UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program makes grants for conservation research through its Young Scientists Awards. The Award targets young researchers (not older than 35 years) carrying out interdisciplinary research on ecosystems, natural resources and biodiversity. Priority is given to projects carried out in the world’s biosphere reserves. Awards are up to US$5 thousand. The deadline for applications (English, French) is 15 May 2025. MAB Young Scientists Awards
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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
Climatic Peace — Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction Fellowship
The Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Fellowship Program 2025 is a 12-week hybrid initiative designed to empower young changemakers across the Arab States. The program aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to drive climate action and enhance disaster resilience through innovative, community-driven solutions. The program is open to youth-led NGOs, student groups, social enterprises, or informal collectives. The deadline for applications is 20 May 2025. Details here
World Food Forum — Startup Innovation Awards
The World Food Forum Startup Innovation Awards is a global startup competition to support and showcase innovators and entrepreneurs who harness technology to drive the sustainable transformation of agrifood systems to end global hunger. The World Food Forum seeks applications for the 2025 Extreme Tech Challenge. The competition is open to companies whose work impacts an element of agrifood systems: production, aggregation, processing, distribution, consumption, and disposal of food products. Participants can win up to US$80 thousand, have the potential for global visibility, and the ability to raise capital. The closing date for applications is 22 May 2025. WFF Startup Innovation Awards
Scotiabank — Decarbonization Research
Scotiabank’s Net-Zero Research Fund (NZRF) supports registered charities and non-profit organizations conducting research to advance global decarbonization efforts. Funded projects have addressed topics such as carbon footprint reduction in artisanal mining, carbon capture through native species in the Amazon, and real-time data platforms for solar energy performance. Grants range from CA$25 thousand to CA$100 thousand. Applicants must be registered charities or non-profit organizations in Canada, the US or Latin America. The deadline to apply is 22 May 2025. Net-Zero Research Fund
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Liberia
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Liberia. The priorities under this call include women’s economic rights, decent jobs and entrepreneurship, and investing in the poorest and most vulnerable (which may include agriculture or aquaculture projects). The average contribution is C$20 thousand to C$49 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The deadline for submission is 25 May 2025. Details here
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Côte d’Ivoire
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Côte d’Ivoire. The priorities under this call include one on environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation. The average contribution is C$20 thousand to C$49 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The deadline for submission is 25 May 2025. CFLI Côte d’Ivoire
Yale School of the Environment — Film Contest
The Yale Environment 360 Film Contest accepts entries of environmental films from around the world. Submissions should focus on an environmental issue and be a maximum of 20 minutes in length. The first-place winner will receive US$3,000, the second-place winner US$2,000, and the third-place winner US$1,000. The deadline for entries is 25 May 2025. Yale Environment 360 Film Contest
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in the Caribbean Islands
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The priorities under this call include women’s economic rights, decent jobs and entrepreneurship, and investing in the poorest and most vulnerable (which may include agriculture or aquaculture projects), as well as environment, climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, and water management. Project funding is up to C$50 thousand. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The deadline for submission is 28 May 2025. CFLI Caribbean Islands
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in the ASEAN region
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in the ASEAN region. The priorities under this call include women’s economic rights, decent jobs and entrepreneurship, and investing in the poorest and most vulnerable (which may include agriculture or aquaculture projects). The average contribution is C$20 thousand to C$40 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to not-for-profit local, national, or community-based organizations. The deadline for submission is 28 May 2025. CFLI ASEAN