he Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge (YDC) is a project-based learning experience for middle and high school teams. Participants are asked to design bio-inspired ideas that can provide solutions to the climate crisis. The Youth Design Challenge follows an academic calendar which means that teachers can teach the biomimicry project at any time. The challenge is open to schools from all around the world (US equivalent grades 6th-12th). Schools have to register teams that consist of up to eight student team members and an official teacher coach. Each team has the chance to win multiple prizes. The registration deadline for student teams is 31 January 2026. Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge
training/education
World Bank — Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The JJ/WBGSP Scholarship Program provides scholarships to professionals from developing countries who are applying to a master’s degree program in a development-related topic. Applicants must first apply for admission to one or more of the Partner Master’s Degree Programs to be eligible for a scholarship. Scholarship recipients receive travel allowance; tuition for the graduate program; basic medical insurance; and a monthly subsistence allowance to cover all living expenses (accommodations, food, etc., including books). The call has to applications windows, with deadlines on 27 February 2026 (Window #1) and 29 May 2026 (Window #2). Details
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
Because International — Accelerator for Entrepreneurs
Because International accepts applications for the Because Accelerator, a free online program for early-to-middle stage entrepreneurs who want to take their socially innovative product to the next level. Participants will go through a 16-week training program, weekly one-on-one coaching, networking, and at the end of the cohort. There will be an opportunity to compete in a pitch event for a cash prize, long-term coaching support, funding opportunities, and exposure to international markets. Entrepreneurs from around the world are invited to apply. Link to the Because Accelerator
Charity Entrepreneurship — Incubation Program on How to Start a Charity
Charity Entrepreneurship accepts applications for a two-month, fully cost-covered boot camp open to individuals who want to create, start, and operate an effective charity. The Incubation Program covers management, fundraising, impact analysis, and hands-on knowledge of established non-profit organizations. New organizations will receive seed grants of up to US$200 thousand in addition to legal support, and connections to donors, mentors, and potential employees. There is no geographical restriction for applicants. The deadline for applications is 05 October 2025. Apply to the Incubation Program
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development — African Women in Data Science Leadership Program
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) invites applications from high-potential African women under 35 in selected Sub-Saharan countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia). Up to 40 participants will be chosen for a nine-month, non-residential virtual program offering leadership training, mentoring, communication and personal branding skills, and gender-integration capacity. The program does not offer stipends or sitting allowances or subsidies. However, all training materials and mentorship provided will be at no cost. The call is open now and closes 15 October 2025. Leadership Program
Earth Journalism Network — Western Balkans Environmental Media Grant
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) awards grants to support activities that improve media coverage of environmental challenges and solutions. ENJ provides €10 thousand to a single journalist network, media organization, civil society group, or academic institution in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo) to support journalistic coverage of biodiversity, environmental threats, and nature-based solutions. Applications are due 30 October 2025. Western Balkans Environmental Media Grant
Global Thinkers Forum — Mentoring Program 2026
The Global Thinkers Forum brings together a diverse network of thought leaders to share their visions of the future, create meaningful conversations around them, and effect positive change in the world. The program consists of an 8-month mentoring cycle that includes one-on-one sessions with experienced thought leaders and individuals aged between 18 and 29 from all over the world. The program’s mentors are successful individuals across several professional fields and countries. The application deadline is 28 November 2025. Become a Global Thinkers Mentee
European Commission — TROPIMUNDO Masters Program in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems
TROPIMUNDO is a 2-year Erasmus Mundus master’s program in tropical biodiversity and ecosystems. Students alternate their semesters between consortium universities in Europe (Belgium, France, Italy) and tropical regions outside Europe (Australia, Cameroon, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Malaysia). Applicants should have an internationally accepted bachelor’s degree in biology, natural sciences, environmental sciences, or equivalent. The EC provides a certain number of scholarships for EU and non-EU students. The deadline for applications (for scholarship seekers or self-funded applicants) is 30 November 2025. About TROPIMUNDO
Melton Foundation — Global Solvers Accelerator
The Global Solvers Accelerator is an eight-month project-based collaborative learning workshop furthering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Up to 20 participants will be invited to attend the fully sponsored week-long in-person retreat, the Global Solvers Co-Lab (July 2026). Eligibility extends to young community development practitioners aged between 20 – 35 years from all around the world. Applicants must have an existing social impact project. The program offers financial aid for deserving participants. Applications close on 01 December 2025. Know more