USAID sponsors Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) to identify, develop, test, and scale innovative approaches in development. DIV’s portfolio includes projects across the range of USAID’s program areas – including in agriculture, energy, climate change, water, waste management, and others related to natural resources and the environment. Applicants may apply for any of the three following stages: Proof of Concept (Up to US$200 thousand for up to 3 years), Testing and Positioning for Scale (US$200 thousand to $1.5 million for up to 3 years), and Scaling (US$1.5 million to US$15 million for up to 5 years). Proposals are accepted year-round, from any type of organization (including private businesses, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, foundations, civic groups, regional organizations, and international organizations), in any country. Link
universities
MedWet — World Wetlands Day
MedWet launches a call for projects to financially support actors in the realization of educational animations within the framework of the World Wetlands Day 2025. MedWet will select up to 34 projects and provide financial support of €250 for the implementation of campaigns and educational activities that highlight the importance of wetlands for humanity and the planet. This call targets actors that engage in wetland conservation in the Mediterranean region. Applications have to be submitted by 11 November 2024. Link to more information
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 2025. More information
Munich Re Foundation — RISK Award “Children and Youths”
The RISK Award seeks operational field projects in risk reduction and disaster management. The prize will provide financial support of €100 thousand to projects dedicated to increasing people’s resilience to risks and disasters, especially in developing countries. The submitted projects may emphasize the importance of children and young people as agents of change. There are no eligibility restrictions but research institutions and NGOs are especially encouraged to submit. Projects have to be submitted by 17 October 2024. More
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — Conservation of Neotropical Migratory Birds 2025
The U.S. Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act sponsors an annual competitive grants program to support the conservation of neotropical migratory birds and their habitats in the USA, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. At least 75 percent of funding supports projects outside the USA. Grant requests have to be matched by partner contributions at no less than a 3-to-1 ratio. Eligibility to compete for funding is unrestricted. Applications should be submitted in English, but the program will accept accompanying versions of the application in Spanish and Portuguese. The application deadline is 31 October 2024. Find instructions
Science for People and Nature Partnership — Critical Conservation Challenges
In support of the United Nations agenda on sustainable development, the Science for People and Nature Partnership (SNAPP) aims to find solutions for problems at the interface of economic development, nature conservation, and human well-being. SNAPP operates through working groups that represent 200 institutions from more than 30 countries. SNAPP provides up to US$1 million total across 4-6 working groups. Proposals are invited from researchers and practitioners of any nationality affiliated with an academic, governmental, multilateral, or non-profit institution. Individuals operating independently are also eligible to apply. Proposals from low- and middle-income countries are especially welcome. The deadline for proposals is 03 December 2024. Science for Nature and People Partnership
Lighthouse Foundation — Coastal and Marine Conservation
The Lighthouse Foundation promotes science and research, teaching, culture, and the principles of environmentalism and international development in relation to the world’s seas and oceans. Funded partners of the Lighthouse Foundation are conservation NGOs, community NGOs, universities and educational organizations, and government organizations. There is no application form. Link
University of Chicago — Air Quality Fund
The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) accepts applications for the Air Quality Fund. The Fund will offer financial support to 10-15 selected groups over 18 months. They expect award amounts to be roughly US$50 thousand. The call for applications is open to governmental and non-governmental organizations of any type, including universities, non-profits, for-profits, corporates, NGOs, and CSOs. (Note: Organizations are required to be legally authorized to receive funds from a US institution.) Applications from all countries may apply. The application deadline is 10 September 2024. Air Quality Fund
U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — Conservation of Sea Turtles 2025
The U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) requests proposals that seek to improve the recovery and conservation of sea turtle populations. The majority of projects will take place in the Western Hemisphere: leatherbacks and loggerheads in the Northwest Atlantic, and leatherbacks and hawksbills in the Eastern Pacific. In 2025, the NFWF Sea Turtles Program will also award support to permitted U.S. organizations in providing sea turtle stranding response and/or rehabilitation in the United States and U.S. Territories. The RFP will award up to US$1.5 million, however, the majority of awards will fall in the range of US$50 thousand to US$300 thousand. A minimum of a 1:1 match of cash and/or in-kind services is required. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, government agencies, Indian tribes, educational institutions, businesses, and individuals. The deadline for pre-proposals is 10 September 2024. NFWF’s Sea Turtles Program
United States Agency for International Development — Climate Finance for Development Accelerator
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Climate Finance for Development Accelerator (CFDA) funds a range of climate change mitigation and adaptation activities focused on scaling up the transition to an equitable and resilient net-zero economy. The Accelerator is a buy-in mechanism that helps USAID missions, bureaus, and independent offices develop and manage climate finance-related partnerships, strengthen enabling environments, and advance learning. Organizations interested in joining the CFIN or becoming a climate finance partner eligible to receive support from the Accelerator, have to complete a partnership intake form. Partnership applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Link