The Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance invites innovative solutions that address barriers to climate investment in emerging markets and support the transition to a net-zero economy. The call for ideas covers four programs, each with distinct priorities. In 2026, the Lab will develop at least eight ideas. Selected ideas will receive guidance and support from experts and investors, as well as analytical and communications support. The application deadline is 09 November 2025. More about the Lab
South Asia
Asia Foundation — Development Fellows 2026
The Asia Foundation’s Development Fellows program provides qualified young Asian professionals with an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and gain in-depth knowledge of Asia’s critical development challenges. The program offers two weeks of leadership training in Asia and another two weeks in the USA, plus a grant of US$5 thousand to support individual plans for professional development. Applicants should be less than age 40 and have demonstrable experience in one of the program’s fields of expertise, which include environment (among others). The program is open to resident nationals and citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pacific Islands, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. The application deadline is 10 November 2025. Development Fellows
Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture — Photo Contest
The SEARCA Photo Contest with the theme “Beyond the Harvest: People and Processes in the Agriculture Value Chain” seeks images from across Southeast Asia that showcase moments that connect producers with markets, communities, and consumers. The contest is open to all Southeast Asian nationals. Winners receive cash prizes of US$1000 (1st place), US$800 (2nd place), and US$500 (3rd place). All entries must be submitted before 30 November 2025. SEARCA Photo Contest
U.S. Department of State — TechGirls 2026
TechGirls is an international summer exchange program designed to empower and inspire young women from around the world to pursue careers in science and technology. The program is open to teenage girls (ages 15-17) from eligible countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and Latin America. TechGirls covers the costs of travel, accommodation, and meals for participation in the technology camp hosted by Virginia Tech University. The application will close on 04 December 2025. Link to TechGirls
Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen — CrossCulture Program 2026
The Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) seeks professionals and volunteers from South and Southeast Asia, Eurasia and Central Asia, Eastern Europe and Russia, and MENA countries to participate in a 2-3 months training program at host organizations in Germany or in CCP partner countries. Professional fellowships are being offered in Sustainable Development and five other fields. The Fellowship covers travel expenses, accommodation, insurance, and a monthly allowance of €650. The applicant must be between the ages of 23 and 45 and have at least two years of proven professional experience or volunteer work in a civil society organization in the country of origin. The deadline for application is 10 December 2025. About the program
HawkWatch International — Global Raptor Research & Conservation Grant
The Global Raptor Research & Conservation Grant invests in projects led by citizens of developing countries with the aim of increasing diversity and inclusivity in conservation while building local capacity. Projects must be located in high-priority countries for raptor research and conservation (mainly Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, or Southeast Asia), focus on a single species of raptor, and be led by an applicant who is associated with a registered NGO and/or university in the country where the project will take place. Preference will be given to projects working in low-income countries. Applicants may apply for up to US$2,500. The application deadline is 15 January 2026. More information
Rainforest Trust — Creating New Protected Areas
The Rainforest Trust partners with local conservation organizations to create new protected areas and expand existing ones for Critically Endangered and Endangered species. The Initiative invites applications for conservation partnerships from nonprofit entities and NGOs for projects in tropical Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Applying organizations may submit proposals for either a land purchase or a protected area designation. Applications to create new protected areas are reviewed three times per year. The application deadlines are 01 March, 01 June, and 01 November 2026. Applications for less than US$250 thousand may be submitted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Link
University of Antwerp — Masters Program in Development Studies
The University of Antwerp’s Institute of Development Policy and Management (IOB) offers three specializations for one-year master’s programs in development studies. Topics include poverty, climate change, conflict, good governance, sustainable development, and others. The Institute of Development Policy awards scholarships to students from many countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America for studies at Belgian universities that include Antwerp’s IOB. Candidates applying for an ICP Connect scholarship have to submit their application by 01 March 2026. Link
Commonwealth Secretariat — Commonwealth Youth Awards 2025
The Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work recognize individuals ages 15 to 29 who lead innovative development projects in themes that include agriculture, small enterprise, skills training, climate change, environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, and poverty reduction. The program selects regional winners from each of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Winners are awarded grants of up to a total of £5 thousand in total to advance their projects. The application deadline is 17 October 2025. Commonwealth Youth Awards
AirAsia Foundation — Improving Communities
The AirAsia Foundation makes grants to social enterprises with projects to empower communities, enable them to build sustainable livelihoods, tackle social problems, or protect the environment. Applicants must be registered and be based in ASEAN. NGOs looking to diversify funding sources through social enterprise are welcome to submit an application. AirAsia’s priority is to support smaller social enterprises. Applications can be submitted anytime, but the review process may take up to 6 months. Link