The Rockefeller Foundation supports African leaders who are creating bold, systemic solutions to critical challenges across the continent. Projects can range from social innovation and policy work to tech-driven and community-based efforts. Key focus areas include renewable energy access, resilient health systems, transformed food systems, and regional economic integration. The pre-application deadline is 01 December 2025. Big Bets Fellowship
pollution
European Outdoor Conservation Association — Funding for Conservation Projects
The European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) makes grants for field-based projects in wildlife conservation; protection of forests and wetlands; litter clean-up on trails and mountains; environmental education in local communities; and other initiatives in support of nature-based travel and tourism. Project applications must protect a threatened species or habitat; have a link to the outdoor enthusiast; and involve hands-on practical conservation work. Grants are to nonprofit organizations in amounts up to €30 thousand for projects of one to two years anywhere in the world (except North America). There are two application periods per year. The next application window is 01-31 March 2026. View this opportunity
Right Livelihood Award — Annual Nominations 2026
The Right Livelihood Awards are annually made to individuals and organizations offering practical and exemplary answers to the most urgent challenges facing us today. The Award is sometimes referred to as the “Alternative Nobel Prize.” Past laureates include several whose work in issues of environment and natural resources advances social justice and grassroots development in the developing world. Normally, the Foundation makes three cash awards and one honorary award each year. Nominations are invited from anyone worldwide (excluding self-nominations, close relatives, and Foundation staff and jury). The deadline for nominations is 16 January 2026. Nominate
Government of Switzerland — Renewable Energy Promotion in Developing Countries
The independent platform Renewable Energy, Energy and Resource Efficiency Promotion in Developing and Transition Countries (REPIC) supports projects in the field of renewable energies and/or energy efficiency and/or resource efficiency (waste, wastewater, and industrial processes). The project applicant has to be a Swiss organization (companies, NGOs, institutes, etc.) but the project target country must be a developing country. The maximum amount per project is CHF 150 thousand. Applications can be submitted at any time. Application procedure
Social Science Research Council — APN Individual Research Fellowships
The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) offers fellowships to African researchers, policy analysts, and practitioners working on conflict and peace-building issues. The posted list of issues includes natural resource conflicts and water conflicts. The fellowships are intended to support six months of field-based research with grants of up to US$15 thousand. Applicants must be citizens of and reside in an African country. The application deadline is 16 January 2026. APN Individual Research Fellowships
Commission for Environmental Cooperation — Community-based Circular Economy Strategies
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) accepts applications for projects that advance community-led environmental solutions grounded in circular economy strategies. Projects should improve local well-being and environmental outcomes in North America by shifting resource use toward reuse, repair, remanufacture, or recycling, and by keeping materials in circulation for as long as possible. The CEC will accept proposals for up to C$150 thousand. Eligibility extends to non-profit, community-based, Indigenous, academic, and other registered organizations operating in Canada, Mexico, or the United States. The deadline for submitting proposals is 01 December 2025. Details here
TED-Ed — Earth School
Earth School consists of 30 days of nature-focused content for learners of all ages. Each Quest includes videos and a quiz, combined with a series of engaging learning resources curated by environmental experts. Teachers and parents are invited to use these lessons and activities to keep their students and kids engaged and connected to the outside world. Lessons are free and accessible anytime. Link to Earth School
UNOPS — Pollution in the Black Sea
The Eco-Innovation Challenge seeks innovative solutions to tackle pollution sources such as agricultural runoff, municipal wastewater, industrial chemicals, and marine litter affecting the Black Sea. Innovators from eligible countries may apply through two windows: a Focus Country Window (Georgia, Moldova, Türkiye) for deployment-ready interventions (grants of US$50 thousand to US$300 thousand) and a Greater Black Sea Window for earlier-stage ideas (technical assistance up to US$20 thousand). The deadline for expressions of interest is 14 November 2025. Eco-Innovation Challenge
iF International Forum Design GmbH — Student Design Award
The iF Student Design Award recognizes students and their future-oriented concepts that aim to solve a global development challenge. The best concepts earn a share of €50 thousand. All winners will be honored with a two-day event in Istanbul. Students and recent graduates of all design-related courses and programs are welcome to register their concepts. The registration deadline for participation is 28 January 2026. iF Student Design Award
Echoing Green — Fellowships 2026
Echoing Green helps emerging social entrepreneurs around the world with grants of seed capital and technical assistance to support their start-up organizations. Seed funding of up to US$80 thousand over 18 months is offered to for-profit organizations through recoverable grants. Past fellowships include examples in renewable energy, waste management, smallholder farming, climate change, and other societal challenges in developing countries. Applications are due on 08 October 2025. Echoing Green Fellowships