The Champions of the Earth is the UN’s highest award to honor people and organizations worldwide for leadership and action on sustainable development, climate change, and a life of dignity. This year, UNEP seeks nominations of individuals, organizations, and governments working on sustainable solutions to eliminate plastic pollution. Persons may nominate themselves, their own organizations, or a third party whom they believe should receive recognition. Nominations must be supported by three endorsers. The closing date for nominations is 30 April 2025. UN Champions of the Earth
governments
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Global Forestry Champions
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) seeks to honor individuals, institutions, initiatives, and programs that have significantly impacted forestry development at national, regional, or global levels. Selected nominees will be recognized for their achievements across ten thematic areas, including forest restoration, biodiversity, climate action, and innovation. The call for nominations is open to governmental institutions; national, regional or local agencies; intergovernmental organizations; non-government organizations; academia; community service organizations; and the private sector. The deadline for receiving nominations is 31 May 2025. More about this opportunity
Rapid Response Facility — Emergency Funding for Conservation
The Rapid Response Facility is designed to deliver rapid conservation funding in times of crisis, with a focus on protecting UNESCO’s natural World Heritage sites and potential sites. Eligibility for grants extends to agencies legally responsible for site management; registered local, national, and international NGOs; and the private sector. Grants of US$5 thousand to US$40 thousand are awarded for periods of up to six months. Applications can be submitted at any time. Link
United Nations — Action Awards for Sustainable Development Goals
The UN SDG Action Awards aim to support action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mobilizers, storytellers, campaigners, connectors, visualizers, and creatives fighting for sustainable development can apply. The Awards are open to individuals, organizations, governments, foundations, or private sector leaders worldwide. The winners will be announced at a special UN SDG Action Awards Ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York City, USA. Applications have to be submitted before 07 May 2025. UN SDG Action Awards
UNESCO World Heritage Center — Requests for International Assistance
Grants under the World Heritage Convention are made to help protect the World Cultural and Natural Heritage sites. Requests must be transmitted by a State Party National Commission for UNESCO or Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, or an appropriate governmental department or ministry. The limits on funding vary with the type of request (e.g., technical cooperation, training and research, promotion and education, preparatory assistance, emergency assistance). The next deadline for submitting requests is 31 October 2025. More information
IBM — Sustainability Accelerator
IBM accepts proposals for projects focused on sustainable consumption and production, driven by AI innovation. Selected participants will receive support over a two-year program, including access to IBM technologies, as well as technical mentorship and capacity-building workshops. The IBM Sustainability Accelerator is open to nonprofit and government organizations globally. The application deadline is 30 April 2025. Link
Oppenheimer Generations Foundation — JWO Research Grant
The Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer (JWO) Research Grant supports early-career scientists who conduct impactful research that will provide solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing problems. The proposed research should be focused on the intersection between biodiversity and the economy; environmental tipping points; pollution and impact on the environment; or the impact of basic sciences on sustainable development. A grant of US$150 thousand will support a research project or program for up to three years. Applicants must have strong links to an African academic institution, research institution, government institution, NGO, or for-profit organization. The application deadline is 02 May 2025. JWO Research Grant
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Cuba
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Cuba. The priorities under this call include environment, climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, and water management. The average contribution is C$35 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The deadline for submission is 24 March 2025. CFLI Cuba
Visegrad Fund — Western Balkans Grant Program
The International Visegrad Fund calls for grant projects that will facilitate the transfer of know-how between non-governmental and civil society organizations in Visegrad countries (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary) and the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia). Thematic areas include environment and sustainable development, among others. The program is open to any legal entity or natural person worldwide, with preference for projects submitted by non-profit and non-governmental organizations; public educational, cultural, and research institutions; and municipalities and local governments. Applicants can apply by 01 June and 01 October 2025. Visegrad+ Grants
OPEC Fund for International Development — Grants
The OPEC Fund provides financial assistance to developing countries, particularly low-income countries, in support of their economic and social development efforts. OPEC will consider requests for (i) grants for country-specific activities and projects; (ii) grants for special development initiatives of global or regional scope; and (iii) emergency aid. In the past, the OPEC Fund has financed projects in agriculture, energy, health, transportation, and water and sanitation sectors. The amount of the contribution will vary according to the scope and the nature of the proposed activity. However, except for emergency aid and small grants in amounts of up to US$100 thousand, OPEC’s contribution should not exceed 50% of the total cost. Eligible partners are any government or non-government entity, including co-financing partners, private sector entities, research entities, UN agencies, and international NGOs. There is no deadline. Know more about the OPEC Fund