a simple online application (stage 1) is 01 February 2026. Explore
IUCN — Protection of Natural Resources of the Selva Maya
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) invites applications to strengthen the conservation of the most extensive tropical forest in Mesoamerica. IUCN invites civil-society organisations from Belize, Guatemala and Mexico to apply for grants to support conservation and sustainable natural-resource projects across the tri-national “Selva Maya” region. The funding pot offers up to €750, thousand for sub-projects under this second grant cycle. The call is open to relevant NGOs, community groups or conservation organisations active in the region. The call will remain open until 02 February 2026. Selva Maya II
Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund — Grants in Support of Endangered and Critically Endangered Species
The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund makes grants to individuals, communities, and organizations for the conservation of threatened or poorly known animal, plant, and fungi species worldwide. The Fund uses the IUCN Red List as the primary guide to the conservation status of a given species, although documented variations for sub-species, distinct populations, and subpopulations will be taken into account. Grants are up to US$25 thousand. Applications must be submitted in English. The next application deadline is 31 March 2026. Know more
EuroNatur Service GmbH — Photo Competition
The EuroNatur Photo Competition seeks great wildlife and landscape photographs. Amateur and professional photographers are invited to submit impressive pictures of the many facets of Europe’s natural world. The winning photos will be published in the large-format EuroNatur wall calendar and will be awarded with money prizes. The submission deadline for photos is 31 March 2026. Know more
United Nations — Local Pathways Fellowship
The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Youth Initiative (SDSN Youth) recruits participants for its 2026 cohort of the Local Pathways Fellows. The 10-months fellowship program provides young leaders with a platform, capacity building, training opportunities and contacts of leading development experts and practitioners. The Local Pathways Fellowship is unpaid. Fellows will benefit from global visibility and exposure. Young candidates (18-30 years) working towards achieving any of the Sustainable Development Goals and representing any city or country in the world are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted until 21 December 2025. Link to Local Pathways
Yale University — Young Global Scholars Program
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) offers two-week academic summer programs for high school students from all around the world. The program offers four interdisciplinary sessions on campus at Yale (USA), including sessions on Innovations in Science & Technology and Solving Global Challenges. YYGS offers the opportunity for students to apply for need-based financial aid. Furthermore, YYGS will waive the application fee if it constitutes a significant financial burden for the student’s family. The application deadline is 07 January 2026. About Yale Young Global Scholars
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Capacity Enhancement Support Program 2026
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) welcomes proposals for funding under the 2022 Capacity Enhancement Support Program, which seeks to enhance the long-term capacity of GBIF participants through collaborative projects. The program provides co-funding to current GBIF participants. The maximum funding request is €20 thousand per project. Concept notes must be submitted by 19 January 2026. Capacity Enhancement Support Program