The Japan Water Forum makes small grants to grassroots organizations in least-developed countries. Funding is made to projects addressing local water-related issues, including innovative solutions for water and sanitation, risk reduction for water-related disasters, and WASH projects. Grants are up to US$1,500. The application deadline is 30 June 2025. Details here
natural disasters
Stiftung Entrepreneurship — Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition 2025
The Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition (CEC) invites entrepreneurs from all around the world to submit innovative answers and ideas to solve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Young entrepreneurs (age 15-35) submit their ideas and projects in the Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship category. Entrepreneurs over 30 years apply to the Adult Citizen Entrepreneurship category. The winners receive a certificate and international recognition. The deadline for entries is 12 August 2025. About the competition
SEAMEO — Education for Sustainable Development
The SEAMEO-Japan Education for Sustainable Development Award invites public and private schools across Southeast Asia to showcase initiatives that enhance community resilience through local wisdom in disaster risk reduction. The first prize includes US$1,000 and a study tour to Japan for selected students and teachers. Second and third prizes are US$600 and US$400, respectively. Eligible schools include kindergartens, elementary, secondary, and vocational institutions. The submission deadline is 15 August 2025. Details here
Posterheroes — International Contest about Social and Environmental Issues
Submissions are open for the Posterheroes contest that calls for posters about social and environmental issues. Posterheroes invites students, professional designers, and everyone who is into graphic design to create a poster. Participants can win a cash prize of up to US$2,500. The submission deadline is 22 August 2025. Link to the contest
United Nations University — MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
The United Nations University (UNU) and the University of Bonn welcome applicants for the international joint MSc program, “Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security.” The ideal candidate has a strong interest or experience in human-nature relations and risk governance in the Global South. Women and applicants from developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships to financially support successful applicants from developing countries. The application deadline is 15 December 2025. More
iF International Forum Design GmbH — Social Impact Prize
The iF Social Impact Prize aims to publish and support design projects that contribute to solving urgent challenges and help to improve living conditions in the developing world. Solutions should already be established and help to solve well-known issues in any category of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The best projects will share a cash prize of €100 thousand in total. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations, companies, and foundations (student concepts will not be accepted). The application deadline is 01 September 2025. iF Social Impact Prize
Asia Foundation — Grants for Environment and Development
The Asia Foundation makes grants in a wide variety of program areas, including the Environment. Thematic interests in the environment include natural resource management and use; water resource management and transboundary water sharing; climate change adaptation and resilience; disaster preparedness and risk reduction; urban environmental issues; and women and the environment. The Foundation makes most of its grants to organizations based in the Asia-Pacific region. Letters of inquiry may be submitted at any time. Find details
Pulitzer Center — Global Reporting Grant
The Pulitzer Center Global Reporting Grant supports in-depth, high-impact reporting on critical issues that are often overlooked in the media, from global health to climate change. The Pulitzer Center will provide a travel grant of US$5 thousand for a reporting project on topics of global importance. The Grant is open to all journalists, writers, photographers, radio producers, filmmakers, staff journalists as well as freelancers and media professionals from any developing country. Applications can be submitted anytime. Pulitzer Center Global Reporting Grant
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
Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement — Nominations for Prize in 2026
The Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement grants US$250 thousand to recognize exceptional accomplishments in environmental science, energy, or medicine. The Tyler Prize can be awarded to living individuals or public or private institutions anywhere in the world. Several past prize winners have been distinguished in scientific and technical areas such as the global nitrogen cycle, global biodiversity assessments, wastewater treatment in developing countries, and others relevant to the link between environment and development. The closing date for nominations is 02 May 2025. Nominations here