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
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International Development Research Centre — Multilateral Research Call
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) invites expressions of interest for collaborative, multi-country research projects that advance Africa’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy. The call supports research in five thematic areas: agriculture, health, artificial intelligence and digital technologies, energy, and environment. Eligible applicants are consortia consisting of one lead institution and at least two co-applicant institutions from different participating SGCI countries; eligible organizations include public research organizations, public and private universities, and governmental research organizations, while organizations outside participating countries may join as unfunded partners. Funding ranges from CA$50 thousand to CA$300 thousand per consortium member. The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is 25 September 2026. Multilateral Research Call
SPIE — International Day of Light Photo Contest
SPIE invites submissions for its annual International Day of Light Photo Contest to highlight the critical role that light and light-based technologies play in nature and daily life. The global competition is open to amateur and professional photographers who are at least 18 years old. Participants can submit up to two images depicting properties of light interacting with the atmosphere and nature, light technology, or human interactions with light. The organization awards a first prize of US$2.5 thousand, a second prize of US$1 thousand, a third prize of US$500, and a special Judges’ Choice for Best of Science prize of US$1 thousand. The deadline for entries is 16 September 2026. Day of Light Photo Contest
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
UK Government — Environmental Capacity Building in UK Overseas Territories
The Darwin Plus People & Skills program invites applications for projects that build local capacity to protect the natural environment through training, education, and professional development. Eligible applicants include nationals, long-term residents, or individuals with an established relationship with a UK Overseas Territory. The program provides grants of up to £100 thousand to support individual training and institutional capacity building for a project period of up to 24 months. The deadline for single-stage applications is 07 September 2026. Darwin Plus People & Skills
UK Government — Transformative Biodiversity Conservation
The Darwin Plus Strategic program invites applications for large-scale, collaborative projects aimed at delivering long-term biodiversity conservation and climate change resilience. Non-governmental organizations, research institutions, public entities, and private businesses can apply with ambitious initiatives that demonstrate clear scalability or systemic impact. Projects must directly benefit the natural environment of eligible UK Overseas Territories, such as Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and the Falkland Islands. The program provides funding ranging from £1 million to £3 million for collaborative interventions lasting between three and five years. The deadline for single-stage applications is 14 September 2026. Darwin Plus
European Commission — Blue Bio-Based Products
The European Commission offers research and innovation grants to support projects that harness the properties of marine organisms to develop sustainable bio-based products. Eligible applicants must form a collaborative consortium consisting of at least three independent legal entities from three different European Union member states or associated countries. Legal entities can include universities, research organizations, small businesses, and for-profit companies. The program allocates a total budget of €10 million for this topic, intending to fund approximately two separate projects at around €5 million each. The deadline for single-stage project submissions is 17 September 2026. Details here
European Commission — Algae and Marine Microorganisms in Food Systems
The European Commission offers research and innovation grants to develop nutritious, sustainable food and feed products using marine algae and microorganisms. Eligible applicants must form a collaborative consortium consisting of at least three independent legal entities, each established in a different European Union member state or associated country. Eligible organisations include universities, research institutes, small businesses, and for-profit companies. The program provides a total budget of €9 million for this topic, aiming to fund two separate projects at around €4.5 million each over a multi-year period. The deadline for single-stage submissions is 17 September 2026. Link to EC
Velux Stiftung — Sustainable and Integrative Forest Management
The Velux Stiftung invites proposals for research and development projects aimed at promoting sustainable forestry practices and the conservation of forest ecosystems. Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, and non-profit organizations from any country, provided the proposed projects address issues of forest health, biodiversity, or climate adaptation. The foundation typically supports projects with grants ranging from €100 thousand to €500 thousand for a project period of up to three years. The deadline for proposals is 21 September 2026. Know more
Geneva Centre for Security Policy — Prize for Innovation in Global Security
The Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) offers a prize to recognize groundbreaking concepts by any individual, group of individuals, or organization, that offer exceptional potential in addressing peace and security challenges. All disciplines and fields are relevant (including climate change and environmental security). The winner will receive CHF10 thousand and a certificate. The deadline for applications is 23 September 2026. Details here