QS ImpACT offers several scholarship opportunities for young leaders and students who demonstrate a commitment to creating positive social impact in their communities. Eligibility is generally open to students globally who are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies, particularly those who are members of the QS ImpACT community or attending a QS event. The program provides various funding levels, including awards of US$2 thousand and larger scholarships up to US$10 thousand to support educational expenses. While some awards are periodic, major applications typically follow an annual cycle with a closing date of 21 September 2026. Scholarships for Social Change
worldwide
Common Fund for Commodities — Support for Commodity Development
The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) provides financial and technical instruments to support projects proposed by enterprises, cooperatives, and institutions. Funding is targeted mainly to for-profit organizations and social enterprises. Projects focused on the sustainable use and conservation of forest resources in the Congo Basin region (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo) are eligible. The maximum amount is US$ 2 million for regular projects, and up to US$ 300 thousand under the Fast-Track procedure. The 29th call for proposals has a deadline of 01 October 2026. Link to the Call for Proposals
Royal Geographical Society — Gilchrist Fieldwork Award
The Royal Geographical Society invites applications for the Gilchrist Fieldwork Award. The aim of the award is to support challenging overseas fieldwork projects carried out by a team of university academics and researchers. The team should comprise up to 10 members, the majority of whom should be British. Previous winning themes include climate change, ecosystem function, climate science, and ocean circulation. The biennial award offers £15 thousand. The deadline for applications is 16 November 2026. More
Let’s Sustain — Youth Climate Project 2026
Let’s Sustain invites applications for the Youth Climate Project 2026 to support young changemakers with innovative climate solutions. The program offers a fully funded seven-day trip across Europe starting from Germany, where participants can choose their own destinations and present their projects to sustainability leaders. Eligibility is open to individuals between the ages of 18 and 50, as well as youth-led organizations or informal youth groups, provided they hold a valid passport and are committed to attending the program. While specific cash grant amounts are not listed, the program covers all travel and participation costs for the international tour. The deadline for applications is 10 May 2026. Youth Climate Project
Wildlife Acoustics — Bio-Acoustics Product Grants
Wildlife Acoustics aims to advance animal biology research, habitat monitoring and environmental conservation through bio-acoustics recording technology. The Wildlife Acoustics Scientific Product Grant Program offers US$4 thousand of product-in-kind grants to biologists, researchers, conservationists, and students who work for charitable, educational, and other tax-exempt organizations. Wildlife Acoustics provides additional support (up to US$1,000) for travel to present findings. There are no geographical limitations. Applications are evaluated quarterly with deadlines on 15 May, 15 August, and 15 November 2026. About the program
National Geographic Society — Community-based Coastal and Riverine Stewardship
The National Geographic Society invites proposals for its Common Waters initiative to support projects that strengthen community-based stewardship of coastal and riverine ecosystems. This program is open to individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, including conservationists, researchers, and storytellers, and does not require formal academic degrees. Eligible projects must be located in areas that overlap with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions voyages, such as the Arctic, the Peruvian Amazon, and the South Pacific. The society offers grants of up to US$75 thousand to support initiatives focused on local ecosystem restoration, climate change adaptation, or sustainable resource management. The application deadline is 31 May 2026. For more information
German Federal Ministry of Education and Research — Digital Green Talents Award
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) recognizes young researchers worldwide working at the intersection of digitalization and sustainability. Awardees receive a fully funded three-month research stay in Germany. Eligible applicants are Master’s students in their final year or current PhD candidates (or recent graduates within three months), under 30 years old, with strong academic records. Past winners include many in renewable energy, water management, and environmental engineering. The deadline is 15 June 2026. Green Talents
East Coast Zoological Foundation — Conservation Grant
The East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF) invites applications for its 2025 Growth, Engagement, and Resources (GEAR) Grant. This small grant program aims to support operational costs essential for in-situ fieldwork and foster the growth and development of conservation-based organizations. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits or equivalent, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations focusing on direct conservation action. Funding requests up to $1,000 are anticipated, though larger requests may be considered or partially funded. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 30 June 2026. More
World Academy of Sciences — Samira Omar Innovation for Sustainability Award
The Samira Omar Innovation for Sustainability Prize recognizes woman scientists from least-developed countries with scientific achievements in clean and renewable energy; sustainable agriculture and agro-biodiversity; plastic pollution and microplastics, water purification and sanitation, climate change, waste management, biodiversity conservation, and other themes related to sustainability. The winner will receive a cash award of US$4 thousand. Candidates should be working and living in an LDC country for at least two years prior to nomination. The deadline for nominations is 30 June 2026. Innovation for Sustainability Award
Hawk Conservancy Trust — Marion Paviour Award
The Hawk Conservancy Trust supports early-career researchers working on projects focused on the conservation and/or research of birds of prey. The maximum award amount is £1,000. Preference will be given to those applying for support for fieldwork, conference fees to present work, or travel costs (for fieldwork or conference attendance). Applications close on 31 August 2026. About the award