The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme invites civil society organizations to apply for the CSO Challenge Program, which supports the scaling and replication of proven environmental solutions that generate global environmental benefits while strengthening local communities. Eligible applicants are civil society organizations with successful initiatives that align with one of five priority areas: community-based management of threatened ecosystems and species; sustainable agriculture or fisheries and food security; low-carbon energy access; chemicals and waste management; or sustainable urban solutions. The program provides grants of up to US$300 thousand. The first call is open to civil society organizations in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The application deadline is 31 July 2026. Small Grants Program
Russia/Eastern Europe
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in the Mediterranean Basin
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for large grants (US$50 thousand – US$180 thousand). The call funds projects that strengthen civil society engagement in protecting globally significant biodiversity through actions such as species conservation, habitat restoration, sustainable natural resource management, and the expansion and effective management of Key Biodiversity Areas. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, community groups, universities and private enterprises. The ecosystem profile technical summary is available in English, French, and Arabic. LOIs must be submitted by 18 September 2026. Click here
CETPartnership — Clean Energy Transition
The Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETPartnership) invites transnational consortia from a minimum of three countries (at least two must be EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries) to submit research and innovation projects in renewable energy technologies and clean energy integration. The Call is designed to support projects lasting between 12 and 36 months, with requested funding typically ranging from €0.5 million to €5 million. The deadline for pre-proposal submission is 08 October 2026. Clean Energy Transition Partnership
European Commission — Alleviating Household Energy Poverty in Europe
The European Commission invites proposals under its LIFE Programme to support projects that actively alleviate household energy poverty and advance the clean energy transition. The funding supports cross-sectoral policy coordination and residential multi-apartment building renovations to reduce heating and cooling needs for vulnerable households, contributing directly to climate change mitigation. Legal entities established in European Union Member States or countries associated with the LIFE Programme, such as non-profit associations, local authorities, research facilities, and small-to-medium-sized enterprises, are eligible to apply. While there is no fixed grant maximum, projects typically request over €1 million, with the program co-financing up to 95% of total eligible project costs. The deadline for applications is 16 September 2026. Alleviating Household Energy Poverty
Open Rivers Programme — Dam Removal and River Restoration
The Open Rivers Programme invites applications for grants to support the removal of small dams and barriers to restore free-flowing rivers across Europe. Non-governmental organisations, public authorities, and community groups can apply for funding to complete preparatory work, technical assessments, and the physical removal of redundant instream structures. The program offers different grant categories, with funding amounts varying depending on the scope of the project, including small grants under €10 thousand for preparatory phases and larger allocations for full-scale barrier removals. The deadline for the current application cycle is 26 June 2026. Open Rivers
Earth Journalism Network — Media Workshop on Biodiversity in Montenegro
The Earth Journalism Network invites applications for its media workshop in Montenegro to strengthen biodiversity reporting and environmental coverage. Professional journalists and media practitioners working in print, online, radio, or television are eligible to apply. Applicants must be from eligible Western Balkan countries, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Kosovo. The program provides a fully funded training experience, covering all costs for travel, accommodation, and meals for approximately 12 selected participants. The application deadline is 01 July 2026. Media Workshop on Biodiversity Montenegro
EIT Food — Regenerative Agriculture Digital Learning Platform
EIT Food invites applications to enhance and scale its Future Farm Lab, an immersive 3D digital learning platform focused on regenerative agriculture. This open call selects a single legally established organisation with expertise in digital learning and immersive technologies to expand educational content and improve the platform’s infrastructure over a three-year project period. Eligible applicants must be based in European Union member states or countries associated with Horizon Europe. The opportunity offers €370,000 in total funding, and the selected partner must provide a minimum 10% co-funding match. The application deadline is 07 July 2026. Know more
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Albania
The Government of Canada invites proposals for small-scale, high-impact projects in Albania through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). This program provides funding to local non-governmental organizations, community groups, and other non-profits for initiatives focused on inclusive governance, gender equality, and environmental action. Most grants range from CAN$25 thousand to CAN$50 thousand to support projects with a maximum duration of two years. The deadline for applications is 21 May 2026. Link to CFLI
Africa-Europe Innovation Partnership — Art4Change Storytelling Fellowship 2026
The Africa-Europe Innovation Partnership (AEIP) invites applications for the Art4Change Storytelling Fellowship 2026. This fellowship is open to storytellers, digital artists, and creative professionals from Africa and Europe who focus on the intersection of art, technology, and social impact. Participants will engage in a collaborative program designed to highlight innovative solutions through diverse media formats. The program provides a grant of €3 thousand to each fellow to support the development and dissemination of their creative projects. The deadline for applications is 29 May 2026. Link
European Geosciences Union — Science Journalism Fellowship
The European Geosciences Union (EGU) accepts applications for the Science Journalism Fellowship competition. The fellowships enable journalists to report, in any European language, on ongoing research in the Earth, planetary or space sciences. Successful applicants receive up to €5000 to cover expenses related to their projects. The deadline for applications is 17 June 2026. Science Journalism Fellowship