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
marine/coastal
Pacific Development and Conservation Trust — Community Projects in the Pacific Islands
New Zealand’s Pacific Development and Conservation Trust makes grants for conservation, cultural heritage, development, and goodwill in the Pacific Islands. The priority is community projects, including conservation projects that involve representative, endangered, threatened, or unique habitats and species. Eligibility for grants extends to citizens of New Zealand and eligible Pacific countries and territories. Most past grants range from NZ$2 thousand to NZ$50 thousand. The deadlines for expressions of interest are 18 September 2025 and 18 March 2026. More about the application process
UNESCO World Heritage Center — Requests for International Assistance
Grants under the World Heritage Convention are made to help protect the World Cultural and Natural Heritage sites. Requests must be transmitted by a State Party National Commission for UNESCO or Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, or an appropriate governmental department or ministry. The limits on funding vary with the type of request (e.g., technical cooperation, training and research, promotion and education, preparatory assistance, emergency assistance). The next deadline for submitting requests is 31 October 2025. More information
International Marine Animal Trainers Association — Research Grants
The International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA) provides financial support for investigations that advance the humane care and handling of marine animals by fostering communication between professionals who serve marine animal science through training, public display, research, husbandry, conservation, and education. Grants of up to US$3 thousand are for projects of one year. The Principal Investigator or co-PI must be a member of IMATA. The association accepts proposals all year. Link
11th Hour Racing — Improving the Health of our Oceans
11th Hour Racing is committed to mobilizing the sailing and marine communities to improve the health of our oceans. For that reason, 11th Hour Racing seeks innovative projects that address dynamic environmental challenges in one or more of the program’s focus areas: reduce ocean pollution, advance clean technologies and best practices, and foster ocean stewardship. Applications from non-profit organizations from all around the world are welcome. Typical grants range from US$40 thousand to US$150 thousand, with an average grant size of $75 thousand. The application deadline is 31 March 2025. About this opportunity
Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans — Fellowships 2025
The Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO) supports capacity building in oceanography for individuals and institutions in developing countries. POGO’s Visiting Fellowships Program is open to scientists, technicians, graduate students (PhD), and post-doctoral fellows involved in oceanographic work. Priority is given to applicants in their early stages of career development. The fellowship offers the opportunity to visit other oceanographic centers for a short period of training on any aspect of oceanographic observations, analyses, and interpretation. The application deadline is 27 April 2025. Find fellowship information
Micro Charity Grant — Support for Charities
The Micro Charity Grant offers financial support to charitable organizations worldwide, enabling them to enhance existing programs, develop new initiatives, or cover essential operational costs. Eligible applicants must be recognized as charitable entities within their respective countries. The grant’s flexibility allows recipients to allocate funds where they will have the greatest impact, whether by sustaining current efforts or fostering new growth opportunities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Micro Charity Grant
Waitt Foundation — Small Grants for Marine Protected Areas and Fisheries
The Waitt Foundation makes Rapid Ocean Conservation (ROC) grants to strengthen and expand marine protected areas, and to promote sustainable fisheries. Grants support scientific research, policy, management, and public awareness. There are no geographical restrictions. Grants are up to US$10 thousand, and occasionally up to US$15 thousand. Applications are reviewed with a quick turnaround time to address urgent needs. Preliminary grant requests are accepted all year. About ROC grants
Savvy — Fellowship for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs
The Savvy Fellowship is a 12-week online learning program for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. Savvy seeks early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs from across Africa working on solving the most pressing problems through innovation. Fellows will receive support, mentorship, and access to a lifelong community in support of their innovative business ideas. Fellows have to be no older than 40 years. The Savvy Fellowship program is open year-round and accepts applications on a rolling basis. More
The Iris Project — Prize for Nature Conservation
The Iris Prize celebrates and supports young people accelerating action to protect and restore nature. The Iris Project awards three grants each year: US$5,000 for ages 14-24 awarded for a new idea; US$10 thousand for ages 16-24 awarded for an existing project; US$15 thousand for ages 16-24 awarded for an established project. Application is open to individuals, teams and organizations from all around the world. Applications are open until 15 April 2025. About the prize