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
marine/coastal
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
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
Earth Company — Impact Hero 2026
Each year, Earth Company selects one Impact Hero that has the potential to transform the future of developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Impact Heroes are visionary leaders who tackle some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges and make transformative changes to the communities they serve. Earth Company provides 3 years of support through leadership coaching, fundraising, marketing, and business development. Eligibility extends to everybody and all forms of organizations. Applications have to be received no later than 06 October 2025. Find details here
Hatch Blue — Women in Ocean Food
The Women in Ocean Food Innovation Studio is a 12‑month accelerator for female founders and leadership teams across the blue economy—covering sustainable aquaculture, marine biotech, seafood value chains, ocean conservation, and blue carbon. The program provides tailored business strategy support, mentorship from global industry experts, post‑program guidance, and access to investor networks. Travel, accommodation, and meals are fully covered for two team members. Eligible applicants are women-led ventures in Latin America & the Caribbean, including early‑stage teams without formal registration. Applications close on 31 October 2025. Women in Ocean Food
Mesoamerican Reef Fund — Small Grants
The Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund) announces its annual request for proposals with two available financial windows: Traditional Small Grants and Reef Rescue Initiative. Traditional Small Grants support Coastal and Marine resources management and protection in the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR). Reef Rescue Initiative supports and strengthens science-based restoration, repopulation, and rehabilitation of coral reefs in the MAR region. The proposals to be presented may have a duration of up to two years. Funding ranges from US$30 thousand to US$50 thousand. At least 25% of the total budget must come from other sources, as a match to the requested funds. All coral reefs within the MAR region are eligible. The deadline for the submission of proposals is 09 September 2025. Mesoamerican Reef Fund
Arab Gulf Programme for Development — Prize for Human Development
The Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development supports efforts aiming at the promotion and enhancement of human development concepts. The objective is to highlight innovative experiences and continuously support distinguished efforts in various fields of development. The 2025 Prize honors projects and initiatives in line with SDG 7 “Affordable and Clean Energy”. Prizes range from US$100 thousand to US$400 thousand. Projects implemented by UN agencies, international or regional NGOs, governmental bodies, social business enterprises, and individuals are eligible. Nominations for the Prize have to be submitted by 30 January 2026. About the Prize
Royal Geographical Society — Grants with Deadlines in November 2025
The Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers (RGS-IBG) makes grants for geographical research, fieldwork, and teaching that include several awards with deadlines in November. The deadline is 23 November for the Ralph Brown Expedition Award; Thesiger-Oman International Research Fellowships; Hong Kong Research Grant; Walters Kundert Fellowship; Dudley Stamp Memorial Award; Postgraduate Research Awards; and Geographical Club Award. The deadline is 30 November for the Neville Shulman Challenge Award. Link
SEED — Workshop and Support for Eco-Enterprises
The SEED Replicator program offers incubation workshops to identify opportunities for enterprise creation and to guide aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners looking for partnerships to build an eco-inclusive business model. SEED Starter program guides participants from the early stages of ideation to the generation of a viable business plan. SEED Replicator targets entrepreneurs without a business idea as well as early-stage entrepreneurs who are trying to identify partnership opportunities and grow their impact. SEED Catalyser guides enterprises to refine their business models and optimize their impacts. SEED Accelerator develops the investment readiness and operational excellence of established eco-inclusive enterprises looking to scale up. Successful alumni can apply for a SEED Grant which pays for your immediate necessary activities, measures, or machinery required to establish the new enterprise. SEED programs are currently offered in the following countries: Ghana, India, Indonesia, Malawi, Morocco, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda, and Zambia. Click here for more information