The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) invites applications for the Social Aspects of Marine Protected Areas online seminar. The program is designed to support MPA practitioners in strengthening the social aspects of their management work. The Blue Nature Alliance will be providing 20 scholarships for this edition of the program. Marine conservation practitioners, community leaders, people working in NGOs and grassroots organizations, Indigenous Peoples leading ocean conservation, and others working in the management of marine spaces are encouraged to apply. Applications are now open, and the deadline is 16 January 2026. Link to Online Seminar
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World Academy of Sciences — Short Course on Science and Diplomacy
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) seek candidates for the third AAAS-TWAS course on science and diplomacy. The 5-day course is for young scientists whose work has brought them into the international policy-making arena; policymakers interested in science-based themes that might influence their work; administrators of research institutions; and research funders focused on building international networks. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Applications are due by 29 January 2026. Click 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
New Earth Foundation — Innovative Environmental Initiatives
The New Earth Foundation (NEF) seeks Letter of Inquiries (LOIs) to fund innovative environmental initiatives that are working to help eliminate pollution and save the planet’s ecosystems, and community projects that create models of social sustainability. Past projects include gardening and building houses in earthquake-impacted regions, using solar equipment to provide clean water to poor communities, planting trees for clean air, and many others. NEF only funds 501(c)(3) organizations. Applicants from outside the US may apply through a fiscal sponsor. Letters of Inquiry can be sent at any time during the year. These letters are reviewed twice a year and applicants that fit the requirements will receive the invitation to submit a full grant application. The deadlines for review are 01 February and 01 July each year. More about this opportunity
British Ecological Society — Outreach Grants 2026
The British Ecological Society (BES) makes Outreach and Engagement Grants of up to £2 thousand to encourage the promotion of ecological science to a wide audience. Proposals must be aimed at a non-academic audience. Awards are open to individuals and organizations to organize ecological public engagement events, including BES members, researchers, schools, museums, libraries, and community groups. The next application deadline is 10 March 2026. More about the Outreach Grants
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$2 thousand. The official languages of the competition are Russian and English. Artwork has to be submitted by 31 March 2026. Click here for the rules
Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions — Blue Food Research Grant Program
The Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions (COS) offers a global research grant aimed at early-career researchers and practitioners to support innovative work on “blue foods” (i.e., aquatic foods from oceans, rivers, lakes). The grant provides a six-month fellowship, including a US$ 10,000 research stipend plus travel support. Eligible are early-career professionals from academia, government, NGOs or private sector. Applications open on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Blue Food Research Grant Program
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
Earth Journalism Network — Virtual Media Workshop: Marine Protected Areas
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) hosts a three-day virtual media workshops for journalists in Ghana, Mexico and the Philippines to strengthen their knowledge of the 30×30 marine conservation target and initiatives being implemented to reach it. Applications are open to journalists working in any medium (online, print, television, radio) and other media practitioners with experience covering ocean issues. EJN seeks to award 25 grants to journalists to support in-depth reporting. The application deadline is 16 December 2025. Details here
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