The National Geographic Society provides early-career ocean scientists from around the world the opportunity to lead impactful projects that will explore, understand, and inform the protection of the ocean. Scientists will take advantage of the available berth space and research infrastructure aboard SOI’s Falkor research vessel during its 2026 season traversing the southeast coast of South America. To cover travel and project-related costs, the Society will award grants of up to US$20 thousand to selected research, conservation or technology projects. The deadline for this opportunity is 08 October 2025. Link
individuals
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development — Mountain Prize 2025
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) seeks nominations for the 2025 Mountain Prize. The Prize is awarded to an individual or organization that has demonstrated outstanding efforts enabling sustainable and resilient mountain development in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. The prize is currently set at US$ 2,500. Thematic areas include access to water for drinking or/and sanitation, food/nutrition security, climate change adaptation or/and disaster risk reduction, access to clean energy, ecosystems/biodiversity management, and two others. Women and youth are encouraged to apply. Nominations are accepted until 15 October 2025. Mountain Prize
Acumen Fund — India Fellows Program 2026
The Acumen Fund promotes the power of social innovation to create solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. The India Fellows Program is designed to equip local leaders with the tools, mindset, and community to tackle poverty and injustice in their communities. Past fellows have included several in smallholder agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, fair trade, and other areas. The fellowship is a mix of offline and online seminars, involving a time commitment of approximately 30 days in the year. The application deadline is 30 October 2025. India Fellows
Yves Rocher Foundation — International Terre de Femmes Award
The Yves Rocher Foundation invites applications for the International Terre de Femmes Award to honor women for their achievements in environmental awareness, conservation, and solidarity. This year, the Foundation invites applications from women committed to coastal ecosystems. The award will be given to a project launched by a woman or a group of women committed to conservation, reforestation, agroforestry, cultural preservation, or urban greening. The winner receives a monetary award of €10 thousand. The international award is open to women worldwide involved in a project that helps to protect the environment through a non-profit organization. The closing date for applications is 31 October 2025. Terre de Femmes
Wellcome Trust — Career Development Awards
The Wellcome Trust supports bold and creative discovery research that has the potential to improve human life, health, and well-being. Career Development Awards provide funding for mid-career researchers from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders. Research can be in any discipline, including STEM, experimental medicine, or climate – as long as it has the potential to improve human life. The Trust provides a salary for the grant holder and research expenses for up to 8 years. The applicant’s host organization has to be based in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or a low- or middle-income country (apart from India and mainland China). The deadline for new applications is 20 November 2025. Wellcome Career Development Awards
Cambridge University — Masters in Conservation Leadership
The Cambridge Masters in Conservation Leadership invites applications for entry in 2025. The full-time master’s program during one year is aimed at graduates of leadership potential with at least three to five years of experience relevant to biodiversity conservation. Scholarship programs offer support to students from developing countries. The application deadline for program admission is 02 December 2025. About the program
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians — Zoological Medicine and Wildlife Health Research Grant
The American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) awards the Zoological Medicine and Wildlife Health Research Grant to professionals in zoological medicine for the care and conservation of captive and free-ranging wildlife. Two categories of funding are available: standard grants (maximum US$20 thousand) and small grants (maximum US$7,500). The application deadline is 15 December 2025. Click here for the Guidelines
Neotropical Birding and Conservation — Conservation and Research in Latin America and the Caribbean
The Neotropical Birding and Conservation (formerly Neotropical Bird Club) offers research grants for conservation work, or for research that may be of conservation benefit. Awards of US$1,500 and US$3,000 are for projects carried out by nationals and/or residents of countries in the Neotropics (i.e. the Caribbean, Central America, and South America). The Juan Mazar Barnett Award (up to US$5,000) is to encourage early-career neotropical bird conservationists and researchers. Application guidelines are available in English and Spanish. The deadlines are 01 January and 01 July of each year. Know more
U.S. National Science Foundation — International Research Experiences for U.S. University Students 2026
Through the program IRES, the National Science Foundation supports U.S. university students (graduate and undergraduate) to engage in international research. Past fellowships include several in developing countries in subject areas such as ecology, renewable energy, climate change, and others. Full proposals are due 26 October 2026. More information
Free Rivers Fund — Emergency Grant
The Free Rivers Fund collects donations from adventure sports companies and distributes funds to conservation groups. The idea is to give financial support to those who spend their free time protecting rivers from being dammed. The Free Rivers Fund offers emergency grants to help initiatives that have just formed in order to prevent a dam. Applications for emergency support can be submitted anytime. Free Rivers Emergency Grant