The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites proposals to establish a Regional Implementation Team (RIT) to lead biodiversity conservation efforts in the Mountains of Central Asia. The selected organization will coordinate grant-making and provide strategic leadership for projects across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Eligibility is restricted to 16 pre-identified organizations that submitted a prior expression of interest, though these entities may form partnerships with other civil society groups. The program provides up to US$8 million over a five-year period to manage a portfolio of approximately 100 projects. The deadline for full proposals is 17 April 2026. Find the call
Eurasia/Central Asia
UNESCO — Fellowships in Archaeology and Conservation
UNESCO invites applications for a nine-month fellowship at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland. This program provides an archaeological internship focused on multidisciplinary methods and conservation practices for seven selected professionals. Eligible candidates must be no more than 40 years old, hold a Bachelor of Arts or Master of Arts degree in archaeology or conservation, and be a national of one of the invited Member States across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The fellowship includes international travel costs, health insurance, and a monthly allowance of PLN 1,800 for Bachelor’s degree holders or PLN 2,200 for Master’s degree holders. Additionally, participants receive a one-time pocket allowance of US$120. The deadline for National Commissions to submit nominations to UNESCO is 15 May 2026. Link
International Elephant Foundation — Elephant Conservation and Research 2026
The International Elephant Foundation makes grants for the conservation and research of elephants. Eligibility extends to organizations and individuals internationally — including students, scientists, and institutions. The Foundation supports in situ or ex-situ conservation of African or Asian elephants or their habitats. Most awards are about US$15 thousand for one year. The application deadline for short pre-proposals is 07 August 2026. Click here
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Virtual Data Mobilization Workshop for West Asia
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) Asia Regional Support Team invites applications for a virtual workshop designed to train data holders in biodiversity data management and publication. The program is open to government and organizational representatives from West Asian countries, including Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Participants will learn project planning, data capture, and the use of GBIF tools, with successful graduates receiving a certification badge. While the workshop is free to attend for the 35 selected participants, no direct financial grants are provided. The program runs from 18 May to 30 June 2026. The deadline for applications is 17 April 2026. More information
Belmont Forum — Ocean Collaborative Research
The Belmont Forum invites proposals for the Ocean 2 Collaborative Research Action (OCEAN 2 CRA), a program supporting transdisciplinary research focused on biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability for nature and human well-being. Consortia must include participants from at least three different countries receiving support from participating funding agencies, which include organizations from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Italy, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, and Uruguay, among others. Projects should span 36 months and address one of three themes: biodiversity conservation, ocean-biodiversity-climate integration, or ocean governance and ethics. While total funding varies by the specific national annexes of the participating agencies, grants typically support international research collaboration and societal engagement. The deadline for registrations is 30 April 2026. OCEAN 2 CRA
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports high-impact, small-scale projects in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Funding is primarily available to local, national, or community-based non-governmental organizations and municipal or national government institutions. Projects must address thematic priorities such as inclusive governance, peace and security, sustainable economic growth, or environment and climate action. While the maximum allocation is CAN$100 thousand, typical contributions range between CAN$20 thousand and CAN$60 thousand. The deadline for applications is 30 April 2026. CFLI Kazakhstan
Toilet Board Coalition — Virtual Program
The Toilet Board Coalition invites applications for its Accelerator Program, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises developing sanitation and hygiene solutions. The program provides business mentorship, strategic coaching, and access to a network of investors to help businesses scale their impact in the circular sanitation economy. Eligible applicants must be registered for-profit SMEs operating in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, or Southeast Asia. While the program does not provide direct grant funding, it facilitates connections to potential investors and partners to help secure financing. The application deadline is 30 April 2026. Know more
Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area — Sustainable Water Management
The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) invites research consortia to submit projects focused on sustainable water management. The program targets the upscaling of nature-based solutions to address extreme weather events and seeks to enhance policy development through innovative water footprint concepts. Eligibility requires a consortium of at least three legal entities from three different participating countries, including at least one from an EU Member State or associated country and at least one from a Mediterranean Partner Country (such as Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, or Morocco). Funding amounts vary by section: Section 1 projects typically receive approximately €2.7 million each from EU funds, while Section 2 projects receive a minimum of €1.5 million supported by national funding bodies. The deadline for pre-proposals is 15 May 2026. Water Management
Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area — Agro-Food Value Chain
The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) invites research consortia to submit proposals for its calls focused on the Mediterranean food value chain. The program aims to reduce food losses and waste through circular economy models and to improve the sustainability of food systems. Eligibility requires a consortium of at least three legal entities from three different participating countries, including at least one from an EU Member State or associated country and at least one from a Mediterranean Partner Country (such as Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, or Tunisia). Funding for Section 1 projects is approximately €2.7 million provided by the EU, while Section 2 projects are supported by national funding bodies with amounts typically reaching €1.5 million. The deadline for pre-proposals is 15 May 2026. Agro-Food Value Chain
Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area — Young Innovators Award 2026
The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) invites young entrepreneurs and researchers to apply for its 2026 Young Innovators Award. The program recognizes outstanding digital and technological solutions that address sustainability challenges in the Mediterranean region, particularly in the fields of water management, sustainable farming, and the agrifood value chain. Eligible applicants must be under 35 years old and be citizens or residents of a PRIMA participating country, which includes various nations across the European Union and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. The award provides a financial prize of €10 thousand to the winner in each category to support the further development or scaling of their innovation. The application deadline is 22 May 2026. Young Innovators Award