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
marine/coastal
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
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
Brookfield Zoo Chicago — Endangered Species Fund
The Brookfield Zoo Chicago administers conservation grants funded by the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). The Fund’s priority is to support projects that assist directly in the protection of populations of threatened and endangered species; or that protect a specific habitat that is of high biological value or that is substantially threatened (IUCN Red List Status). Grants are up to US$7 thousand. The application deadline for concept notes is 31 August 2025. General directions
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