Nominations are open for the World Summit Awards (WSA) and the WSA Young Innovators Awards (young social entrepreneurs under 26 years of age). Start-ups and social entrepreneurs are asked to submit their local digital innovations with high social impact. The 8 award categories include one on Environment & Green Energy (climate, sustainable resources, agriculture). The winner does not receive a monetary award but does benefit from partnerships and integrations. Applications are accepted from companies, organizations, or individuals. The deadline to apply for WSA and WSA Young Innovators is 31 October 2025. (Deadlines for national submission of applications for WSA may vary locally.) Find out more
youth
Pulitzer Center — Local Letters for Global Change
Local Letters for Global Change is a Pulitzer Center writing contest for students. Students are encouraged to write a letter to a local elected representative that explains the global issue they want them to prioritize (e.g., Climate and Environment), shows how it connects to their local community and proposes a solution. The Pulitzer Center welcomes entries from all current K-12 students across the globe. First-place winners will receive US$300 to support global community engagement. Educators working with groups of 50 or more students can also schedule a free, virtual workshop facilitated by a member of the Pulitzer Center Education team. The application deadline is 14 November 2025. Letters for Global Change
Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation — Youth Actions Challenge
The 1 Million Youth Actions Challenge supports youth-led initiatives related to clean water and sanitation, responsible consumption and production, climate action & biodiversity. Youth between 15 and 24 years from all around the world are invited to submit their solutions and projects. Selected projects will receive financial support up to C$5 thousand each and technical support. The call is open until 15 August 2025. Youth Actions Challenge
International Trade Centre — Youth Ecopreneurs
The Ye! Youth Ecopreneur Program welcomes young entrepreneurs to submit their green business initiatives. The program includes a global boot camp, and accelerator phase, and concludes with the celebrated Youth Ecopreneur Awards. The winner of the Youth Ecopreneur Award receives US$10 thousand in prize money. Applicants must be under the age of 35 and lead businesses that promote land restoration, sustainability, circularity, and/or the green economy. The application deadline is 14 September 2025. Ye! Youth Ecopreneur
UNU Global AI Network — Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition
The Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition invites individuals, teams, organizations, and startups from around the world to submit AI-driven solutions focused on the theme “AI for the Environment: Ecological Sustainability and the Green Transition.” Applications are open for proposals that address one or more of four tracks: climate change adaptation; environmental protection and conservation; clean energy; and AI for less developed countries.The application deadline is 15 September 2025. AI Future Innovation Competition
World Food Forum — Youth Representatives Program
The WFF Youth Representatives Program empowers young leaders aged 18–35 to contribute to global agrifood systems policy and advocacy through regional and thematic consultations and representation at the World Food Forum flagship event in October 2025. Eligible applicants include young farmers, Indigenous youth, youth organization members, students, and young professionals with experience in agrifood, environment, or development sectors. Youth Representatives engage virtually and in person, attend a minimum of two regional consultations, and contribute to global dialogues throughout their tenure. The deadline to apply is 10 August 2025. Youth Representatives Program
Royal Geographical Society — Grants with Deadlines in November 2025
The Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers (RGS-IBG) makes grants for geographical research, fieldwork, and teaching that include several awards with deadlines in November. The deadline is 23 November for the Ralph Brown Expedition Award; Thesiger-Oman International Research Fellowships; Hong Kong Research Grant; Walters Kundert Fellowship; Dudley Stamp Memorial Award; Postgraduate Research Awards; and Geographical Club Award. The deadline is 30 November for the Neville Shulman Challenge Award. Link
Global Center on Adaptation — Climate Adaption Video Competition
For the Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day, the Global Center on Adaptation seeks one-minute videos on “My Climate Adaptation Solution.” Participants must submit one‑minute videos showcasing innovative adaptation ideas in areas like nature-based solutions, water, climate-resilient agriculture, education, and advocacy. Entries are open to global youth (18–35). The competition closes on 09 August 2025. Climate Adaption Video Competition
Lever for Change — Emerging Climate Champions Award
The Emerging Climate Champions Award provides flexible multiyear grants of $1 million each to youth-led (ages 15–35) climate organizations worldwide. It supports groups with at least two years of active operations, community leadership, and measurable climate impact—spanning initiatives in climate justice, conservation, sustainable agriculture, resilience, movement building, and more. The award is open to organizations from all regions, including Indigenous-led, women-led, grassroots, and other under-resourced groups. Applicants must register by 15 August 2025. Emerging Climate Champions Award
Both ENDS — JWH Initiative
The Joke Waller-Hunter (JWH) Initiative offers grants to advance the leadership of young individuals working for or affiliated with environmental civil society organizations in developing and emerging countries. JWH especially encourages the nomination of young women and local community leaders. Grants range from €2,500 to €7,000. The next nomination deadline is 28 August 2025. Details here