The journal Water invites applications for the Best PhD Thesis Award to recognize young scholars who have completed outstanding doctoral research in any aspect of water science, technology, management, or governance. The competition is open to PhD students or recently qualified PhD fellows worldwide, provided their thesis is original work and was defended during 2025. One winner will be selected to receive CHF 800. Applicants must submit an executive summary of their thesis in English. The deadline for applications is 31 May 2026. Thesis Award
water
Stiftung Entrepreneurship — Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition 2026
The Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition (CEC) invites entrepreneurs from all around the world to submit innovative answers and ideas to solve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Young entrepreneurs (age 15-35) submit their ideas and projects in the Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship category. Entrepreneurs over 30 years apply to the Adult Citizen Entrepreneurship category. The winners receive a certificate and international recognition. The deadline for entries is 05 June 2026. About the competition
Japan Water Fund — Kyoto World Water Grand Prize 2027
The Japan Water Forum, in collaboration with the City of Kyoto and the World Water Council, invites applications for the Kyoto World Water Grand Prize 2027 to honor grassroots organizations solving water challenges. Eligible applicants are non-profit, non-governmental, and locally led organizations based in developing countries that have implemented water-related projects between 2020 and 2024. The prize aims to recognize initiatives that respect the social and cultural characteristics of local communities. One winner will receive 2 million JPY (approximately US$13 thousand) to support the continuation or enhancement of their activities and will be invited to the award ceremony at the 11th World Water Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The deadline for applications is 12 June 2026. Details here
NDN Collective — Community Self-Determination
The Community Self-Determination grant program invests in the self-determination of Indigenous people working in their community. Applicants are encouraged to describe their community self-determination efforts within one of the following strategic focus areas that are best suited for their intentions and goals (e.g., climate justice work, clean energy initiatives, access to clean water, etc.). Grants of US$20 thousand per year, with a commitment of two years. The geographical focus is Turtle Island (Island Nations of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as Canada and Mexico). Applications close on 16 October 2026. Community Action Fund
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Equatorial Guinea
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale, high-impact projects in Equatorial Guinea. The CFLI provides funding for projects focusing on governance, human rights, and inclusive economic growth. Eligible recipients include local NGOs and government agencies working on community-level initiatives. The average contribution ranges from CAN$20,000 to CAN$49,000, with a maximum of CAN$100,000. Applications must be submitted by 12 April 2026. CFLI Equatorial Guinea
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Malaysia
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) provides funding for small-scale, high-impact projects in Malaysia that align with Canada’s thematic priorities, including democratic governance, environment and climate action, and gender equality. Eligible applicants include local non-governmental organizations, community groups, academic institutions, and municipal or national government agencies. While the maximum allocation for a single project is CAN$100 thousand, the average contribution typically ranges between CAN$20 thousand and CAN$50 thousand. Projects may be designed for a single year or span two years for more complex activities. The deadline for submitting applications via email is 13 April 2026. CFLI Malaysia
United Nations Environment Program — Champions of the Earth 2026
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) invites nominations for the 2026 Champions of the Earth award, which represents the UN’s highest environmental honor. The 2026 edition specifically focuses on leaders, organizations, and government entities worldwide that are driving efforts to protect and restore ocean health, including work in pollution prevention, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable blue economies. Candidates may be nominated in four categories: Policy Leadership, Inspiration and Action, Entrepreneurial Vision, and Science and Innovation. While the award provides global recognition and a platform to scale environmental solutions rather than a direct cash grant, it serves as a transformative career and organizational milestone. The deadline for nominations is 15 April 2026. UN Champions of the Earth
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification — Media Reporting Fellowship
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA) invite journalists to apply for a fellowship to cover the COP17 conference in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The program is open to professional staff or freelance journalists who work with recognized media outlets and are based in countries affected by desertification, land degradation, or drought. Six selected fellows will receive fully funded support, including return economy-class airfare to Mongolia, accommodation, and media accreditation to the conference. Participants will attend pre-conference virtual briefings, engage in a field visit with local communities, and are expected to produce at least three independent stories related to land restoration and drought resilience. The application deadline is 15 April 2026. COP17 Reporting Fellowship
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Guyana and Suriname
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale, high-impact projects in Guyana and Suriname that align with Canada’s thematic priorities of inclusive governance and growth that works for everyone. The program is open to local non-governmental organizations, community groups, academic institutions, and municipal or national government agencies working on local development. While the maximum funding for a single project is CAN$100 thousand, the average contribution typically ranges from CAN$30 thousand to CAN$60 thousand. Projects may span one year or two years, depending on the complexity of the activities. The deadline for submitting applications via email is 15 April 2026. CFLI Guyana and Suriname
Earth Journalism Network — Ocean Conference Fellowship
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) invites applications from journalists to attend the 2026 Our Ocean Conference. The fellowship program supports professional journalists from low- and middle-income countries, with a particular focus on those from the Global South, to report on ocean conservation and marine policy. Selected fellows receive full sponsorship to attend the conference, including airfare, accommodation, meals, and travel insurance. In addition to covering the event, participants engage in preparatory workshops and receive mentorship from experienced environmental editors to strengthen their reporting on topics such as sustainable fisheries, marine protected areas, and climate resilience. The application deadline is 15 April 2026. Ocean Conference Fellowships