The Lighthouse Foundation promotes science and research, teaching, culture, and the principles of environmentalism and international development in relation to the world’s seas and oceans. Funded partners of the Lighthouse Foundation are conservation NGOs, community NGOs, universities and educational organizations, and government organizations. There is no application form. Link
worldwide
Sea of Change Foundation — Reef Rescue and Rapid Response
Reef Rescue and Rapid Response grants seek to empower divers and their communities to act as first responders to localized impacts on coral reefs. Funds support the immediate response to coral reef damage from anchor drops, vessel groundings, entanglement, oil spills, and acute pollution that impact coral reefs. The grants will support divers and their communities in responding quickly to a reef-damaging incident by helping cover immediate costs such as boat fuel, staff time, video cameras, lift bags, transect tapes and handheld GPS units. These grants range from US$500 to US$5,000 per project and are available on a rolling basis and as funds are available. Reef Rescue and Rapid Response Grants
National Geographic Society — Coastal Ecosystems
National Geographic invites science-driven proposals that protect, restore, or enhance blue forest coastal ecosystems—such as mangroves, salt marshes, kelp forests, and seagrass meadows—to benefit both biodiversity and local communities. The program supports two funding levels: Level I grants up to US $20 thousand, ideal for early-career project leaders, and Level II grants up to US $100 thousand for more established practitioners seeking deeper impact. Projects must be science-oriented and are strongly encouraged to partner with communities. The RFP closes on 03 October 2025. Link to RFP
Explorers Club — Exodus Exploration without Boundaries Grant
The Explorers Club supports the scientific fieldwork of groundbreaking explorers around the world. The Exodus Exploration without Boundaries Grant supports expeditions that further our understanding of the world through scientific, cultural, and conservation fieldwork. The average award is US$4.000. The deadline to submit applications is 13 October 2025. Exodus Exploration without Boundaries Grant
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education — Young Water Diplomats Program
The Young Water Diplomats Program is an interdisciplinary training and networking program for early-career diplomats engaged in international water and environmental politics. The program features online and in-person learning activities to enhance participants’ understanding of transboundary water challenges and advance their ability to use tools for water cooperation and diplomacy. There are a limited number of fellowships for applicants from low- and middle-income countries. The application deadline is 14 October 2025. Young Water Diplomats Program
Water Research Foundation — Research Support
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) has issued a call for proposals under its Research Priority Program for nine new research projects—covering topics like microbial and chemical contamination, asset condition assessment, pathogen evaluation, microplastics monitoring, biosolids drying technologies, methane emissions, and more. Funding is up to US$400 thousand. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, research organizations, utilities, government agencies, and consulting firms. Proposals are due by 22 October 2025. Link
Water Research Foundation — Climate-Smart Water Solutions
The Water Research Foundation Tailored Collaboration Program is a matching research initiative designed to support utility-specific or regional challenges that research can help to solve. WRF will provide up to US$150 thousand in matching funds for each selected project. The program encourages collaboration between utilities and researchers to address pressing water sector issues. Interested parties must submit a pre-proposal by 02 June 2025. Click here
Biodiversa+ — Biodiversity and Transformative Change
Biodiversa+ launches a joint call for transnational research proposals focused on fostering innovative research to be integrated into nature restoration practices for interconnected and well-functioning ecosystems and habitats, with special consideration for long-term sustainability and future-proofing of restoration efforts across spatial scales, including their evaluation. The call covers restoration efforts for biodiversity in all types of ecosystems and habitats, in all regions of the world. Funding organizations have reserved a total amount of over €40 million for joint research projects. Research teams must form transnational research consortia with eligible partners from a minimum of 3 countries participating in the call. The deadline for pre-proposals submission is 07 November 2025. Biodiversa Joint Call
Dalai Lama Fellows — Mentorship for Emerging Leaders
The Dalai Lama Fellowship offers emerging leaders from all around the world mentorship and coaching to design and implement their own original field projects addressing a global challenge. Project areas include environmental sustainability, among others. The fellowship does not offer funding for projects, instead, it offers coaching and a global community. This program is open to next-generation leaders (20-35 years old). The deadline for applications is 12 November 2025. Dalai Lama Fellows
National Geographic Society — The Future of Learning
The National Geographic Society seeks innovative education and research projects that cultivate the knowledge, attitudes, and skills across all learner ages and contexts necessary to protect our planet’s future. Two funding levels are available: Level I grants up to US $20 thousand for emerging leaders, and Level II grants up to US $100 thousand for more established practitioners or Explorers. This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide who are at least 18 years old. The submission deadline is 19 November 2025. The Future of Learning