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
conservation
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association — Online Seminar: Social Aspects of Marine Protected Areas
The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) invites applications for the Social Aspects of Marine Protected Areas online seminar. The program is designed to support MPA practitioners in strengthening the social aspects of their management work. The Blue Nature Alliance will be providing 20 scholarships for this edition of the program. Marine conservation practitioners, community leaders, people working in NGOs and grassroots organizations, Indigenous Peoples leading ocean conservation, and others working in the management of marine spaces are encouraged to apply. Applications are now open, and the deadline is 16 January 2026. Link to Online Seminar
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
Association of Field Ornithologists — Grants for Research on Neotropical Birds
The Association of Field Ornithologists (AFO) is dedicated to the scientific study and dissemination of information about birds in their natural habitats. The Skutch Keystone Grant supports minimally invasive research into the life histories of little-known birds of the continental neotropics. The AFO welcomes applications for funding from amateur or professional ornithologists of any nationality. Applicants and/or their primary research supervisors must be members of the AFO. The program offers one award annually up to US$15 thousand. The 2026 round of applications will be open between 15 March and 15 June 2026. More
Marisla Foundation — Marine Resources and Toxic Chemicals
The Marisla Foundation makes grants to projects that promote the conservation of biological diversity and advance sustainable ecosystem management in North America, Mexico, Hawaii, Chile, and the Western Pacific. The Foundation also supports the search for solutions to health and environmental threats caused by toxic chemicals. Eligibility for grants extends to charitable organizations and governmental entities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed four times each year. Link
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
Italian Agency for Development Cooperation — Wildlife Corridor Uganda
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) invites proposals to restore ecological connectivity and promote sustainable forest-based livelihoods in eastern Uganda. The initiative aims to re-establish a wildlife corridor between the Matheniko‑Bokora Wildlife Reserve and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, combining reforestation, agroforestry, restoration of indigenous tree species, habitat conservation, and development of non-timber forest enterprises to support local communities. The total grant pool offered is up to €650 thousand. Eligible applicants include NGOs, private companies, public operators, local authorities or international organizations registered in Uganda or other eligible countries under EU regulation. The application deadline is 15 December 2025. Details here
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