Ideas to Impact: 35+ Funding Opportunities Driving Sustainable Development

[October 2026] Turn bold ideas into lasting change with funding opportunities designed to advance sustainable development. Explore grants, awards, fellowships, competitions, and other initiatives from around the world. Find opportunities that align with your goals, assess the eligibility requirements, and take meaningful steps toward building a more sustainable future. Nominations open for iF Design Student Award

Deadline: 03-February-2027

The iF Design Student Award invites current students and recent graduates from design-related programs worldwide to submit innovative concepts addressing the first 15 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals…[more] Open Call for Earth Prize Environmental Sustainability Competition

Deadline: 10 January 2027

The Earth Prize is a USD 104,500 environmental sustainability competition for teenage students worldwide, recognizing and awarding students who develop solutions to accelerate positive change for environmental sustainability…[more]

Call for Nominations: World Future Policy Award 2027

Deadline: 31-October-2026

The World Future Policy Award recognises outstanding city-level and local policies that use learning and education to create more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban societies…[more]

Open Call: Creatives For Our Future Programme

b: 09-November-2026 The Creatives For Our Future Programme supports young creatives from around the world to develop projects that use creativity, innovation, technology, and design to advance sustainable development…[more]

Call for Nominations: UNECE PPP and Infrastructure Award 2027

Deadline: 15-November-2026

The UNECE PPP and Infrastructure Award invites public-private partnership (PPP) and infrastructure projects from around the world for recognition at the 11th UNECE International PPP Forum in May 2027. The award highlights projects that demonstrate resilience, strengthen essential infrastructure and public services, and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development…[more]

Open Call: Novel Ecosystems – Biodiversity and Socio-Ecological Impacts

Deadline: 10-November-2026

Biodiversa+ invites transnational research consortia to apply for funding to advance understanding of novel ecosystems, their biodiversity, and socio-ecological dynamics in support of global sustainability goals…[more] Applications open for TSL 2027 International Student Competition

Deadline: 01-March-2027

The International Schools Essay Competition and Debate invites students aged 7–18 from around the world to submit essays and creative pieces exploring sustainability topics…[more] Sustainable vs UnSustainable International Photography Research Program

Deadline: 10-March-2027

The Sustainable vs Unsustainable International Photography Research Competition invites individuals, communities, students, and professionals worldwide to submit original photographs exploring sustainability and unsustainability in places, spaces, and projects…[more] Nominations Open for Eni Award – Energy Frontiers Prize

Deadline: November 20, 2026

The Eni Award is a prestigious international prize established to honor outstanding research and innovation in the fields of energy and environmental science. Offered by Eni, a leading global energy company, the award aims to promote the development of innovative technologies and sustainable solutions…[more] Eni Award for Research and Innovation in Energy and Environment

Deadline: November 20, 2026

The Eni Award 2027, presented by Eni, aims to foster research and technological innovation in energy and environmental fields. The award program encourages the responsible use of energy resources, supports environmental protection, and nurtures emerging researchers…[more]

SCI Innovation Award: Celebrating Collaborative Scientific Innovation

Deadline: 4 December 2026

The SCI Innovation Award, established in 2023, honors scientific innovation in industry facilitated by collaborative partnerships. Offered by the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI), this award is open to individuals or teams worldwide who have achieved innovative outcomes through collaboration…[more]

RFAs: Hinrich Foundation Trade Research Grant Program

Deadline: 31-October-2026

The Hinrich Foundation is accepting applications from researchers and research organizations for projects that advance understanding of global trade issues and contribute to policy development. The funding supports rigorous research across a broad range of international trade topics, including trade governance, geopolitics, foreign direct investment, digital trade, supply chains, technology, environmental sustainability, and economic development…[more] Apply for Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund Grant Program

Deadline: 1 December 2026

The Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund (KNCF) invites organizations to apply for the FY 2027 Grant Program, designed to support projects focused on nature conservation…[more] Apply now for the 2027 Kectil Program

Deadline: 15-November-2026

The 2027 Kectil Program is a free, year-long leadership initiative for young changemakers aged 17–26 who live in developing countries. Participants receive online learning, mentorship, practical resources, project-development support, and access to an international network focused on ethical leadership, social entrepreneurship, and grassroots innovation…[more] TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme

Deadline: 31-October-2026

The TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme supports promising early-career scientists from least developed countries (LDCs) through three-month collaborative research visits to selected institutions in Italy. The programme covers travel and subsistence costs and aims to strengthen scientific expertise, promote research collaboration, and advance projects contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)…[more]

Call for Proposals: UNEP Small Grants Programme

Deadline: Novembe