The International Water Association (IWA) invites nominations for its 2026 Fellows and Distinguished Fellows program. This initiative recognizes global water professionals for their leadership, expertise, and sustained impact on water science, technology, and management. To be eligible for a Fellowship, candidates must be active IWA members—including engineers, researchers, or utility managers—who have demonstrated outstanding professional contributions. Distinguished Fellow nominations are reserved for current IWA Fellows whose long careers have left an extraordinary mark on the global water sector. While these roles are honorary and do not include a direct monetary grant, selected individuals join a prestigious global community and represent IWA at international events. The deadline for nominations is 19 April 2026. Know more
worldwide
Youth4Climate — Solutions and Climate Action
Youth4Climate supports youth-led projects that address climate change across six thematic areas: sustainable energy, food and agriculture, climate peace and security, oceans and the blue economy, sustainable fashion and textiles, and architecture for adaptation. Individuals aged 18 to 29 and youth-led non-profit or for-profit organizations from 158 eligible countries may apply for seed funding of up to US$30 thousand. In addition to financial support, selected awardees receive technical mentorship and capacity-building opportunities to help scale their innovations. The application deadline is 30 April 2026. Link to Youth4Climate
Earth Journalism Network — Biodiversity Story Grants 2026
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering story grants to support journalists in producing in-depth reporting on the global biodiversity crisis. The program focuses on highlighting environmental threats and innovative conservation solutions in low- and middle-income countries. Applications are open to early-career and experienced journalists and media practitioners across print, online, TV, and radio platforms. The program will award 5 to 10 grants, typically ranging from €1,000 to €2,000, and selected grantees will also receive professional mentorship. The deadline for applications is 01 May 2026. Biodiversity Story Grants
Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans — Fellowships 2026
The Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO) supports capacity building in oceanography for individuals and institutions in developing countries. POGO’s Visiting Fellowships Program is open to scientists, technicians, graduate students (PhD), and post-doctoral fellows involved in oceanographic work. Priority is given to applicants in their early stages of career development. The fellowship offers the opportunity to visit other oceanographic centers for a short period of training on any aspect of oceanographic observations, analyses, and interpretation. The application deadline is 01 May 2026. Find fellowship information
Institute of International Education — Ocean Futures Fellowship
The Institute of International Education and OceanX invite applications for the Ocean Futures Fellowship to support the next generation of professionals addressing global ocean challenges. This six-month, full-time remote program is open to individuals at least 21 years old who hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and have full professional proficiency in English. Fellows can apply for one of six specialized roles: AI, digital correspondence, digital asset archives, immersive media, marketing and communications, or partnerships. Participants receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the fellowship and may have the opportunity to travel aboard the OceanXplorer vessel. The deadline for applications is 03 May 2026. More information
NewGen — Renewable Energy Accelerator
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) invites applications for the fourth cohort of its NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator, a program designed to support young entrepreneurs driving the global energy transition. The initiative provides youth-led start-ups and growth-stage businesses with four months of technical mentorship, business model consolidation, and access to investment matchmaking. Eligible applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and working on innovative solutions in renewable energy, climate adaptation, or climate mitigation. While the program does not provide a direct cash grant, participants compete for the IRENA Rising Stars Award and gain access to IRENA-backed financing platforms such as the Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF) facility. The deadline for applications is 03 May 2026. Renewable Energy Accelerator
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Photo and Video Contest
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites submissions for its 2026 Photo and Video Contest to showcase the impact of biodiversity conservation efforts within its priority hotspots. This competition is open to employees and volunteers of current or former CEPF grantee organizations who are at least 18 years old. Participants are encouraged to submit high-quality images and short videos that document project activities, local communities, and the unique wildlife found in the regions where they work. The deadline for submissions is 04 May 2026. CEPF
UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program — Young Scientist Awards 2026
The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme offers the Young Scientists Awards to support early-career researchers conducting interdisciplinary studies on ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainable development. The program prioritizes research carried out in biosphere reserves and projects that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Eligible applicants must be 35 years or younger and must have their applications endorsed by their National MAB Committee, which can nominate up to two candidates per year. Individual research grants are awarded up to a maximum of US$5,000 to cover project-related costs for a two-year period. The deadline for applications is 07 May 2026. Young Scientist Awards
International Water Association — Bio-Cluster Award 2026
The International Water Association (IWA) invites nominations for the ISME-IWA Bio-Cluster Award. This award recognizes interdisciplinary research at the intersection of water wastewater management and microbial ecology, specifically honoring clinicians, engineers, or scientists who have made significant contributions to the field. Individuals or representative groups from any country are eligible, with one award typically granted to a mid-career researcher and another to a senior professional. The prize includes a travel grant to attend the IWA World Water Congress or the ISME Symposium, though the specific monetary value is not disclosed. The deadline for nominations is 08 May 2026. Bio-Cluster Award
National Geographic Society — Illuminating Climate Solutions
The National Geographic Society invites proposals for its Illuminating Climate Solutions program to support projects that combine science and storytelling to address climate change. This grant is open to individual researchers, conservationists, and storytellers from any country, though the program emphasizes projects that focus on community-led solutions and the communication of local climate impacts. Funding tiers range from US$1 thousand to US$100 thousand depending on the project’s scope and the applicant’s experience level. The deadline for applications is 25 May 2026. Know more