The Strategic Needs Fellowship aims to enable the most vulnerable States, particularly least developed countries, small island developing States and landlocked developing countries, to better address strategically important and time-sensitive issues facing them in ocean affairs and the law of the sea. The Fellowship consists of a four-month training program at the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea at the United Nations Headquarters in New York (USA). States are invited to nominate Government officials with limited background in ocean affairs and the law of the sea, who are filling key positions in their Administration for the position. The deadline for applications is 22 March 2026. Nippon Foundation Strategic Needs Fellowship
governments
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 01 May 2026. JWO Research Grant
Fondation Franklinia — Conservation of Globally Threatened Trees
The Foundation Franklinia accepts project proposals focused on in-situ conservation of threatened trees in the Mediterranean basin. Eligibility extends to any organization with well-established expertise and efficiency in plant conservation. Projects must aim at improving the conservation status of globally threatened tree species listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Funding from the Foundation favors conservation projects with reasonable budgets in relation to proposed activities. A minimum of 20-50% of co-funding will be required. The deadline for submission of proposals (English) is 26 March 2026. Tree Conservation
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 2026. More information
International Foundation for the Law of the Sea — Training Program Law of the Sea
The Tribunal runs an annual capacity-building and training program on dispute settlement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The nine-month program is aimed at junior to mid-level government officials and researchers mainly from developing countries who are currently working on issues related to the law of the sea, maritime law, or dispute settlement. All participants’ costs, including travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly allowance, are covered by the Nippon Foundation. The application deadline is 06 March 2026. Link to the Training Program Law of the Sea
Embassy of Japan — Grants for Grassroots Projects in Uganda
The Embassy of Japan in Uganda provides financial assistance to non-profit, development-oriented organizations in support of community development projects in Uganda. Any projects geared towards grassroots assistance are eligible for financing, including water and sanitation, disaster relief, and agricultural development. The grant amount per project is generally under 10 million yen (approx. US$100 thousand). Potential recipients are international or local NGOs, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and local governments. The Embassy receives concept papers anytime throughout the year, but the selection process is conducted twice a year with deadlines on 15 February and 31 July. More about this opportunity
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change — Adaptation Fund
The Adaptation Fund makes grants for projects and programs that address the adverse impacts of climate change. Eligibility for grants extends to countries that are Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, with emphasis on developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Grants are primarily to government organizations such as national ministries, development institutes, local government authorities, and others — sometimes in partnership with civil society organizations. Project proposals are submitted through any of the Fund’s national, regional, or multilateral implementing entities. The Adaptation Fund accepts project and program proposals on a rolling basis. About the Adaptation Fund
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association — Online Seminar: Social Aspects of Marine Protected Areas
The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) invites applications for the Social Aspects of Marine Protected Areas online seminar. The program is designed to support MPA practitioners in strengthening the social aspects of their management work. The Blue Nature Alliance will be providing 20 scholarships for this edition of the program. Marine conservation practitioners, community leaders, people working in NGOs and grassroots organizations, Indigenous Peoples leading ocean conservation, and others working in the management of marine spaces are encouraged to apply. Applications are now open, and the deadline is 16 January 2026. Link to Online Seminar
Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions — Blue Food Research Grant Program
The Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions (COS) offers a global research grant aimed at early-career researchers and practitioners to support innovative work on “blue foods” (i.e., aquatic foods from oceans, rivers, lakes). The grant provides a six-month fellowship, including a US$ 10,000 research stipend plus travel support. Eligible are early-career professionals from academia, government, NGOs or private sector. Applications open on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Blue Food Research Grant Program
Marisla Foundation — Marine Resources and Toxic Chemicals
The Marisla Foundation makes grants to projects that promote the conservation of biological diversity and advance sustainable ecosystem management in North America, Mexico, Hawaii, Chile, and the Western Pacific. The Foundation also supports the search for solutions to health and environmental threats caused by toxic chemicals. Eligibility for grants extends to charitable organizations and governmental entities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed four times each year. Link