The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation supports early-stage, high-impact social enterprises and seeks projects and innovations that dramatically improve the lives of people and the world. Eligibility extends to non-profit, for-profit, and hybrid organizations in the early stages of their development that have scaling potential. The DRK investments are distributed twice a year over a three-year term, totaling $300 thousand. The Foundation has a rolling online application process throughout the year; there is no deadline. Click here
fisheries
Association of Commonwealth Universities — Early Career Conference Grants
The Association of Commonwealth Universities offers seven grants of up to £2,000 each, helping early-career researchers attend conferences in other Commonwealth countries. The grants cover registration fees, flights, accommodation, visas, and travel and health insurance. Applicants must be early-career academics at an ACU member university, within seven years of starting their academic career. They must be chairing a session or presenting a paper or poster at an in-person conference in a Commonwealth country other than the one where they work. The conference must take place between January 2027 and January 2028. The deadline is 13 October 2026. Conference Grants
Hatch Blue — Women in Ocean Food
Hatch Blue invites women-led blue economy startups to apply for an equity-free business support programme focused on Latin America and the Caribbean. Topics include sustainable and regenerative aquaculture, marine biotech, seafood value chains, seafood waste reuse and blue carbon. The programme pays all travel, accommodation and food for two participants per team, but gives no cash or equity investment. Teams must be led or founded by women, or have women as real decision-makers, and have at least one participant, ideally two co-founders. Applications close on 07 November 2026. Women in Ocean Food
Unearthodox — Exploration Co-Lab 2027
Unearthodox invites early-stage initiatives working at the intersection of environmental and societal change to apply to its Exploration Co-Lab, a 10-month incubator for systemic, root-cause work addressing humanity’s relationship with nature. Selected participants receive CHF 10,000 in grant funding, plus access to an estimated CHF 60,000 in non-financial support, including coaching, systems mapping, and community connection. Open to applicants worldwide, with particular welcome for underrepresented voices. The deadline is 16 November 2026. Exploration Co-Lab
MassChallenge — Sustainable Food Solutions Challenge
MassChallenge seeks startups and corporations with proven solutions or technologies in the areas of Sustainable Food & Feed Solutions, AgTech, and others. The Challenge allows participants to work together, create a joint pitch, and scale up innovative solutions. Selected corporate partners will be invited to the MassChallenge Sustainable Food Solutions Challenge Day. Selected startups will receive CHF1,000 to contribute towards travel to the event. Applicants can be from any geography. However, partners are headquartered in Europe, so physical collaboration would be mostly in Europe. The application deadline is 25 November 2026. Sustainable Food Solutions Challenge
Mangrove Breakthrough — Mangrove Conservation and Restoration
Mangrove Breakthrough seeks projects worldwide that protect, restore or support mangrove ecosystems. Eligible proposals include mangrove restoration or conservation; blue-carbon finance; biodiversity or climate-linked crediting mechanisms; community-based livelihood or stewardship initiatives; nature-tech or monitoring tools for mangrove health; and sustainable businesses tied to mangrove landscapes (e.g. fisheries, coastal agriculture, eco-tourism). Successful submissions gain visibility, exposure at global climate events, and access to investors or funders. The deadline to submit the Expression of Interest is 30 December 2026. Link to more details
Learning Planet Institute — Youth Design Challenge
The Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge is an annual global initiative encouraging young individuals aged 15-26 to pitch their ideas for innovative learning programs for their dream university. Participants can pitch programs on one of the following themes: peace and democracy, mental health and wellbeing, and environment and climate. The 12 finalists will receive regular mentorship from a global network of industries with the goal of implementing their programs. The winner receives US$1000. The deadline for submissions is 07 January 2027. Youth Design Challenge
Right Livelihood Award — Annual Nominations 2027
The Right Livelihood Awards are annually made to individuals and organizations offering practical and exemplary answers to the most urgent challenges facing us today. The Award is sometimes referred to as the “Alternative Nobel Prize.” Past laureates include several whose work in issues of environment and natural resources advances social justice and grassroots development in the developing world. Normally, the Foundation makes three cash awards and one honorary award each year. Nominations are invited from anyone worldwide (excluding self-nominations, close relatives, and Foundation staff and jury). The deadline for nominations is 24 January 2027. Nominate
Kellogg School of Management — Sustainable Investing Challenge
The Kellogg-Morgan Stanley Sustainable Investing Challenge invites teams of graduate students from around the world to develop and pitch creative financial approaches and solutions to tackle pressing social and environmental challenges. Graduate students from around the world are invited to participate. The overall winning team receives US$10 thousand and the runner-up receives US$5 thousand. Teams must register in advance to request a mentor that gives them feedback on their proposal prior to submission. The deadline for submission of project ideas is 14 February 2027. Sustainable Investing Challenge
Marine Stewardship Council — Science and Research Fund
The MSC’s Science and Research Fund supports research projects addressing the barriers that MSC-certified fisheries face in maintaining certification, such as bycatch reduction, marine habitat protection, or climate change impacts. Grants reach up to £50,000 over up to two years. Applicants first submit an Expression of Interest before a full application. The deadline is 18 October 2026. Science and Research Fund