The National Geographic Society funds individuals working on projects in science, conservation, storytelling, education, and technology that align with one or more of their focus areas: Ocean, Land, Wildlife, Human History & Culture, Human Ingenuity. Level I grants receive funding up to US$20 thousand and offer unique opportunities for training, networking, coaching, and mentorship from fellow National Geographic experts. Level II grants are up to US$100 thousand. Currently, National Geographic Society seeks innovative photography, short film, writing, data visualization and other storytelling proposals to help water users understand the issues around global water sustainability. Applicants may request up to US$20 thousand. Grant proposal submissions are due by 11 April 2024. Exploration Grants
marine/coastal
Ford Motor Company — Ford Fund Fellowship
The Ford Fund Fellowship is a virtual program for social entrepreneurs and community leaders building ventures that create impactful and scalable innovations. Each Fellow will learn advanced skills in entrepreneurship and leadership. US$25 thousand in seed funding will be distributed among the 25 Ford Fund Fellows. Applicants from the following countries are welcome to apply: China, Germany, Mexico, Romania, South Africa, United Kingdom. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. The final application deadline is 15 January 2024. Ford Fund Fellowship
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association — Coastal Ecosystems Resilience
The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) launches a regional call for proposals to support demonstrative field actions aimed at fostering the restoration, the management and the sustainable use of marine and coastal ecosystems. The project must have a minimal duration of 12 months. Grants range from €50 thousand to €150 thousand. Applicants must be based in Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, or Seychelles. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 04 December 2023. Know more
Earth Journalism Network — Reporting Fellowships 2024
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) announces the launch of a new year-long fellowship program for journalists which will enhance reporting over four priority areas — climate change, biodiversity, the ocean and One Health. EJN seeks four environmental reporters which will provide journalistic training and mentorship, a quarterly salary stipend and funding for story production, travel and professional development opportunities. Fellows will receive a quarterly stipend of €6,000 to cover expenses for story production and €6,000 to cover travel to conferences and travel for story production. Applications are open to journalists working in any medium (online, print, television, multimedia, new media). The application deadline is 16 November 2023. EJN Reporting Fellowships
Wikimedia — Research Fund
The Wikimedia Research Fund provides support to individuals, groups, and organizations who have limited access to research funding and are proposing work that has a positive impact on their local communities. Requests may range from US$2 thousand to a maximum of US$50 thousand. The application submission deadline is 15 December 2023. Know more
World Wildlife Fund U.S. — Environmental and Social Impact Grant
The Environmental and Social Impact Grant provides financial support to teams and institutions working in Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar focusing on enhancing capacities to address environmental and social impact assessment capacity building needs with an emphasis on local communities. The proposals should focus on WWF key goals including climate, food, forests, freshwater, oceans, and wildlife. Applicants may request up to US$ 15 thousand. Applications must be submitted by 18 December 2023. Environmental and Social Impact Grant
UN Global Compact — Young SDG Innovators Program
The Young SDG Innovators Program is an accelerator program for future business leaders and changemakers to develop and drive innovative SDG solutions through new technologies, initiatives, and business models. Participants participate in online and in-person workshops, case studies, company visits and forum discussions. Companies based in Brazil, China, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Ukraine, United Kingdom or the United States have the opportunity to collaborate with their Global Compact Local Networks to nominate young professionals for the program. The nomination deadline is 31 January 2024. Link to UN Global Compact
The Commonwealth Secretary-General — Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards
Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards recognize ground-breaking innovations from Commonwealth countries that contribute to one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Each winner will receive a trophy, a certificate and a cash prize of £3,000. Nominees can be individuals, organizations, companies, charities or government bodies. Entries must be received by 15 October 2023. Know more
The Nature Conservancy — Photo Contest 2023
The Nature Conservancy Photo Contest seeks photographs that bring the natural world to people’s eyes and to their hearts. Participants can submit their pictures into five different categories: Cities and Nature; Landscape; People and Nature; Water; and Wildlife. Winners will receive gift cards and equipment. The contest is open to professional and amateur photographers. Photos can be submitted until 29 September 2023. About the photo contest
Save Our Seas Foundation — Ocean Storytelling Photography Grant
The Save Our Seas Foundation (SOS) seeks photographers who tell conservation stories about the oceans. The call is not limited underwater photography. Story topics can range from the animals themselves, to fisheries to the communities whose lives are intertwined with marine life. Four successful grantees will receive a fully-funded assignment to shoot a conservation photo story on location, under direct mentorship from professional photographers from National Geographic. Award includes US$2 thousand cash prize, day rate for 3 to 4-week shoot, a year of mentorship, and logistical costs for shoot covered. SOS seeks to support early-career storytellers, therefore, applicants must have no more than 5 years of professional experience in any photography related discipline. The deadline to apply is 13 October 2023. Ocean Storytelling Photography Grant