The National Geographic Society seeks applications for its Slingshot Challenge. The challenge invites 13–18-year-olds to submit a 1-minute video describing their idea for solving environmental issues. Video submissions must be in English or Spanish. Subtitles are not required but are allowed. National Geographic will select a small number of submissions to receive up to US$10 thousand in funding. Submissions are due by 05 February 2027. Know more
marine/coastal
Trust for Sustainable Living — International Schools Essay Competition
Every year, the essay competition focuses on a different global sustainability challenge. This year’s theme is “Navigating El Niño.” Participating students are invited to create a piece of artwork, music, video, poem, essay, letter, or story. The Grand Prize trophy winner will receive a free international trip to a TSL Summit, including £1000 spending money. Schools have to register a Teacher Champion to participate in the competition. The deadline for essay entries is 01 March 2027. Details
Waterloo Foundation — Environment Fund: Marine Resources
The Waterloo Foundation manages an Environment Fund that supports projects to manage and conserve marine resources. Applications are invited from UK charities in partnership with local organizations in the developing world, and from non-UK organizations that can provide suitable references in the UK. The majority of grants range from £50 thousand to £100 thousand for projects of up to three years. Application deadlines are 01 March and 01 September each year. About the Marine Fund
Asia Community Foundation — Southeast Asia Ocean Fund
The 30×30 Southeast Asia Ocean Fund invites NGOs, research institutions, and civil society organizations to apply for grants supporting marine conservation, prioritizing projects led by or engaging coastal frontline communities. Grants of up to US$250,000 are awarded over multiple years, with no predetermined activity restrictions. Eligible applicants include local NGOs and research institutions in Southeast Asia; individuals, private enterprises, and government bodies are not eligible. Applications, in the form of an Expression of Interest, are accepted on a rolling basis. Link
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Grants for Wallacea Biodiversity Hotspot
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites Letters of Inquiry for grants supporting biodiversity conservation in the Wallacea Hotspot. The grants fund biodiversity conservation projects in Indonesia’s Wallacea region — reducing threats to endangered species, improving management of key biodiversity areas, and supporting sustainable natural resource use by Indigenous peoples and local communities across specific island and marine priority zones. Small grants are up to US$50,000 with a deadline of 26 September 2026. Large grants range from US$50,000 to US$150,000 with a deadline of 27 September 2026. Grants for Wallacea Biodiversity Hotspot
Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation — Science without Borders Challenge 2027
The Science Without Borders (SWB) Challenge is an international student art competition. The theme for the 2027 challenge is “Navigate with care.” Students are asked to create artwork that explores how mariners can help protect both people and life in the ocean by navigating safely and responsibly. The SWB Challenge is open to primary and secondary school students (aged 11-19 years) from all around the world. The winners will receive scholarships of up to US$500. The deadline is 01 March 2027. Science Without Borders Challenge
Pulitzer Center — Global South Civil Society Microgrants
The Pulitzer Center invites civil society organizations in the Global South to apply for microgrants supporting civic engagement projects. Eligible projects use at least one published Pulitzer Center story to advance public understanding on one of three focus areas: rainforest degradation and Indigenous rights, ocean health and marine governance, or the intersection of climate and labor, including gender and community resilience. Grants range from US$2,000 to US$4,000. Eligible applicants are grassroots organizations, civil society coalitions, youth movements, and community educators with prior experience running civic engagement activities in the Global South, particularly Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. The application deadline is 06 September 2026. Civil Society Microgrants
Explorers Club — Marine Exploration Grant
The Explorers Club supports the scientific fieldwork of groundbreaking explorers around the world. The Stephenson Explorers Advancement Program supports college undergraduates/graduate students, and independent explorers under the age of 35 conducting exploration and field research for marine exploration and conservation projects. The average award is US$10 thousand. The deadline to submit applications is 02 October 2026. Stephenson Explorers Advancement Program
Harvard University — Environmental Fellowships 2027
Harvard University’s Center for the Environment awards environmental fellowships. The fellowships enable recent doctorate recipients to use Harvard’s resources to tackle complex environmental problems. Eligibility for funding extends to candidates with a doctorate or equivalent in any subject area from any university in the world. Candidates may propose research projects in any discipline. The fellowship includes a salary of US$92 thousand per year, plus reimbursement for relocation expenses, annual allowance for travel and other professional expenses. The deadline for applications is 01 December 2026. HUCE Environmental Fellowships
International Marine Animal Trainers Association — Conservation Fund
The International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA) provides financial support for non-profit organization projects that focus on conservation-oriented issues that serve marine mammal science through training, public display, research, husbandry, conservation, and education. Grants of up to US$5 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. IMATA Conservation Fund Nomination