The D-Prize funds pilot projects that more widely distribute relatively low-cost products and services in the fight against poverty. The current challenges include social enterprises for innovations in specified themes of agriculture; energy; WASH; and several other categories. The D-Prize will award 30 teams with up to US$20 thousand each to launch nonprofits or social ventures that can distribute proven poverty interventions to people in need. Eligibility to compete extends to entrepreneurs anywhere in the world and of any age or background. The D-Prize invites concept notes before 25 October (early deadline); 15 November (regular deadline); or 06 December 2026 (limited extension). Link to D-Prize
fisheries
The Liveability Challenge — Sustainability Solutions for Tropical Cities
Temasek Foundation and Eco-Business invite startups and ventures worldwide to submit scalable, commercially viable sustainability solutions addressing urban challenges in the tropics, across three tracks: Decarbonisation, Cool Earth (climate resilience and cooling), and Oceans (sustainable blue economy). The top three solutions in each track receive S$1 million in grant funding. Decarbonisation finalists may also receive up to S$2 million in additional development funding from A*STAR, and Oceans finalists may qualify for up to S$500,000 in equity investment from the Asia Ocean Fund. Finalists are showcased at a Grand Finale in Singapore during Ecosperity Week 2027. The deadline is 18 February 2027. Liveability Challenge
Marine Stewardship Council — Student Research Grants
The MSC’s Student Research Grants support postgraduate students doing research with a fishery that’s already MSC-certified, or one that’s actively working toward certification. The fishery needs to already be at a fairly advanced stage in that process, so the student’s project should be tied to a real fishery partner, not just a research idea on its own. Grants reach up to £10,000 over up to 12 months. The deadline is 28 February 2027. Student Research Grants
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Small Grants Program, Sri Lanka
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) and IUCN invite Letters of Inquiry from Sri Lankan NGOs, community-based organizations, Indigenous and women’s groups for projects supporting community engagement in managing threatened ecosystems and species, under the GEF Small Grants Program. Grants are up to US$60,000. Eligible only in five districts: Nuwara Eliya, Kegalle, Ratnapura, Galle, and Matara. The deadline is 09 October 2026. Small Grants Program
World Academy of Sciences — Research Cooperation Visits Program
TWAS-SISSA-Lincei invites young scientists from least-developed countries to carry out collaborative research projects in Physics, Neuroscience, Mathematics, and Science Outreach as well as projects that fall under the umbrella of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Scientists have the opportunity to visit research laboratories in Trieste (Italy) to carry out research work in scientific fields within the SISSA portfolio. TWAS will cover travel expenses and provide subsistence costs for the stay in Italy. The deadline for receipt of applications is 31 October 2026. More
iF International Forum Design GmbH — Student Design Award
The iF Student Design Award recognizes students and their future-oriented concepts that aim to solve a global development challenge. The best concepts earn a share of €50 thousand. All winners will be honored with a two-day event in Istanbul. Students and recent graduates of all design-related courses and programs are welcome to register their concepts. The registration deadline for participation is 03 February 2027. iF Student Design Award
Trust for Sustainable Living — International Schools Essay Competition
Every year, the essay competition focuses on a different global sustainability challenge. This year’s theme is “Navigating El Niño.” Participating students are invited to create a piece of artwork, music, video, poem, essay, letter, or story. The Grand Prize trophy winner will receive a free international trip to a TSL Summit, including £1000 spending money. Schools have to register a Teacher Champion to participate in the competition. The deadline for essay entries is 01 March 2027. Details
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Grants for Wallacea Biodiversity Hotspot
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites Letters of Inquiry for grants supporting biodiversity conservation in the Wallacea Hotspot. The grants fund biodiversity conservation projects in Indonesia’s Wallacea region — reducing threats to endangered species, improving management of key biodiversity areas, and supporting sustainable natural resource use by Indigenous peoples and local communities across specific island and marine priority zones. Small grants are up to US$50,000 with a deadline of 26 September 2026. Large grants range from US$50,000 to US$150,000 with a deadline of 27 September 2026. Grants for Wallacea Biodiversity Hotspot
Planet Forward — Student Environmental Storytelling Contest
George Washington University’s Planet Forward invites enrolled or recently graduated post-secondary students to submit environmental storytelling entries — short video, social video, written story, or multimedia — on topics including food, water, energy, biodiversity, and climate justice. Six winners across categories receive a fully paid trip to Alaska’s Inside Passage with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. Applicants must be enrolled students or within six months of graduation, aged 18+. The deadline is 15 January 2027. Environmental Storytelling Contest
Welthungerhilfe — Global Food System Challenge
Welthungerhilfe and the Seeding The Future Foundation invite nonprofits, academic institutions, and early-stage for-profit or social enterprises worldwide to submit food-system innovations to the 6th Annual Global Food System Challenge, particularly addressing challenges in the Global South. Three award tiers are available: Seed Grants (US$25,000, up to eight awarded, for early prototypes), Growth Grants (US$100,000, up to three awarded), and Grand Prizes (US$250,000, up to two awarded). Eligible applicants are organizations, not individuals, from any country. Applications open 1 January 2027; the deadline is 15 February 2027. Global Food System Challenge