Wild Animal Initiative provides grants for research projects that help us understand and improve the lives of wild animals. Challenge grants researchers exploring critical research questions that will unlock new avenues of wild animal welfare research and are not prioritized by other funders. Grant size varies from US$50 thousand to US$100 thousand. Challenge grants program is open to experienced researchers, but can include financial support for students or other early-career collaborators. Expressions of Interest have to be submitted by 14 November 2025. Challenge Grants
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Wild Animal Initiative — Discovery Grants
The Wild Animal Initiative provides funding for projects that expand the evidence base of wild animal welfare. Discovery Grants are available to early career researchers (postdocs and PhD students) pursuing a long-term research career in wild animal welfare and established researchers who seek to expand their research portfolio to include wild animal welfare. Grant size varies from US$10 thousand to US$50 thousand. Projects must be led by a principal investigator affiliated with a university or other research institution. Expressions of Interest have to be submitted by 14 November 2025. Discovery Grants
Global Thinkers Forum — Mentoring Program 2026
The Global Thinkers Forum brings together a diverse network of thought leaders to share their visions of the future, create meaningful conversations around them, and effect positive change in the world. The program consists of an 8-month mentoring cycle that includes one-on-one sessions with experienced thought leaders and individuals aged between 18 and 29 from all over the world. The program’s mentors are successful individuals across several professional fields and countries. The application deadline is 28 November 2025. Become a Global Thinkers Mentee
Campus France — Visiting Fellowship for Early Career Researchers
The Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) initiative calls for applications from young researchers who wish to carry out their research in France. MOPGA intends to award 40 fellowships for a duration of 12 months with a monthly allowance of €2,500. Eligible research themes include climate change and energy transition. Foreign researchers must hold a doctoral degree for less than 5 years. The application period ends on 12 December 2025. MOPGA Visiting Fellowship
World Wildlife Fund — Faculty Fellowship
The Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program provides funding support to current and aspiring university faculty that are affiliated with or currently employed at African, Asian, and Latin American and Caribbean universities. Applicants may apply for up to three years of funding and request up to US$30 thousand per year. The deadline to apply is 18 December 2025. Faculty Fellowship
Science for People and Nature Partnership — Critical Conservation Challenges
In support of the United Nations agenda on sustainable development, the Science for People and Nature Partnership (SNAPP) aims to find solutions for problems at the interface of economic development, nature conservation, and human well-being. SNAPP operates through working groups that represent 200 institutions from more than 30 countries. SNAPP provides up to US$1 million total across 4-6 working groups. Proposals are invited from researchers and practitioners of any nationality affiliated with an academic, governmental, multilateral, or non-profit institution. Individuals operating independently are also eligible to apply. Proposals from low- and middle-income countries are especially welcome. The deadline for proposals is 06 January 2026. Science for Nature and People Partnership
European Commission Erasmus Mundus — International Masters Degree in Environment 2026-2028
MESPOM is a two-year Erasmus Mundus master’s course in environmental sciences, policy, and management operated by four European and two North American universities. MESPOM invites applications from all countries. MESPOM aims to prepare students for identifying and implementing solutions to complex environmental sustainability challenges, especially in an international context. Graduates receive MSc degrees from the Central European University, Lund University, and the University of Manchester. The program offers several forms of financial assistance, including tuition fee waivers and living stipends. Candidates applying for financial aid should submit their applications before 07 January 2026. About MESPOM
Rotary Foundation — Masters Studies in Water and Sanitation
The Rotary Foundation partners with UNESCO to offer funding for master’s studies in water and sanitation. Applicants for Rotary’s support must be provisionally admitted to one of the three participating degree programs at UNESCO’s Institute for Water Education (IHE). Students apply via their local Rotary club or district. Each award is approximately €34 thousand, paid directly to UNESCO-IHE. The deadline for submitting Rotary scholarship applications is 15 April 2026. Find the Application Process
Sea of Change Foundation — Reef Rescue and Rapid Response
Reef Rescue and Rapid Response grants seek to empower divers and their communities to act as first responders to localized impacts on coral reefs. Funds support the immediate response to coral reef damage from anchor drops, vessel groundings, entanglement, oil spills, and acute pollution that impact coral reefs. The grants will support divers and their communities in responding quickly to a reef-damaging incident by helping cover immediate costs such as boat fuel, staff time, video cameras, lift bags, transect tapes and handheld GPS units. These grants range from US$500 to US$5,000 per project and are available on a rolling basis and as funds are available. Reef Rescue and Rapid Response Grants
National Geographic Society — Coastal Ecosystems
National Geographic invites science-driven proposals that protect, restore, or enhance blue forest coastal ecosystems—such as mangroves, salt marshes, kelp forests, and seagrass meadows—to benefit both biodiversity and local communities. The program supports two funding levels: Level I grants up to US $20 thousand, ideal for early-career project leaders, and Level II grants up to US $100 thousand for more established practitioners seeking deeper impact. Projects must be science-oriented and are strongly encouraged to partner with communities. The RFP closes on 03 October 2025. Link to RFP