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
marine/coastal
Pure Ocean — Pure Ocean Challenges
Pure Ocean supports innovative applied research projects worldwide, protecting fragile marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Pure Ocean seeks projects that develop marine conservation initiatives managed by local communities and Indigenous peoples or explore nature-based solutions for the preservation of blue carbon ecosystems. Only non-profit organizations (NGOs, universities, research institutes) can apply and receive funding. Pure Ocean only supports scientific projects addressing a clearly defined research question. Selected projects will receive up to €40 thousand (€30 thousand/year), for the duration of one to two years. Applications have to be submitted by 01 October 2025. Pure Ocean Challenges
Explorers Club — Marine Exploration Grant
The Explorers Club supports the scientific fieldwork of groundbreaking explorers around the world. The Stephenson Explorers Advancement Program supports college undergraduates/graduate students, and independent explorers under the age of 35 conducting exploration and field research for marine exploration and conservation projects. The average award is US$10 thousand. The deadline to submit applications is 13 October 2025. Stephenson Explorers Advancement Program
Dalai Lama Fellows — Mentorship for Emerging Leaders
The Dalai Lama Fellowship offers emerging leaders from all around the world mentorship and coaching to design and implement their own original field projects addressing a global challenge. Project areas include environmental sustainability, among others. The fellowship does not offer funding for projects, instead, it offers coaching and a global community. This program is open to next-generation leaders (20-35 years old). The deadline for applications is 12 November 2025. Dalai Lama Fellows
United People Global — Leadership Training Program
The United People Global (UPG) Sustainability Leadership training program offers young leaders from all over the world the opportunity to participate in an immersive 1-week experience on an island in the USA. UPG seeks young people (18-35 years) who want to take positive action that helps the world tackle a sustainability challenge to achieve any of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 500 young leaders will be selected to participate in an online program and receive a certification after successful completion of the online training. 60 participants will have the chance to attend the complimentary 1-week training in the USA (all costs of the program will be covered). Applications should be received by 31 December 2025 for the Class of 2026. UPG Sustainability Leadership
National Geographic Society — Slingshot Challenge
The National Geographic Society seeks applications for its Slingshot Challenge. The challenge invites 13–18-year-olds to submit a 1-minute video describing their idea for solving environmental issues. Video submissions must be in English or Spanish. Subtitles are not required but are allowed. National Geographic will select a small number of submissions to receive up to US$10 thousand in funding. Submissions are due by 06 February 2026. Know more
Trust for Sustainable Living — International Schools Essay Competition
Every year, the essay competition focuses on a different global sustainability challenge. This year’s theme is “Creating a Sustainability Culture.” Participating students are invited to create a piece of artwork, music, video, poem, essay, letter, or story. The Grand Prize trophy winner will receive a free international trip to a TSL Summit, including £1000 spending money. Schools have to register a Teacher Champion to participate in the competition. The deadline for essay entries is 01 March 2026. Details
Ocean Foundation — Ocean Conservation, Research, and Environmental Education
The Ocean Foundation directs funding for marine and ocean conservation. Program areas cover essentially all aspects of marine and ocean conservation. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited funding requests. However, it accepts brief letters of inquiry from grant seekers who wish to partner with the Foundation. Find out how the process works
AAUW — International Project Grants
AAUW’s International Project Grants provides support for women to lead community-based projects that advance gender equity for women and girls in their home country. (Note: Fields of study may include one or more categories of the Terra Viva Grants Directory as long as they focus on the advancement of women and girls’ rights.) Award amounts are up to US$ 15 thousand for one year. To be eligible for an International Fellowship, applicants must have citizenship in a country other than the U.S. and intend to return to her home country to pursue a professional career. The deadline for applications is 30 September 2025. International Project Grants
National Geographic Society — Ocean Exploration and Discovery
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