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
marine/coastal
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
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
Royal Society of Biology — Photography Competition
The Royal Society of Biology invites amateurs to submit photographs that show the efforts, challenges and wins restoring biodiversity and habitat. The winners receive cash prizes of up to £1,000. This competition is open to amateur photographers both in and outside of the UK. The deadline to submit photographs is 19 June 2025. Photography Competition
United Nations — Leaders for Sustainable Development
The Young Leaders for the SDGs initiative recognizes young people who are leading efforts to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative offers Young Leaders a range of benefits designed to support and amplify their impact. The United Nations seeks applications from young people of all backgrounds from all around the world. Applications are being accepted until 18 April 2025. Young Leaders for the SDGs
Government of Luxembourg — Business Partnership Facility
The Government of Luxembourg provides financial support to the private sector in Europe to set up sustainable commercial projects in partnership with private or public organizations in developing countries. Project proposals should focus on one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and may not exceed €200 thousand. Applications can be submitted before 30 April 2025. Details here
Earth Journalism Network — Story Grants Marine Environment
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers story grants to support the production of in-depth reporting on current and emerging marine issues in the Adriatic Sea, with a focus on the Western Balkans. Applications from Western Balkan countries that border the Adriatic Sea are welcome (i.e. Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania). Journalists from inland Balkan countries such as Serbia, Kosovo and North Macedonia are also eligible to apply if their stories can be directly tied to the Adriatic Sea. EJN expects to award up to 10 grants with a budget of up to €1,200 each. The application deadline is 13 March 2025. Details here