The BBVA Foundation makes awards for biodiversity conservation in Spain and internationally. The Foundation’s goal is to publicly recognize the work done by conservationist organizations, institutions and agencies in carrying forward environmental conservation policies and projects. For Spain, there is one award of €250 thousand for actions in biodiversity conservation, and another award of €80 thousand for environmental communication. For the rest of the world, there is one award of €250 thousand for actions in biodiversity conservation. Applications for the worldwide award can be submitted in Spanish or English. The deadline for nominations is 30 April 2026. Biodiversity Conservation Awards
worldwide
World Food Programme — Innovation Challenge
The World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Accelerator supports startups, NGOs, companies, and social enterprises worldwide that are developing innovative solutions to strengthen long-term resilience in fragile and crisis-affected contexts, particularly in areas such as food security, climate resilience, livelihoods, and emergency response. Selected innovators receive up to US$100 thousand in equity-free funding, along with hands-on technical support, and mentorship. The challenge is open to both early-stage and more mature innovations with proven potential for impact. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. WFP Innovation Accelerator
Hult Prize Foundation — Hult Prize Challenge
The Hult Prize is a start-up accelerator for social entrepreneurship which brings together college and university students to solve the world’s most pressing issues. In 2026, participants can pitch any idea for a social enterprise, as long as it is world-changing and aligned with at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Hult Prize runs regional competitions around the world, campus events, a national competition, and online for the chance to join the Global Accelerator Program. The winning team will be awarded US$1 million in seed capital. Hult Prize
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change — Adaptation Fund
The Adaptation Fund makes grants for projects and programs that address the adverse impacts of climate change. Eligibility for grants extends to countries that are Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, with emphasis on developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Grants are primarily to government organizations such as national ministries, development institutes, local government authorities, and others — sometimes in partnership with civil society organizations. Project proposals are submitted through any of the Fund’s national, regional, or multilateral implementing entities. The Adaptation Fund accepts project and program proposals on a rolling basis. About the Adaptation Fund
UNICEF — Fellowship on Climate Education
The UNICEF Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education is a global, youth-focused fellowship designed to empower young climate leaders to strengthen and transform climate education in formal and informal settings. Up to 12 fellows aged 10–30 will be selected to research, advocacy, policy shaping, storytelling, and systems change while receiving a stipend and access to mentorship, networking and visibility opportunities. Fellows are also eligible for up to US$20 thousand in grant support to expand their initiatives. The application deadline is 31 December 2025. UNICEF Leading Minds Fellowship
Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Water Innovation Prize 2025
The MIT Water Innovation Prize is a startup competition focused on water innovation. Submitted projects must involve a technology, product, service, or process aimed at solving a problem related to the world’s water challenges. Entering teams must include at least one student who is fully enrolled at any college or university. There are no restrictions regarding nationality. Winners will be awarded innovation grants of up to US$50 thousand. The application deadline for the statement of intent is 31 December 2025. Water Innovation Prize
Algalita — Mini Grants to Combat Plastic Pollution
The Wayfinder Society Student Mini-Grant supports student-led projects that reduce plastic pollution and protect ocean health. The grant is open to students ages 11–25 worldwide who are leading or developing projects that address the root cause of plastic pollution. Selected applicants can receive up to US $500 to support project materials, outreach, or implementation. Applications are accepted until 15 January 2026. Link
Halcyon — Global Climate Fellowship
The Halcyon Global Climate Fellowship is a six-month fellowship designed to support climate-focused startups and social enterprises working on mitigation, adaptation, or resilience solutions, particularly those led by entrepreneurs from underserved or historically marginalized communities worldwide. The program is open to for-profit or nonprofit ventures with a market-ready solution and at least one dedicated founder, and provides up to US$25 thousand in funding, along with tailored business support, mentorship, leadership training, and investor access. The application deadline is 15 January 2026. Global Climate Fellowship
Grawemeyer Awards — Idea Competition
The Grawemeyer Awards recognize transformative, practical ideas that promote world peace, global security, human rights, or international cooperation. The award focuses on specific works, such as books, essays or analytical papers, that offer new and practical ways to improve world order. The competition is open to individuals or teams anywhere in the world. The award includes a US$100 thousand prize. Entries must be submitted by 30 January 2026. Grawemeyer Awards
Harvard University — Arboretum Research Scholar Award
The Arboretum Research Scholar Award supports early-career scientists, doctoral candidates, and postdoctoral researchers conducting plant-focused research that aligns with the Arboretum’s living collections, herbarium, archives, or scientific priorities in areas such as botany, ecology, evolution, and conservation. Awardees receive up to US$10 thousand to support research expenses including travel, lodging, materials, or access to Arboretum resources. The program is open to researchers worldwide, and projects may be short-term or exploratory in nature. Applications are accepted until 01 February 2026. Arboretum Research Scholar Award