The SheConnects Digital Accelerator seeks digital solutions that empower women and girls across Sub-Saharan Africa. The accelerator awards grants between US$500 thousand and US$1 million to registered non-profit organizations, mission-driven businesses, academic institutions, and consortia. To qualify, projects must focus on expanding proven digital models that improve women’s outcomes in key sectors, including climate change adaptation, sustainable agriculture, digital literacy, or healthcare. Selected initiatives must be implemented over an 18-month period and aim to reach at least 50 thousand women. The deadline for applications is 08 July 2026. SheConnects Digital Accelerator
universities
Korea International Water Week — World Water Challenge 2026
The Korea Water Forum invites solutions for the World Water Challenge, an international contest that aims to identify global water issues and find feasible solutions. Anyone, including individuals, businesses, and organizations from any country, can participate by submitting innovative technologies, scientific methods, or policy ideas. The organizers offer a total prize pool of KRW16 million (approximately US$11 thousand), including a grand prize of KRW10 million, with the top winners invited to present their ideas during the Korea International Water Week. The deadline for submitting solutions is 12 July 2026. Know more
G20 Global Land Initiative — Nature-Positive Actions: Transforming Lives and Landscapes
The G20 Global Land Initiative, alongside the Global Environment Facility and the World Overview for Conservation Approaches and Technologies, invites impact and human-interest stories for an upcoming digital publication. The program seeks compelling, real-world examples of land restoration efforts that protect biodiversity, scale up regenerative practices, or feature community-led ecosystem recovery. Individuals, on-the-ground practitioners, and members of partner networks worldwide are eligible to submit stories between 1,200 and 2,000 words. While no direct financial grant is specified, selected stories will receive professional editing, publication in multiple United Nations languages, and showcasing at major international forums like UNCCD COP17. The application deadline is 31 July 2026. Nature-Positive Actions
Prototypes for Humanity — Global Innovation Awards for University Projects
Prototypes for Humanity invites applications for its global awards program to recognize university projects focused on environmental and social sustainability. Academic researchers, professors, and students from any country and university level are eligible to submit their technology-driven inventions, scientific discoveries, or design prototypes. The initiative looks for scalable solutions that address serious global challenges, such as climate change mitigation, sustainable agriculture, environmental pollution, and water resources depletion. The program offers a total prize pool of US$100 thousand, which is split among several winning teams to help advance their research. The deadline for applications is 03 August 2026. More here
British Academy — International Interdisciplinary Research 2027
Knowledge Frontiers provides UK-based researchers active in the social sciences and the humanities with an opportunity to develop international interdisciplinary research projects in collaboration with colleagues from the natural, engineering, and/or medical sciences. The British Academy invites proposals for projects which focus on the interaction between technology, nature, and humanity. The lead applicant must be based at a UK university or research institute. Projects must involve at least one co-applicant who can be based in the UK or overseas. Awards of 24 months in duration and up to £300 thousand are available. The deadline for submissions is 07 October 2026. About Knowledge Frontiers
Worldwide Universities Network — Research Development Fund
The WUN Research Development Fund (RDF) provides grants of up to £10 thousand for one year to foster research collaborations among academic staff (faculty) at WUN member universities. Applications are open to researchers from WUN member institutions. The RDF supports research projects that fall under the network’s principal research theme of sustainable development. The closing date is 15 October 2026. (Note: Most WUN member universities have earlier internal submission deadlines, and prospective applicants should contact their local WUN Coordinator as soon as possible.) Link to guidelines
UK Government — Local Environmental Initiatives
The Darwin Plus Local program invites applications for small-scale projects aimed at protecting biodiversity and the natural environment in eligible UK Overseas Territories. Environmental non-governmental organizations, community groups, research institutions, and individuals can apply with practical initiatives that focus on biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and habitat restoration. The program provides up to £50 thousand for projects managed by organizations and up to £20 thousand for projects led by individuals. The application deadline is 25 June 2026. Details here
UK Government — Extra Grants for Biodiversity
The Darwin Initiative invites applications for its Extra grants program to fund large-scale, collaborative projects aimed at protecting biodiversity and reducing poverty in eligible low- to upper-middle-income countries. Non-governmental organisations, research institutions, and private sector businesses can apply with initiatives that demonstrate strong potential to scale up proven environmental interventions. The program provides funding ranging from £1 million to £5 million for a project period lasting between two and five years. The deadline for Phase I applications is 01 July 2026. Grants for Biodiversity
Schmidt Marine Technology Partners — Ocean Innovation Funding Program
Schmidt Marine Technology Partners invites applications for its ocean innovation program to transform promising marine technologies into real-world conservation tools. Universities, non-profit organisations, and startup companies globally can apply with practical, scalable hardware or software projects that improve ocean health, enhance sustainable fisheries, or support habitat restoration. The program does not fund individuals directly unless they apply through an eligible institution or business. Grant amounts typically range between US$100 thousand and US$400 thousand to support the development, testing, and deployment of these systems. The application deadline is 31 July 2026. Ocean Innovation Funding
Reckitt — Catalyst Social Impact Program
The Catalyst Social Impact Program supports social enterprises focused on health, hygiene, water, sanitation, and climate resilience. The program provides tailored business development, mentorship, and funding to scale purpose-driven ventures that address systemic inequalities and deliver community-level impact. The program is open to entrepreneurs from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States. The deadline to apply for the 2026 cohort is 09 August 2026. Social Impact Program