The Future Leaders Competition invites high-school and undergraduate students worldwide to submit original work (creative writing, analytical writing, speech, or art) reflecting on a key moment or insight that shapes how they approach climate action. The competition awards a top prize of US$500, along with recognition, publication, and inclusion in the Future Leaders Network. The call closes on 16 January. Details
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World Press Photo — Visual Journalism and Stories Awards 2026
The World Press Photo Contest recognizes the best visual journalism and awards visual stories in eight categories, including Environment and Nature. The award winners will receive €5 thousand each. The prize-winning photographs will be assembled into a worldwide year-long exhibition. The contest is only open to professional photographers. Entries close on 17 January 2026. World Press Photo Awards
German Government — International Climate Initiative Medium Grants
Germany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI) supports projects on climate change mitigation and adaptation, and biodiversity projects that have climate relevance. The focus of the IKI Medium Grants scheme is to provide support to the implementation of projects addressing the global loss of biodiversity in connection with climate change. Each project can receive a grant of between €300 thousand to a maximum of €800 thousand over a period of two to three years. Funding is available for non-profit organizations (associations, foundations, think tanks) and academic institutions (universities and research institutions), as well as non-profit companies in Germany. Projects have to be implemented in collaboration with local implementing organizations in ODA countries. Project outlines can be submitted by 20 January 2026. Climate Initiative Medium Grants
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation — Prize for Climate Action
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation seeks nominations for the 2025 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity. The 6th edition of the Prize recognizes outstanding contributions to climate action and climate solutions that inspire hope and possibility. The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity in the amount of €1 million, aims to strengthen communities facing the effects of climate change, helping them to adapt and build resilience at a local level. Individuals, groups or organizations from all over the world can be nominated. The nomination deadline is 30 January 2026. Details here
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 February, 15 May, 15 August 2026. About the program
Mitigation Action Facility — Climate Change Mitigation Projects
The Mitigation Action Facility provides funding for ambitious and feasible climate change mitigation projects in three priority sectors: energy, industry, and transport. Projects shall have a duration between 36 and 66 months. The upper funding volume per project is €25 million. Projects must be implemented in Official Development Assistance (ODA)-eligible countries. The call for projects is open for submission until 25 February 2026. Mitigation Action Facility
Senckenberg — Global Fellowships
Senckenberg offers fellowships to early-career scientists (doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers) from the Global South. Fellowships are offered for a 3-month period to establish and/or strengthen collaboration with scientific staff at Senckenberg. Applicants must hold a master’s or doctoral degree in biodiversity, anthropology, geology, collection-based research, or conservation ecology. The next application deadline is 01 March 2026. Find more information
European Outdoor Conservation Association — Funding for Conservation Projects
The European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) makes grants for field-based projects in wildlife conservation; protection of forests and wetlands; litter clean-up on trails and mountains; environmental education in local communities; and other initiatives in support of nature-based travel and tourism. Project applications must protect a threatened species or habitat; have a link to the outdoor enthusiast; and involve hands-on practical conservation work. Grants are to nonprofit organizations in amounts up to €30 thousand for projects of one to two years anywhere in the world (except North America). There are two application periods per year. The next application window is 01-31 March 2026. View this opportunity
Waterloo Foundation — Environment Fund: Tropical Rainforests
The Waterloo Foundation manages an Environment Fund that supports projects to manage and conserve tropical rainforests. Applications are invited from UK charities in partnership with local organizations in the developing world, and from non-UK organizations that can provide suitable references in the UK. The majority of grants range from £50 thousand to £100 thousand for projects of up to three years. Application deadlines are 01 June and 01 November 2026. About the Fund
Coca-Cola Foundation — Water Projects for Communities
The Coca-Cola Foundation’s priority areas for grant-making are women, well-being, and water. Past projects include grants for access to clean water and sanitation; watershed management in water-stressed areas; multiple-use systems for water; and education and awareness in water conservation. Grants are generally made to tax-exempt nonprofit charitable organizations. Grant seekers apply for cash grants or fund-raising sponsorships. Coca-Cola’s regional and country foundations share these global priorities and add others — mainly in areas of education, health, and environment. Applications can be submitted at any time. Link