The Blue Ocean Competition is a global entrepreneurship competition for high school students aged 14–18 that challenges participants to develop innovative business ideas to address real-world problems in areas such as sustainability, social impact, and economic development. Students can compete individually or in teams, progressing through written pitches and virtual presentations, with finalists gaining access to mentorship, training, and networking opportunities. The competition awards cash prizes and scholarships, helping winners further develop or launch their ideas. It is open to students worldwide. The application deadline is 22 February 2026. Blue Ocean Competition
conservation
Swedish Institute — Scholarships for Global Professionals
The Swedish Institute (SI) provides fully-funded international scholarships for master’s studies in Sweden. The scholarship for global professionals aims to develop future global leaders who will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and contribute to positive and sustainable development in their home countries. The scholarship is intended for full-time one-year or two-year master’s programs. SI fully covers tuition fees and makes regular payments of SEK12 thousand to cover living expenses throughout the scholarship. The application portal will close on 25 February 2026. SI Scholarships for Global Professionals
UNCDF — Financing for Nature-Positive Private Sector Enterprises
The UNCDF seeks expressions of interest from private micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises operating in the Congo Basin region that are implementing or scaling nature-positive, deforestation-free, and climate-resilient business models. The call targets enterprises working in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, forest-industry transformation, landscape restoration, and ecotourism. The call is open to nonprofits, NGOs, social enterprises, private sector entities, and consortia. Applicants may request support ranging from US$250 thousand to US$1.5 million. The application deadline is 28 February 2026. Link to more information
RESCO — Master’s Programme Resources, Environment and Sustainability
The RESCO Master’s Program offers an interdisciplinary, two-year graduate program focused on sustainable resource management, environmental policy, circular economy, and climate transitions. The program is delivered by a consortium of European universities, and is open to students of all nationalities who hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree in fields such as environmental studies, engineering, economics, geography, or social sciences. Admitted students may apply for Erasmus Mundus scholarships that typically cover full tuition fees, travel costs, insurance, and a monthly living allowance (around €1,400 per month) for the duration of the program. The application deadline for scholarship consideration is 28 February 2026. Details here
AEON Environmental Foundation — MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity 2026
The MIDORI Prize is a biennial international prize to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity at global, regional, or local levels. In principle, the MIDORI Prize is awarded to three individuals. Each prize winner is awarded US$100 thousand. The deadline for nominations is 31 March 2026. Find nomination guidelines
iF International Forum Design GmbH — Social Impact Prize
The iF Social Impact Prize aims to publish and support design projects that contribute to solving urgent challenges and help to improve living conditions in the developing world. Solutions should already be established and help to solve well-known issues in any category of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The best projects will share a cash prize of €100 thousand in total. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations, companies, and foundations (student concepts will not be accepted). Social projects can be submitted until 20 May 2026. iF Social Impact Prize
Natural Environment Research Council — Independent Research Fellowship 2026
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) funds researchers seeking to conduct their own environmental research within an eligible host organization in the UK. NERC supports fellows undertaking research across the breadth of the NERC remit within environmental sciences, including freshwater, earth, atmospheric, marine, and terrestrial sciences, earth observation, and polar science. The total available funding is £7.2 million. This opportunity is open to applicants who hold a PhD qualification. The fellowship covers 80% full economic cost for five years. Fellows can choose to work full-time or part-time. The deadline for application is 16 June 2026. Independent Research Fellowship
Erik Hosking Charitable Trust — Writing, Photos, and Art about Birds and Natural History
The Erik Hosking Trust supports projects of scientific and conservation value on birds and other subjects of natural history through the media of writing, photography, painting, and illustration. Projects must be directly connected with ornithology or natural history. Grants of up to £750 may be awarded to suitable candidates from any country. The application deadline is 30 September each year. About the application process
Association of Field Ornithologists — Sponsored Latin American Memberships
The Association of Field Ornithologists will provide one-year membership awards to qualified Latin American Ornithologists. These awards are restricted to individuals based in Latin America (including the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America). Members have access to information and networking opportunities in the field of ornithology. Applications are available in English and Spanish. Applications have to be submitted by 15 October of each year. Know more
Neotropical Birding and Conservation — Conservation and Research in Latin America and the Caribbean
The Neotropical Birding and Conservation (formerly Neotropical Bird Club) offers small and medium-sized research grants for conservation work, or for research that may be of conservation benefit. Awards of US$1,500 and US$3,000 are for projects carried out by nationals and/or residents of countries in the Neotropics (i.e. the Caribbean, Central America, and South America). The Juan Mazar Barnett Award (up to US$5,000) is to encourage early-career neotropical bird conservationists and researchers. Application guidelines are available in English and Spanish. The next deadline for applications is 01 February and 01 July 2026. Neotropical Birding and Conservation