The Wilson Ornithological Society (WOS) offers four types of research awards to fund avian research anywhere in the world. Awards support ornithologists, graduate students, young professionals, and independent researchers without access to funds. Eligibility is open to citizens of all countries. Grants range from US$2,000 to US$5,000 — varying with each award program. WOS membership is required. The next application deadline is 01 February 2026. Research Grants
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Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen — Networking Civil Societies
The Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) promotes tandem cooperation between civil society organizations from Germany and partner countries (listed in the announcement). CCP Synergy is aimed at employees from two organizations who are planning a joint initiative. The purpose of such a collaboration could be, for example, the planning and implementation of joint events, fact-finding missions, research, or artistic undertakings in the fields of sustainable development or climate justice. CCP Synergy supports both cooperating organizations with a total of €4,500. The call for applications is open until 16 February 2026. CCP Synergy
American Ornithological Society — Caribbean Conservation Research Grant
The American Ornithological Society (AOS) supports early-career scientists from Latin America and the Caribbean conducting conservation-related research on either migratory or resident birds. Applicants are expected to have significant involvement in an ornithological society. AOS makes two grants of up to US$5,000 each. Support is limited to conservation-related research projects taking place in Mexico, Central America, South America, or the Caribbean. Applications are due 27 February 2026. Know more
Zebra Foundation — Support for Vets and Vet Students
The Zebra Foundation for Veterinary Zoological Education assists veterinary students and veterinary surgeons from anywhere in the world to gain additional experience in veterinary zoological medicine. The program funds seeing practice at an institution specializing in zoological medicine or research projects (laboratory, field, or clinic-based) leading to advances in zoo and wildlife health. Grants range from £100 to £1000. Applications are considered twice a year. The application deadlines are 31 March and 30 September 2026. More information
Gadfly Project — Software for Environmental Protection and Climate Change Mitigation
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
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
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