The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) invites nominations for the Young Forest Champions initiative. This program recognizes individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 who lead innovative projects in forest monitoring using geospatial technology to support climate action. Eligible applicants include individual forest practitioners, researchers, and community leaders from Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Peru, Uganda, or Zambia, with a specific focus on those contributing to indigenous and local community efforts. Selected champions receive a US$10 thousand grant to scale their projects, along with technical mentorship and an invitation to participate in the XVIV IUFRO World Congress. The application deadline is 21 March 2026. Young Forest Champions
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Swedish Institute — Global Executive Program
The Swedish Institute invites applications for its Global Executive Programme, which focuses on integrating sustainability into core business strategies. This initiative is open to senior executives, such as CEOs and top managers, from medium to large companies in 24 participating countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The program covers all training fees, as well as accommodation and meals during a one-week onsite module in Stockholm; however, participants or their companies are generally expected to cover their own travel costs to Sweden. Applicants must be at least 30 years old and lead companies within or transitioning toward green industries, such as renewable energy or sustainable transport. The application deadline is 25 March 2026. Global Executive Program
OPEC Fund for International Development — Young Professional Development Program
The Young Professional Development Program (YPDP) is a two-year program designed to prepare young professionals from OPEC Fund member countries for a career in global development. The themes include poverty reduction, energy and sustainable development, environment, and other related science and technology fields. YPDP offers training, coaching and mentoring, the opportunity to experience different departments and access to professional networks. To be selected for the program, applicants must be 30 years of age (or younger) and hold a Master’s degree. The deadline for applications is 11 April 2026. More about the YPDP
Marion Dönhoff Foundation — Environment and Sustainability
The Marion Dönhoff Fellowship supports young conservationists, scientists, and activists from the post-Soviet region and Central Asia. The program funds study or research stays in Germany for up to five months, focusing on environmental journalism, political ecology, and sustainable development. Eligible applicants must be between 25 and 38 years old, possess professional experience, and hold citizenship in countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, or Uzbekistan. While the foundation provides administrative support and facilitates contacts, the fellowship includes a monthly stipend and travel allowances to cover living and research expenses in Germany. Applications are accepted twice a year, with deadlines on 01 July and 01 January. Find out more
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in the South Pacific Ocean
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) provides funding for small-scale, high-impact projects designed by local partners in Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu. The program focuses on priorities such as climate action, gender equality, human dignity, and inclusive economic growth. Eligible applicants include local non-governmental and community organizations, academic institutions, and regional or international agencies working on local development. While grants typically range from CAN$5,000 to CAN$45,000, the maximum contribution for any single project is CAN$65 thousand. The deadline for applications is 15 March 2026. CFLI South Pacific Ocean
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Asia-Pacific Islands
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale, high-impact projects designed by local partners in Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. The program funds projects that address thematic priorities such as inclusive governance, gender equality, environmental action, and peace and security. Eligible applicants include local non-governmental organizations, community groups, and academic institutions, as well as international or regional organizations working with local partners. Most successful projects receive between CAN$30 thousand and CAN$60 thousand, with a maximum limit of CAN$50 thousand for this specific call. The deadline for applications is 20 March 2026. CFLI Asia-Pacific Islands
The Iris Project — Prize for Nature Conservation
The Iris Prize celebrates and supports young people accelerating action to protect and restore nature. The Iris Project awards three grants each year: US$5,000 for ages 14-24 awarded for a new idea; US$10 thousand for ages 16-24 awarded for an existing project; US$15 thousand for ages 16-24 awarded for an established project. Application is open to individuals, teams and organizations from all around the world. Applications are open until 08 April 2026. About the prize
Google.org — Impact Challenge: AI for Science
Google.org invites applications for its AI for Science Impact Challenge, a US$30 million global initiative to accelerate scientific breakthroughs using artificial intelligence. The program focuses on two primary domains: health and life sciences, and climate resilience and environmental science. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, academic and research institutions, and for-profit social enterprises with a clear social impact purpose. Selected organizations will receive grants ranging from US$500 thousand to over US$3 million, alongside participation in a six-month Google.org Accelerator providing pro bono technical expertise and Google Cloud credits. The deadline for applications is 17 April 2026. Link to the Impact Challenge
Pulitzer Center — Africa Climate and Environment Micro Grants
The Pulitzer Center seeks local movements across Africa to promote climate and environmental action by supporting outreach initiatives that creatively integrate Pulitzer Center-supported journalism. Participants will receive micro grants to develop community engagement, dialogue forums, and awareness campaigns focused on climate and labor, rainforest protection, and ocean conservation. Grants range from US$2,500 to US$3,000. Eligibility extends to local organizations and movements targeting young professionals or communities across Africa. Applications close on 30 April 2026. ACE Micro Grants
Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences — International Awards for Young Agricultural Researchers 2026
The Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan make research awards in agriculture. Up to three young agricultural researchers with outstanding research proposals in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and related themes will receive US$5 thousand each to further their research. Applicants must be nationals of a developing country, and belong to a non-Japanese research institute or a non-Japanese university. Candidates need to be younger than age 40 to be eligible. The deadline for applications is 15 May 2026. Awards for Young Agricultural Researchers