Each year, the Lipman Family Prize awards cash to three social impact organizations – US$250 thousand for the winning organization and US$125 thousand for each of the two other honorees. The award recognizes and amplifies the work of organizations devoted to positive social impact and creating sustainable solutions to significant social and economic challenges. Past winners include projects in the field of improved sanitation, energy innovations, and micro-forestry. Eligibility extends to organizations from all around the world addressing social and economic issues. Applications close on 31 July 2025. Find details
marine/coastal
German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety — Marine Litter Innovation Challenge
The PROTEGO Marine Litter Innovation Challenge empowers organizations in Ghana and Nigeria to develop and scale innovative solutions addressing marine plastic pollution in identified hot spots along the Gulf of Guinea. Participants can receive up to €40,000 in project funding. Eligible applicants include NGOs, companies, research institutions, or community organizations. The application deadline is 21 July 2025. Know more
MDPI — Sustainability Young Investigator Award 2025
MDPI, a publisher of peer-reviewed, open-access journals, invites applications and nominations for the Sustainability 2025 Young Investigator Award. The winner will receive CHF 2000. This prize will be given to one young investigator in recognition of their excellence in the field of sustainability and sustainable development. Candidates must be under 35 years and be nominated by senior researchers. The deadline for nominations is 15 December 2025. More information
MDPI — Sustainability Travel Awards 2026
MDPI, a publisher of peer-reviewed, open-access journals, grants travel awards to 5 junior scientists. The award provides financial support to attend an international conference in the field of sustainability and sustainable development, to be held in 2026. Candidates must be postdoctoral fellows or PhD students. The winners will each be awarded CHF 600 and a certificate. Applications have to be submitted by 31 December 2025. Sustainability Travel Awards
Belmont Forum — Ocean Biodiversity and Ecosystem
The Belmont Forum welcomes transdisciplinary research addressing global ocean challenges. Proposals should focus on at least one of three key areas: Biodiversity Conservation and Nature-Based Solutions; Ocean-Biodiversity-Climate Integration; Nature Futures, Ocean Governance, and Ethics for Sustainability. Projects are expected to last 36 months and involve research consortia with participants from multiple countries and disciplines, including societal partners. All projects should include 3 funding agencies from 3 different countries. Registrations are due 06 March 2026. Ocean call
Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean — Shipboard Fellowship 2025
The Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO) offers several shipboard fellowship opportunities. This fellowship program aims to promote training and capacity building leading towards a global observation scheme for the oceans. Eligibility extends to early career scientists, technicians, PhD and MSc students, and Post-doctoral Fellows involved in oceanographic work at centers in developing countries and countries with economies in transition. Selected candidates will receive subsidies to visit the host institution and to go on the cruise, as well as training on seafaring medical and sea survival. Applications can be submitted anytime. Find the open call for 2025
YMCA Network Solutions — Youth Empowerment Fund
The YMCA Network Solutions Youth Empowerment Fund is a grant opportunity designed to support youth-led initiatives that address local challenges and advance the Sustainable Development Goals. The grant is open to YMCA National Movements and their local associations in countries eligible. Grants of €10 thousand to €20 thousand are available for national projects, and up to €30 thousand for multi-country collaborations involving at least three countries. Applications close on 18 May 2025. Link to more information
United Nations — Marine and Coastal Ecosystems
The SEA Grants program supports community-based conservation initiatives and research aimed at enhancing marine and coastal ecosystem management in the East Asian Seas region. Grants range from US$5,000 to US$50,000 for projects lasting 12 to 18 months. Eligible applicants include local organizations, NGOs, and community groups operating in countries participating in the SCS SAP. The application deadline is 15 May 2025. SEA Grants
U.S. Department of State — Professional Fellows Program for Latin America and the Caribbean
The U.S. Department of State invites proposal submissions for the Young Leaders of the Americas (YLAI) Fellowship Program. The global exchange program will support approx. 250 social entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean in a five to four-week Fellowship program, including entrepreneurial training and workshops. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and institutions of higher education. Applications have to be submitted by 02 May 2025. Link to YLAI
Association of Commonwealth Universities — Higher Education and SDGs Grants
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) accepts applications for the Higher Education and the SDGs Challenge Grants to fund collaborative work around the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The grants are open to professional and academic staff at ACU member universities. Four grants of £2,500 are available. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with member universities to promote further Commonwealth partnerships or other organizations such as local governments. The closing date is 03 June 2025. Details here