Smithsonian.com accepts submissions from photographers worldwide in the theme of “Natural World,” among other categories. The Grand Prize is US$2,500 and the winners in each category will receive US$500 each. The deadline for submissions is 01 December 2025. Submit your photos
marine/coastal
Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund — Krill Fishing and Marine Ecosystem
The Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund (AWR) calls for proposals from scientific researchers who can aid in determining the impact of the krill fishing industry on the Antarctic marine ecosystem. Funding will range from US$25 thousand to US$90 thousand per project. The deadline for applications is 01 April 2026. Find the 12th call for proposals
TED-Ed — Earth School
Earth School consists of 30 days of nature-focused content for learners of all ages. Each Quest includes videos and a quiz, combined with a series of engaging learning resources curated by environmental experts. Teachers and parents are invited to use these lessons and activities to keep their students and kids engaged and connected to the outside world. Lessons are free and accessible anytime. Link to Earth School
UNESCO — Youth Innovation Contest
The UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (UNESCO IITE) invites children and young people to take part in the 2025 Youth Innovation Contest. Participants can submit creative works that reflect their vision of a more sustainable planet, using any format (painting, story, poem, or a research essay). The contest is open to two age groups: Children’s Group (5-12 years old) and Youth Group (13-17 years old). Participants are encouraged to create works focusing on Climate Change, Biodiversity, Building Sustainable Communities, Protecting Water Resources, and Clean Energy. The deadline for application is 16 November 2025. More
Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme — Landscape Restoration
The Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme provides funding for the implementation of large-scale restoration initiatives that restore and harness ecosystem processes, bring back nature to degraded landscapes and seascapes, and revitalize local economies. The program seeks Expressions of Interest from innovative landscape restoration projects across Europe. The amount awarded per project is between US$1.5 Million and US$5 Million, over five years. Lead partners for grants must be not-for-profit organizations. The deadline for submitting applications is 20 January 2026. Details
Australia and Pacific Science Foundation — Research Grants 2026
The Australia and Pacific Science Foundation (APSF) makes research grants in ecology, biodiversity, and life sciences in Australia and the Southwest Pacific region. Grants are awarded to institutions within Australia or other countries of the Southwest Pacific region for activities within those countries or within the region. Most grants are up to A$20 thousand per year for up to three years. Applications are due 13 March 2026. Link
Echoing Green — Fellowships 2026
Echoing Green helps emerging social entrepreneurs around the world with grants of seed capital and technical assistance to support their start-up organizations. Seed funding of up to US$80 thousand over 18 months is offered to for-profit organizations through recoverable grants. Past fellowships include examples in renewable energy, waste management, smallholder farming, climate change, and other societal challenges in developing countries. Applications are due on 08 October 2025. Echoing Green Fellowships
Commonwealth Secretariat — Commonwealth Youth Awards 2025
The Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work recognize individuals ages 15 to 29 who lead innovative development projects in themes that include agriculture, small enterprise, skills training, climate change, environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, and poverty reduction. The program selects regional winners from each of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Winners are awarded grants of up to a total of £5 thousand in total to advance their projects. The application deadline is 17 October 2025. Commonwealth Youth Awards
Caribbean Biodiversity Fund — Advancing Circular Economy
The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) seeks applications for projects that promote and apply practical circular economy principles to minimize or prevent waste from entering the marine environment. Grant funding amounts range from US$400 thousand to US$2 million and need to be complemented by co-financing. Eligible countries are Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Applications can be submitted until 25 November 2025. Details here
Global Thinkers Forum — Mentoring Program 2026
The Global Thinkers Forum brings together a diverse network of thought leaders to share their visions of the future, create meaningful conversations around them, and effect positive change in the world. The program consists of an 8-month mentoring cycle that includes one-on-one sessions with experienced thought leaders and individuals aged between 18 and 29 from all over the world. The program’s mentors are successful individuals across several professional fields and countries. The application deadline is 28 November 2025. Become a Global Thinkers Mentee