The Japan Water Forum makes small grants to grassroots organizations in least-developed countries. Funding is made to projects addressing local water-related issues, including innovative solutions for water and sanitation, risk reduction for water-related disasters, and WASH projects. Grants are up to US$1,500. The application deadline is 30 June 2026. Details here
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Global Good Fund — Fellowship Program 2027
The Global Good Fund Fellowship is a 12-month leadership development program for young social entrepreneurs who remain in their workplaces. Each fellow is offered mentoring; resources for leadership assessment; a peer network; and financial support. Past fellows represent enterprises for agriculture; environment; solar energy; and other green development. The program is open to applications worldwide. Candidates should be under age 40. The pre-application deadline (Phase 1) is 30 June 2026. Link to the Global Good Fund
World Academy of Sciences — Young Scientists Award for Frontier Science
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) recognizes the scientific achievements of young scientists living and working in a developing country. The third edition of the TWAS-CAS award will recognize achievements in Earth Sciences. The award is worth US$10 thousand. TWAS invites nominations from science academies, national research councils, universities, and scientific institutions. Self-nominations will not be considered. Eligible candidates are young scientists (not older than 45 years of age). The deadline for receiving nominations is 30 June 2026. Young Scientists Award
Africa Sustainable Futures Awards — Scalable Solutions for Africa’s Development
The Africa Sustainable Futures Awards recognize commercially viable and scalable initiatives contributing to sustainable development across Africa. The awards cover five categories: Access to Electricity & Infrastructure, Agribusiness, Healthcare, Local Manufacturing, and Tourism, with an additional Judges’ Award for Excellence. Winners will receive global visibility, recognition at the FT Africa Summit in London, and opportunities to network with global leaders. The application deadline is 30 June 2026. Link to the Africa Sustainable Futures Awards
World Economic Forum — Transforming Water Systems
The World Economic Forum runs the Transforming Water Systems Challenge to accelerate innovative solutions for global water security. The program searches for early-stage startups and growth-stage enterprises that offer technological, financial, or policy-driven innovations to modernize water utilities and improve freshwater infrastructure. Winners will gain access to a global network, visibility and engagement opportunities to support deployment, and will each receive a CHF 175 thousand prize. The deadline to submit an application is 04 June 2026. Transforming Water Systems Challenge
Global Citizens — Waislitz Global Citizen Award 2026
The Waislitz Global Citizen Award is an annual cash prize recognizing the excellence of one individual in their work to end extreme poverty. The program is open to applicants aged 18 and older from any country, provided they represent a legally registered entity, such as a non-profit organization, social enterprise, or for-profit business. Rather than funding future project proposals, the awards serve as cash prizes recognizing established proof of concept, scalability, and system-changing solutions. The program features three distinct cash prizes of US$100 thousand each: the Grand Prize, the Disruptor Award, and the Choice Award, totaling US$300 thousand in unconditional funding. The deadline for self-nominated applications is 14 June 2026. Waislitz Global Citizen Award
African Design Centre — Fellowship
The MASS Design Group African Design Centre (ADC) Fellowship supports emerging African designers and architects in transforming project insights into real-world social impact. The fellowship provides mentorship, training, and resources to catalyze innovation rooted in local contexts and community needs. Open to early-career professionals leading design-driven projects across Africa, fellows engage in capacity building and collaborative learning to scale sustainable architectural solutions. Applicants must be nationals of an African country and be no older than 35 years. Interested applicants should complete an online application by 14 June 2026. Details here
SOAS University of London — Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship
SOAS University of London offers two postgraduate scholarships aimed at nurturing future African leaders. The program supports international students starting a full-time, one-year taught master’s degree program in the 2026/27 academic year. Preference is given to applicants who are ordinarily resident in an African nation and who demonstrate a clear academic or professional interest in governance or development on the continent. Each of the two available awards provides a total value of £45,479, which covers full tuition fees and provides the remaining balance as a direct maintenance stipend for living expenses. The deadline for online applications is 17 June 2026. Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship
Earth Journalism Network — COP31 Climate Change Media Partnership Reporting Fellowship for Journalists
The Earth Journalism Network offers reporting fellowships for journalists and creator journalists in low- and middle-income countries. Fellowship support includes operational and logistical support, accommodation, and financial support. Eligibility extends to professional journalists from or representing an established media house. The deadline for online applications is 17 June 2026. Fellowship for Journalists
Earth Journalism Network — COP31 Climate Change Media Partnership Reporting Fellowship for Creator Journalists
The Earth Journalism Network offers reporting fellowships for journalists and creator journalists in low- and middle-income countries interested in covering the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP31). Fellows are expected to produce multiple news pieces, stories or informational content during the course of the fellowship. Fellows may produce coverage as text, audio, video or some combination of formats. The fellowship provides full financial support—including economy-class airfare, accommodation, meals, and travel insurance—to enable participants to report directly from the conference venue. The deadline for online applications is 17 June 2026. Fellowship for Creator Journalists