The AIPH World Green City Awards competition recognizes the role of city authorities in promoting and supporting greater inclusion of nature and plants in urban environments. The award is open to city governments and local authorities around the world. The submission must be made by the local authority governing the city – such as the Mayor’s or executive officer’s office. Cities receive an award certificate and a trophy, as well as global recognition and profiling opportunities. All entries will need to be submitted online before 15 September 2025. Green City Awards
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ETH4D — Visiting Student Grant
The ETH4D Visiting Student Grant provides ETH professors funding to invite a student from a low- or middle-income country to ETH Zurich for a research stay of 3-6 months. The invited student must be registered as a Master’s (MA/MSc) student in their home institution. The grant covers the following expenses up to a maximum of CHF 16.5 thousand. The next application deadline is 15 October 2025. ETH Visiting Student Grant
MDPI — Sustainability Young Investigator Award 2025
MDPI, a publisher of peer-reviewed, open-access journals, invites applications and nominations for the Sustainability 2025 Young Investigator Award. The winner will receive CHF 2000. This prize will be given to one young investigator in recognition of their excellence in the field of sustainability and sustainable development. Candidates must be under 35 years and be nominated by senior researchers. The deadline for nominations is 15 December 2025. More information
MDPI — Sustainability Travel Awards 2026
MDPI, a publisher of peer-reviewed, open-access journals, grants travel awards to 5 junior scientists. The award provides financial support to attend an international conference in the field of sustainability and sustainable development, to be held in 2026. Candidates must be postdoctoral fellows or PhD students. The winners will each be awarded CHF 600 and a certificate. Applications have to be submitted by 31 December 2025. Sustainability Travel Awards
AJA Foundation — Water Grants
AJA Foundation supports projects that provide access to clean water. AJA Foundation has a particular commitment to providing renewable clean water in rural African villages. There is no geographical restriction on where projects might be located. Funding ranges from US$2500 to US$500 thousand. The Foundation accepts LOIs on a rolling basis. Details here
Orange Telecom — Tech Entrepreneurship Program
The Orange Summer Challenge 2025 (OSC25) is a tech entrepreneurship program designed to support innovative startups that combine hardware and software solutions with strong social or environmental impact. OSC25 offers participants technical and human support to develop their technological solutions. Winners of the international competition will receive financial support for incubation and other costs related to the development of their solution. Applications are open until 15 June 2025. Know more
Posterheroes — International Contest about Social and Environmental Issues
Submissions are open for the Posterheroes contest that calls for posters about social and environmental issues. Posterheroes invites students, professional designers, and everyone who is into graphic design to create a poster. Participants can win a cash prize of up to US$2,500. The submission deadline is 22 August 2025. Link to the contest
YMCA Network Solutions — Youth Empowerment Fund
The YMCA Network Solutions Youth Empowerment Fund is a grant opportunity designed to support youth-led initiatives that address local challenges and advance the Sustainable Development Goals. The grant is open to YMCA National Movements and their local associations in countries eligible. Grants of €10 thousand to €20 thousand are available for national projects, and up to €30 thousand for multi-country collaborations involving at least three countries. Applications close on 18 May 2025. Link to more information
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Pakistan
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Pakistan. The priorities under this call include one on environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management. The average contribution is C$30 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The deadline for submission is 30 May 2025. Click here
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Malawi
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives supports small-scale, high-impact projects in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Malawi. The priorities under this call include women’s economic rights (which can include agriculture), environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management. The average contribution is C$35 thousand to C$50 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. Expressions of Interest have to be submitted by 16 May 2025. CFLI