The Obama Foundation Leaders Program is a one-year training program for leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to challenges in their communities or countries. Scholars attend courses and participate in leadership development training. Participants receive a furnished studio apartment during their stay, a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses, as well as travel and tuition fees paid. The program is open to applicants from all around the world. Applications for the 2026-2027 program have to be submitted until 12 December 2025. Applicant information
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European Space Agency — Biomass Innovation
The European Space Agency (ESA) invites proposals from organizations in ESA Member States to exploit the unique capabilities of the BIOMASS mission for novel Earth-system, forest, and land-surface science applications. The exact funding ceiling per project is not publicly detailed in the summary announcement. The application deadline is 15 December 2025. Find the call here
Cisco and Global Citizen — Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award
Cisco and Global Citizen invites applications for the Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award. The Award is made to a young individual (18-30 years) who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending global poverty. Global Citizen accepts applications from individuals who have, or contribute to, a registered legal entity such as a non-profit, for-profit, or social enterprise. The award includes a US$250 thousand prize paid to the organization to which the individual contributes. Submissions will close on 17 December 2025. Youth Leadership Award
Energie AG Oberösterreich — Startup Innovation Challenge
Energie AG Oberösterreich seeks startups in the energy industry. The Startup Innovation Challenge invites solutions to tackle genuine problems in the energy industry that will help the company to operate more efficiently and shape a sustainable future. Energie AG will provide up to €50 thousand for developing a proof of concept. The challenge is not restricted to a particular geographic location. The deadline for submission is 04 January 2026. Energy Startup Innovation Challenge
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens — Botany in Action Fellowships 2026
The Botany in Action (BIA) Fellowship program at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens fosters the development of the next generation of plant-based scientists. Subject areas include ethnobotany, plant diversity and conservation, landscape and brownfield restoration, and others. The program is open to Ph.D. students of any nationality who are conducting plant-based scientific research at U.S. graduate institutions. Grants are US$5 thousand for research-related expenses at sites in the U.S. or internationally, plus an all-expenses paid trip to Phipps to make a public presentation. The application deadline is 09 January 2026. Find out how to apply
Kinship Foundation — Conservation Fellows 2026
The Kinship Foundation invites fellows worldwide to participate in its month-long conservation leadership program in the USA. Kinship focuses on market-based mechanisms for conservation by strengthening the participants’ skills in leadership, communication, economics, and business and finance. Selected participants receive training and a US$6 thousand stipend to cover travel and living expenses. Applicants should be mid-career conservation practitioners with at least five years of field experience, a bachelor’s degree, and a demonstrated desire to innovate. The next application deadline is 11 January 2026. Kinship Conservation Fellows
Culture & Animals Foundation — Animal Rights
The Culture & Animals Foundation (CAF) funds academic and artistic projects that raise public awareness about animal rights. Grants are awarded in three categories: Research (scholarly projects about animal advocacy and its cultural roots and impact); Creativity (original work by artists); and Performance (public performances and exhibitions to raise awareness of animal advocacy). CAF does not fund animal rescue, public protest, trap-neuter-release programs or species conservation, unless they include a commitment to animal rights and fit into one of the three categories. CAF accepts grant applications from any country. The application deadline is 31 January of each year. Link to the CAF website
Rice University — Business Plan Competition for Early-Stage Startups
The Rice University (Texas, USA) invites student teams to participate in the Rice Business Plan Competition 2025. Entrepreneurs receive the opportunity to pitch their startups to investors, receive mentoring, network with the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and enhance their startup strategy. Typically, startups have a technology component in Energy/Clean Technology; Life Science/Biotechnology; or Digital Services. The competition is open to degree-seeking students currently enrolled at a college or university anywhere in the world. The grand prize winner receives up to $300 thousand in investments. The application deadline is 31 January 2026. Business Plan Competition
Harvard University — Award for Student Research on Asian Tropical Forest Biology
The Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University sponsors the Ashton Award for Student Research to support graduate and advanced undergraduate students working on Asian tropical forest biology. Applications are accepted from advanced undergraduates and graduate students worldwide. Awards are up to US$4 thousand to support research expenses. The application deadline is 01 February 2026. About the Ashton Award
King Baudouin Foundation — Access to Water
The Elisabeth and Amélie Fund supports Belgian organizations working with local partners in Africa, Latin America, and Asia to improve sustainable access to water. The 2026 call focuses on water management in family farming, guided by principles of agroecology and resilience to global change. The foundation provides funding of up to €50 thousand. Priority is given to initiatives offering structural, preventive solutions and equitable participation within families and communities. The application deadline is 19 March 2026. Details here