The Gadfly Project makes in-kind grants for organizations seeking to implement a software initiative in the fields of environmental protection and climate change mitigation. The grant is available to organizations both international and domestic with a focus on environmental protection and sustainability. Software development efforts with a magnitude between US$5 thousand and US$100 thousand are preferred. Please note that this is an “in-kind” grant (not a cash grant). Grants are evaluated quarterly. The deadlines are 23 January, 24 April, 24 July, and 23 October 2026. Details here
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Scientific Exploration Society — Explorer Awards 2026
The Scientific Exploration Society (SES) awards “pioneers with purpose” who combine innovative field expeditions with important research contributions, including in subject areas related to the environment and conservation. The awards are intended to provide a financial contribution to the overall cost of the fieldwork phase of scientific exploration. Grants range from US$4 thousand to US$7 thousand. For 2026, SES announces six award categories. The application deadline for a simple online application (stage 1) is 01 February 2026. Explore
Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund — Grants in Support of Endangered and Critically Endangered Species
The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund makes grants to individuals, communities, and organizations for the conservation of threatened or poorly known animal, plant, and fungi species worldwide. The Fund uses the IUCN Red List as the primary guide to the conservation status of a given species, although documented variations for sub-species, distinct populations, and subpopulations will be taken into account. Grants are up to US$25 thousand. Applications must be submitted in English. The next application deadline is 31 March 2026. Know more
EuroNatur Service GmbH — Photo Competition
The EuroNatur Photo Competition seeks great wildlife and landscape photographs. Amateur and professional photographers are invited to submit impressive pictures of the many facets of Europe’s natural world. The winning photos will be published in the large-format EuroNatur wall calendar and will be awarded with money prizes. The submission deadline for photos is 31 March 2026. Know more
Golden Turtle — Competition in Wildlife Photography
The Golden Turtle photo contest aims to recognize outstanding wildlife photography in Russia and internationally. The contest offers multiple categories for photography, eco-posters, and art. The competition winner in the category “Photographer of the Year” will receive US$2 thousand. The official languages of the competition are Russian and English. Artwork has to be submitted by 31 March 2026. Click here for the rules
Association of Field Ornithologists — Grants for Research on Neotropical Birds
The Association of Field Ornithologists (AFO) is dedicated to the scientific study and dissemination of information about birds in their natural habitats. The Skutch Keystone Grant supports minimally invasive research into the life histories of little-known birds of the continental neotropics. The AFO welcomes applications for funding from amateur or professional ornithologists of any nationality. Applicants and/or their primary research supervisors must be members of the AFO. The program offers one award annually up to US$15 thousand. The 2026 round of applications will be open between 15 March and 15 June 2026. More
Arcus Foundation — Great Apes Conservation
Arcus makes grants to promote the survival of great apes in the wild and in sanctuaries that offer safety from invasive research and other forms of exploitation. Grants focus on activities that impact gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, bonobos, and gibbons. Grant amounts range from small, with the majority falling between US$100 thousand and US$150 thousand per year. The grants program is open to organizations worldwide. Arcus invites initial funding concepts at any time. Find the Great Apes Program
United Nations — Local Pathways Fellowship
The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Youth Initiative (SDSN Youth) recruits participants for its 2026 cohort of the Local Pathways Fellows. The 10-months fellowship program provides young leaders with a platform, capacity building, training opportunities and contacts of leading development experts and practitioners. The Local Pathways Fellowship is unpaid. Fellows will benefit from global visibility and exposure. Young candidates (18-30 years) working towards achieving any of the Sustainable Development Goals and representing any city or country in the world are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted until 21 December 2025. Link to Local Pathways
Association of Commonwealth Universities — Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) supports the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries. The scholarships fund cultural and academic exchanges and are awarded across many subjects, including climate resilience and life sciences. Eligibility extends to citizens of (or with refugee status in) a Commonwealth country other than the country hosting the award. Scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses (stipend) for the duration of the award, return economy flight, one-off arrival allowance, and research support grant (on request). The application deadline is 14 January 2026. Find the available scholarships
Morris Animal Foundation — Veterinary Student Scholar Program
The Morris Animal Foundation supports research on animal health and welfare, including wildlife/exotics. The Foundation provides veterinary students with the opportunity to become involved in mentored research that advances the health and/or welfare of companion animals and wildlife exotics. The Veterinary Student Scholars program awards stipends up to US$5 thousand to veterinary students. The program is open to currently enrolled veterinary students from all around the world. Applications are due 14 January 2026. Veterinary Student Scholar Program