National Geographic invites science-driven proposals that protect, restore, or enhance blue forest coastal ecosystems—such as mangroves, salt marshes, kelp forests, and seagrass meadows—to benefit both biodiversity and local communities. The program supports two funding levels: Level I grants up to US $20 thousand, ideal for early-career project leaders, and Level II grants up to US $100 thousand for more established practitioners seeking deeper impact. Projects must be science-oriented and are strongly encouraged to partner with communities. The RFP closes on 03 October 2025. Link to RFP
conservation
Explorers Club — Exodus Exploration without Boundaries Grant
The Explorers Club supports the scientific fieldwork of groundbreaking explorers around the world. The Exodus Exploration without Boundaries Grant supports expeditions that further our understanding of the world through scientific, cultural, and conservation fieldwork. The average award is US$4.000. The deadline to submit applications is 13 October 2025. Exodus Exploration without Boundaries Grant
National Geographic Society — The Future of Learning
The National Geographic Society seeks innovative education and research projects that cultivate the knowledge, attitudes, and skills across all learner ages and contexts necessary to protect our planet’s future. Two funding levels are available: Level I grants up to US $20 thousand for emerging leaders, and Level II grants up to US $100 thousand for more established practitioners or Explorers. This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide who are at least 18 years old. The submission deadline is 19 November 2025. The Future of Learning
World Wildlife Fund — Fonseca Leadership Program
The Fonseca Leadership Program aims to provide financial support for researchers and practitioners in Latin America to pursue graduate-level studies geared towards education and research training. Applicants may apply for up to two (master’s) and three (PhD) years of funding and request up to US$30 thousand per year. The fellowship is open to nationals of eligible countries within WWF-US and the GEF priority areas (Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Suriname). The deadline to apply is 18 December 2025. Fonseca Leadership Program
United People Global — Leadership Training Program
The United People Global (UPG) Sustainability Leadership training program offers young leaders from all over the world the opportunity to participate in an immersive 1-week experience on an island in the USA. UPG seeks young people (18-35 years) who want to take positive action that helps the world tackle a sustainability challenge to achieve any of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 500 young leaders will be selected to participate in an online program and receive a certification after successful completion of the online training. 60 participants will have the chance to attend the complimentary 1-week training in the USA (all costs of the program will be covered). Applications should be received by 31 December 2025 for the Class of 2026. UPG Sustainability Leadership
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in the Tropical Andes
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites applications for small grants (from US$5 thousand to US$50 thousand) and large grants (from US$50 thousand to US$200 thousand) in support of biodiversity conservation in the Tropical Andes. CEPF provides an informational webinar (in Spanish) to help applicants develop a successful letter of inquiry. Eligibility for grants extends to NGOs, local communities, indigenous peoples groups, and other civil society organizations in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The deadline for letters of inquiry (English, Spanish) is 30 September 2025. CEPF Tropical Andes
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development — Mountain Prize 2025
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) seeks nominations for the 2025 Mountain Prize. The Prize is awarded to an individual or organization that has demonstrated outstanding efforts enabling sustainable and resilient mountain development in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. The prize is currently set at US$ 2,500. Thematic areas include access to water for drinking or/and sanitation, food/nutrition security, climate change adaptation or/and disaster risk reduction, access to clean energy, ecosystems/biodiversity management, and two others. Women and youth are encouraged to apply. Nominations are accepted until 15 October 2025. Mountain Prize
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians — Zoological Medicine and Wildlife Health Research Grant
The American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) awards the Zoological Medicine and Wildlife Health Research Grant to professionals in zoological medicine for the care and conservation of captive and free-ranging wildlife. Two categories of funding are available: standard grants (maximum US$20 thousand) and small grants (maximum US$7,500). The application deadline is 15 December 2025. Click here for the Guidelines
Rainforest Trust — Rapid Protected-Area Feasibility Awards
The Rainforest Trust provides partnership and funding opportunities to local conservation NGOs across the tropics. The Rapid Protected-Area Feasibility Awards is intended for conservationists and researchers to evaluate important potential sites for creating new Protected Areas. Awards average US$5 thousand. The applicant must be an NGO based in the country of the proposed protected area. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Link
IUCN — Environmental Sustainability and Gender Equality
The RISE (Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Environments) Grants Challenge 2025 seeks proposals that embed gender‑based violence risk mitigation into existing or ongoing environmental and conservation projects—particularly those involving Indigenous-managed lands and protected areas. The total funding ranges from US$200 thousand to US$300 thousand for projects lasting 12 to 18 months. Eligible applicants include legally registered NGOs, community-based and civil society organizations, Indigenous peoples’ organizations, academic and research institutions, private sector companies (if non-profit), and consortiums. The call closes on 08 September 2025. Link to the RISE Grants Challenge