The Future for Nature Award aims to stimulate a new generation of nature conservation leaders. The award is made to candidates of any nationality or residence, not older than age 35, who have achieved substantial and long-term benefit to the conservation status of one or more animal and/or plant species, or that of a specific population. Work-related to the conservation and protection of endangered species is a priority. The award is made to individuals, not organizations. Each of the three award winners will be given a cash prize and a sculpture. The winners are expected to invest their prize of €50 thousand in a conservation project of their own choice. The application deadline is 23 August 2026. Future for Nature Award
individuals
Both ENDS — JWH Initiative
The Joke Waller-Hunter (JWH) Initiative offers grants to advance the leadership of young individuals working for or affiliated with environmental civil society organizations in developing and emerging countries. JWH especially encourages the nomination of young women and local community leaders. Grants range from €2,500 to €7,000. The next nomination deadline is 31 August 2026. Details here
SPIE — International Day of Light Photo Contest
SPIE invites submissions for its annual International Day of Light Photo Contest to highlight the critical role that light and light-based technologies play in nature and daily life. The global competition is open to amateur and professional photographers who are at least 18 years old. Participants can submit up to two images depicting properties of light interacting with the atmosphere and nature, light technology, or human interactions with light. The organization awards a first prize of US$2.5 thousand, a second prize of US$1 thousand, a third prize of US$500, and a special Judges’ Choice for Best of Science prize of US$1 thousand. The deadline for entries is 16 September 2026. Day of Light Photo Contest
Art Partner — Earth Art Contest
The Earth Partner Prize is an international art competition that invites creatives aged 14 to 30 from all backgrounds to submit original works—across any medium including visual art, film, performance, writing, fashion, digital creations, and more—that address the ecological crisis. Each participant may submit one project. Eight finalists will receive cash prizes of US $10 thousand, $5 thousand, or $2 thousand, and an additional 20 participants will receive honorable mentions from a distinguished, global jury. Applications must be submitted by 07 October 2026. Earth Partner Prize
Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship — Training for Social Entrepreneurs
The Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship accepts applications for an accelerator program focused on social enterprises working on women’s economic power and/or climate resilience. The program is designed for established social entrepreneurs who directly serve people living in poverty who suffer disproportionately from climate change. Climate resilience falls into one of the following three categories: sustainable energy, availability of sustainable management of water and sanitation, and climate-smart agriculture. Non-profit, for-profit, or hybrid social enterprises that have a clear commitment to an earned revenue model with the potential for scale are all encouraged to apply. There are no geographical limitations. The application deadline is 16 October 2026. Training for Social Entrepreneurs
Efico Foundation — Support for Coffee Producers
EFICO Foundation supports coffee farmers and their families through training and education programs, sustainable income increase, resilience for climate change, infrastructure support, and natural resource protection. About every 3 years, the Foundation organizes a project initiation round and funds projects that aim to improve the living conditions of coffee producers and their communities. Preference is given to projects having a clear strategy to become self-sustaining and creating a leverage effect. Applicants receive a full application form after contact. Efico Foundation
UK Government — Local Environmental Initiatives
The Darwin Plus Local program invites applications for small-scale projects aimed at protecting biodiversity and the natural environment in eligible UK Overseas Territories. Environmental non-governmental organizations, community groups, research institutions, and individuals can apply with practical initiatives that focus on biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and habitat restoration. The program provides up to £50 thousand for projects managed by organizations and up to £20 thousand for projects led by individuals. The application deadline is 25 June 2026. Details here
Earth Journalism Network — Ocean Science and Deep-Sea Mining Journalism Workshop
The Earth Journalism Network invites applications for a specialized media workshop in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, designed to improve investigative reporting on ocean science and deep-sea mining. Professional journalists and media practitioners from any media format (print, online, radio, television) are eligible to apply, with preference given to applicants based in Brazil. The program provides a fully funded training experience, covering all costs for economy-class travel, lodging, and meals during the workshop from 03 to 04 September 2026. The deadline for applications is 25 June 2026. Details
Earth Journalism Network — Media Workshop on Biodiversity in Montenegro
The Earth Journalism Network invites applications for its media workshop in Montenegro to strengthen biodiversity reporting and environmental coverage. Professional journalists and media practitioners working in print, online, radio, or television are eligible to apply. Applicants must be from eligible Western Balkan countries, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Kosovo. The program provides a fully funded training experience, covering all costs for travel, accommodation, and meals for approximately 12 selected participants. The application deadline is 01 July 2026. Media Workshop on Biodiversity Montenegro
Earth Journalism Network — Media Workshop on Biodiversity Reporting in Kenya
The Earth Journalism Network invites applications for a specialized workshop in Malindi, Kenya, aimed at strengthening conservation and environmental reporting. Print, broadcast, digital, and freelance journalists based in Kenya are eligible to apply, with priority given to women, rural, Indigenous, and early-career media professionals. The program provides a fully funded training experience for about 15 selected participants, covering all costs for travel, accommodation, and meals from 24 to 26 August 2026. The application deadline is 11 July 2026. Media Workshop in Kenya