Germany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI) supports projects on climate change mitigation and adaptation, and biodiversity projects that have climate relevance. The focus of the IKI Small Grants scheme is to provide support to the implementation of projects addressing the global loss of biodiversity in connection with climate change. IKI Small Grants selects project proposals and provides funding between €60 thousand and €200 thousand. Not-for-profit organizations and for-profit non-government organizations, if they pursue strictly non-profit objectives, are eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is 15 January 2026. IKI Small Grants
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ChallengeUS — Future Leaders Competition
The Future Leaders Competition invites high-school and undergraduate students worldwide to submit original work (creative writing, analytical writing, speech, or art) reflecting on a key moment or insight that shapes how they approach climate action. The competition awards a top prize of US$500, along with recognition, publication, and inclusion in the Future Leaders Network. The call closes on 16 January. Details
World Press Photo — Visual Journalism and Stories Awards 2026
The World Press Photo Contest recognizes the best visual journalism and awards visual stories in eight categories, including Environment and Nature. The award winners will receive €5 thousand each. The prize-winning photographs will be assembled into a worldwide year-long exhibition. The contest is only open to professional photographers. Entries close on 17 January 2026. World Press Photo Awards
German Government — International Climate Initiative Medium Grants
Germany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI) supports projects on climate change mitigation and adaptation, and biodiversity projects that have climate relevance. The focus of the IKI Medium Grants scheme is to provide support to the implementation of projects addressing the global loss of biodiversity in connection with climate change. Each project can receive a grant of between €300 thousand to a maximum of €800 thousand over a period of two to three years. Funding is available for non-profit organizations (associations, foundations, think tanks) and academic institutions (universities and research institutions), as well as non-profit companies in Germany. Projects have to be implemented in collaboration with local implementing organizations in ODA countries. Project outlines can be submitted by 20 January 2026. Climate Initiative Medium Grants
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation — Prize for Climate Action
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation seeks nominations for the 2025 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity. The 6th edition of the Prize recognizes outstanding contributions to climate action and climate solutions that inspire hope and possibility. The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity in the amount of €1 million, aims to strengthen communities facing the effects of climate change, helping them to adapt and build resilience at a local level. Individuals, groups or organizations from all over the world can be nominated. The nomination deadline is 30 January 2026. Details here
European Landowners’ Organization — Land and Soil Management Award
The Land and Soil Management Award rewards land use and soil management practices mitigating soil threats i.e. soil degradation, erosion, reduction of organic matter content, diffuse contamination, and compaction as well as the reduction of soil biodiversity, salinization, sealing, flooding, and landslides. The winning project receives €5 thousand. Eligibility extends to farmers, landowners, and groups of farmers, on their own or in collaboration with research institutes, universities, and/or private companies. The call is open to applicants from all European countries. The call for applications closes on 30 January 2026. Land and Soil Management Award
Ocean Park Conservation Foundation — Wildlife Conservation in Asia
The Ocean Park Conservation Foundation solicits projects on threatened animal species in Asia. The Foundation supports conservation research and management, as well as community education and capacity building. Priority will be given to projects from Eastern, Southern, and Southeast Asia. Coastal countries connected to Asia, where funding is limited and with threatened wide-ranging Asian species, are included. The majority of projects are for one year, but the Foundation will also consider multi-year projects if they show promise of clear conservation outcomes. Successful applicants receive on average HK$250 thousand per year. The application deadline is 31 January 2026. Criteria here
CIRES — Visiting Fellows Program
The CIRES Visiting Fellows Program invites early-career postdocs and senior scientists on sabbatical to engage in interdisciplinary environmental research at the University of Colorado Boulder in collaboration with CIRES and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Postdoctoral fellowships run for up to two years with an annual salary of US$70 thousand in the first year plus a research budget of up to US$8 thousand, relocation stipend, and provided laptop. Eligible applicants must be within four years of completing their PhD, hold a doctorate in a CIRES-relevant field, and have a CIRES researcher sponsor. Applications are due 01 January 2026. CIRES Visiting Fellows Program
Energie AG Oberösterreich — Startup Innovation Challenge
Energie AG Oberösterreich seeks startups in the energy industry. The Startup Innovation Challenge invites solutions to tackle genuine problems in the energy industry that will help the company to operate more efficiently and shape a sustainable future. Energie AG will provide up to €50 thousand for developing a proof of concept. The challenge is not restricted to a particular geographic location. The deadline for submission is 04 January 2026. Energy Startup Innovation Challenge
International Center for Journalists — Award for Excellence in African Storytelling
The Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling honors journalists in Africa who strengthen people’s voices and show the transformational change taking place on the continent. The ICFJ seeks a wide variety of topics, not limited to health and social issues. This includes stories and initiatives about global climate change, development challenges, or the environment. The winner receives a US$5 thousand cash prize. The deadline to apply is 09 January 2026. Visit the website