The New Earth Foundation (NEF) seeks Letter of Inquiries (LOIs) to fund innovative environmental initiatives that are working to help eliminate pollution and save the planet’s ecosystems, and community projects that create models of social sustainability. Past projects include gardening and building houses in earthquake-impacted regions, using solar equipment to provide clean water to poor communities, planting trees for clean air, and many others. NEF only funds 501(c)(3) organizations. Applicants from outside the US may apply through a fiscal sponsor. Letters of Inquiry can be sent at any time during the year. These letters are reviewed twice a year and applicants that fit the requirements will receive the invitation to submit a full grant application. The deadlines for review are 01 February and 01 July each year. More about this opportunity
community projects
IUCN — Protection of Natural Resources of the Selva Maya
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
Arcus Foundation — Great Apes Conservation
Arcus makes grants to promote the survival of great apes in the wild and in sanctuaries that offer safety from invasive research and other forms of exploitation. Grants focus on activities that impact gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, bonobos, and gibbons. Grant amounts range from small, with the majority falling between US$100 thousand and US$150 thousand per year. The grants program is open to organizations worldwide. Arcus invites initial funding concepts at any time. Find the Great Apes Program
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in the Caribbean Islands
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) makes small grants in support of biodiversity conservation in the Caribbean “Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot.” Grants support community-based sustainable small-scale fisheries, protection and conservation of endangered marine species, marine protected areas management, and activities that promote improved marine and coastal ecosystems. Grants are up to US$50 thousand. Eligibility for grants extends to NGOs, community groups, private enterprises, universities, and other civil society applicants. The deadline for letters of inquiry is 23 January 2026. Details here
Paul M. Angell Family Foundation — Marine and Ocean Conservation 2026
The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation makes grants in thematic areas that include marine and ocean conservation. The Foundation is interested in marine protected areas; sustainable fisheries; conserving sharks and rays; conservation of coral reefs; and limiting plastics pollution. Eligibility extends to U.S. nonprofit organizations that have 501(c)3 registration and international conservation organizations. The application deadline is 30 January 2026. Know more
Commission for Environmental Cooperation — Environmental Leaders Program
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) offers the Generation of Environmental Leaders Program (GELP). Youth aged 18–35 from Canada, Mexico or the United States are invited to propose practical solutions for protecting land, water, and air across North America. Selected teams get mentorship, participation in a youth-environmental network, and seed funding of C$15 thousand to help turn their ideas into real projects. The deadline for applications is 01 February 2026. Environmental Leaders Program
IUCN — European Rapid-Response Fund for Invasive Alien Species
Accountability Lab East and Southern Africa — Climate Justice Incubator
Accountability Lab East and Southern Africa (ALESA) launches a 12-month Climate Justice Incubator (CJI). The CJI is for young civic leaders aged 18–30 from Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe, focusing on climate-justice innovation, community resilience, storytelling/advocacy, policy change or intersectional climate action. Applicants receive mentorship, training and hands-on support to develop their ideas into impact projects and join a network of “Climatepreneurs”. The deadline is 28 November 2025. Details here
Rockefeller Foundation — Fellowship for a Better Future
The Rockefeller Foundation supports African leaders who are creating bold, systemic solutions to critical challenges across the continent. Projects can range from social innovation and policy work to tech-driven and community-based efforts. Key focus areas include renewable energy access, resilient health systems, transformed food systems, and regional economic integration. The pre-application deadline is 01 December 2025. Big Bets Fellowship