Birleşmiş Milletler tarafından 2012 yılında kurulan Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Çözümleri Ağı (Sustainable Development Solutions Network – UN-SDSN), dünya genelinde sürdürülebilir kalkınma hedeflerine ulaşılmasına katkı sağlamak amacıyla bilimsel bilgi, teknoloji ve yenilikçi çözümleri ön plana çıkaran küresel bir girişimdir.

Ağın temel amacı, Birleşmiş Milletler’in 2030 Gündemi ve Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları (SKA/SDG’ler) doğrultusunda hükümetleri, özel sektörü, akademiyi ve sivil toplumu bir araya getirerek uygulanabilir stratejiler geliştirmek ve yaygınlaştırmaktır.

UN-SDSN ağı kapsamında, sürdürülebilir kalkınmaya yönelik yenilikçi fikirlerin desteklenmesi için açılan güncel proje çağrıları aşağıda yer almaktadır. Bu çağrılar, dünyanın karşı karşıya olduğu çevresel, sosyal ve ekonomik zorluklara çözüm üretmeyi amaçlayan projelerin hayata geçirilmesini teşvik etmektedir.

Üniversitemiz, üyesi olduğu UN-SDSN aracılığıyla Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Hedefleri doğrultusunda yerel ve küresel düzeyde çözüm odaklı projelere* destek sağlayacaktır.

* Proje başvuru ve yürütme süreçleri, Mersin Üniversitesi Teknoloji Transfer Ofisi (MEÜ TTO)
 koordinasyonunda gerçekleştirilecektir.

Grant-making Opportunities

1.    RFPs: Tree and Soil Research Fund Grant Program

The TREE Fund has launched the new Tree and Soil Research Grant, made possible by a permanently restricted endowment fund supporting areas of research of interest to the landscape architecture community with special focus in the area of trees and the soils that support them.

Funding information: USD 1,000 to 10,000

Deadline Date: September 15, 2025

2.    Entries open for Wellcome Early-Career Awards Scheme

The Wellcome Early-Career Awards Scheme provides funding for early-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity.

Funding information: USD500,000 to 1 million

Deadline Date: September 30, 2025

3.    RFAs: Challenge Programme – Harnessing biology for Climate-resilient and Healthy Soils (see link for eligible countries)

The Novo Nordisk Foundation is requesting applications for its Challenge Programme titled "Harnessing biology for Climate-resilient and Healthy Soils" to prevent further soil degradation and enable the regeneration of healthy soils as a vital natural resource by deepening the fundamental understanding of how biological factors influence and interact with physicochemical and other properties of soil.

Funding information: More than USD 1 million

Deadline Date: October 08, 2025

4.    Apply for NEF Research Grant Program

The Nagao Natural Environment Foundation is seeking applications for its Research Grant Program to support academic and scientific research aimed at understanding nature, ecosystems, and biodiversity and contributing to conservation actions based on scientific data in developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Funding information: USD 1000 to 10,000

Deadline Date: October 14, 2025

5.    RFPs: Ignacio H. de Larramendi Research Grants

The MAPFRE Foundation is seeking applications for its Ignacio H. de Larramendi Research Grants to improve people’s quality of life and the progress of society through multinational programs and activities.

Funding information: USD 100,000 to 500,000

Deadline Date: October 20, 2025

6.      NEW University of Bayreuth’s Starter Grant Programme

The University of Bayreuth Centre of International Excellence “Alexander von Humboldt” is inviting applications for the 2026 Starter Grant Programme to promote excellent research and strengthen international collaboration across disciplines. Funding information: USD 10,000 to 100,000

Deadline Date: October 31, 2025

7.      Applications open for TUI Forests Programme (see link for eligible countries)

The TUI Care Foundation’s TUI Forests programme places forests at the heart of thriving communities and sustainable tourism destinations while supporting local livelihoods through initiatives like community-run tree nurseries and forest-based tourism.

Funding information: USD 100,000 to 500,000

Deadline Date: November 01, 2025

8.      Submissions open for Wellcome Discovery Awards (see link for eligible countries)

The Wellcome Discovery Awards provide funding for established researchers and teams from any discipline who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding related to human life, health and wellbeing.

Funding information: More than USD 1 million

Deadline Date: November 25, 2025

9.      Apply for PIER’s Targeted Research Grant Program

The Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research has launched a Targeted Research Grant program, open to both domestic and international researchers, to support capable researchers in producing rigorous research suitable for publication in international peer-reviewed journals on priority topics that are highly relevant to the Thai economy.

Funding information: USD 10000 to 100,000

Deadline Date: November 30, 2025

10.   Rainforest Trust Funding Programme to Create Protected or Conserved Areas

The Rainforest Trust is accepting applications for its Funding Programme to Create Protected or Conserved Areas. The goal is to empower Project Implementers to facilitate new, lasting and sustainable protected or conserved areas that are in line with community and government needs and desires.

Funding information: USD100,000 to 500,000

Deadline Date: Ongoing

11.   Submissions open for City Climate Finance Gap Fund 2025

The Gap Fund provides a range of technical assistance and capacity building to support climate-smart planning and investment in cities in developing and emerging countries. 

Funding information: Not available

Deadline date: Ongoing

12.   Reece Foundation Grant Program

Applications are now open for the Reece Foundation Grant Program to support locally led initiatives that help communities in Australia and overseas with access to clean water, sanitation, or food security through irrigation.

Funding Information: USD 10,000 to 100,000

Deadline Date: Ongoing

13.   Call for Entries: Expense Support Grant Program

Are you a faculty member or graduate student in need of funding for your academic research? If yes, then this call is for you! Whether you need support for travel, research collaboration, journal submissions, or other eligible expenses, the program is designed to help offset the costs associated with your project. This funding opportunity is open to graduate students and faculty conducting research within the liberal tradition at an accredited college or university.

Funding information: Up to USD 5,000

Deadline: Ongoing

14.   Open Call for Smurfit Kappa Foundation Grant Program (see link for eligible countries)

If you support projects that positively impact the lives of underprivileged people in the communities where Smurfit Kappa Group (SKG) has a presence, then apply for the Smurfit Kappa Foundation Grant Program. Projects must be focused on several areas, such as sustainability and support at least one SDG.

Funding information: USD 10,000 to USD 100,000

Deadline: Ongoing

15.   Call for Applications: Global Impact Cash Grant Program for NGOs & NPOs

Cisco welcomes applications for Global Impact Cash Grants from community partners around the world who share their vision and offer an innovative approach to a critical social challenge, like climate impact and regeneration. They support programs that foster bold climate solutions as well as community education and activation.

Funding information: USD 10,000 to USD 100,000

Deadline: Ongoing

16.   Open call for Amphibian Survival Alliance’s Emergency Grants Program

The Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA) has announced the Emergency Grants Program to provide rapid financial support for urgent conservation actions that prevent the imminent extinction of threatened amphibian species or populations.

Funding information: USD 10,000 to USD 100,000

Deadline: Ongoing

17.   Call for Applications: Time Land Purchase Grant Program

Are you a conservation NGO looking to protect biodiversity in your area? This is My Earth (TiME) is excited to offer grants to help local organizations purchase and protect land for the benefit of all species, now and in the future. TiME’s Grant Program offers funding for the purchase of land that will be permanently protected, owned, and managed by local partner organizations. To be eligible for the program, the land should be of significant importance for biodiversity conservation and under the threat of destruction or degradation. This unique opportunity is open to conservation organizations worldwide that wish to purchase biodiverse lands for their long-term protection.

Funding information: USD 10,000 to USD 100,000

Deadline: Ongoing

18.   Call for Proposals: Innovating for Climate Resilience Fund

The Global Innovation Fund (GIF) has launched its Innovating for Climate Resilience fund in partnership with the Adaptation Research Alliance and the Global Resilience Partnership, with seed funding from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office. The Innovating for Climate Resilience fund invests, through grant, equity, and debt instruments, in innovations with the potential to scale and support the world’s poorest to build resilience and adaptation.

Funding information: More than USD 1 million

Deadline: Ongoing

19.   Rapid Ocean Conservation Grants Program

The Waitt Foundation is seeking applications for its Rapid Ocean Conservation (ROC) Grants Program. ROC Grants provide small grants with a quick turnaround time for solutions to emerging conservation issues and ocean protection. This complements the Waitt Foundation’s existing major grants program and is responsive to conservation opportunities, supports higher-risk ideas at a low financial cost, and engages with small, local NGOs on a global scale.

Funding information: USD 10,000 to USD 100,000

Deadline: Ongoing

20.   Catalyst Fund, Roddenberry Foundation

The Roddenberry Foundation is accepting applications for its Catalyst Fund from anyone, anywhere in the world who has an early-stage idea.

Funding information: USD 10,000 to USD 100,000

Deadline: Ongoing

21.   Climate Innovation Fund, Microsoft

Funding information: Microsoft is pleased to announce an open call for the Climate Innovation Fund to accelerate technology development and deployment of new climate innovations through equity and debt capital.

Deadline: Ongoing

22.   Call for Applications, Daily Grant Program, The Pollination Project

Microgrants 365 days a year to grassroots global change agents who seek to spread compassion in their communities and in the world for the benefit of all. To contribute to the creation of a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world for all.

Funding information: total cost for the immediate project for which you are requesting funding from TPP must be less than USD 40,000

Deadline: Ongoing

23.   Expedition Grants, Explorers Club and Discovery, Inc.

To foster scientific understanding for the betterment of humanity and all life on Earth and beyond, including our commitment to mitigate climate change, prevent the extinction of species and cultures, and ensure the health of our lands, oceans and all that inhabit them.

Funding information: grants generally range from USD 25,000 to USD 40,000.

Deadline: Ongoing

24.   Call for Applications, Fund for International Development, OPEC

To provide financial assistance to developing countries, particularly low-income countries, in support of their economic and social development efforts.

Funding information: amounts of up to USD 100,000, OPEC Fund's contribution to a stand-alone project should not exceed 50% of the total cost of the said project

Deadline: Ongoing

25.   Internet Freedom Fund, Open Technology Fund

To support projects and people working on open and accessible technology-focused projects that promote human rights, Internet freedom, open societies.

Funding information: Minimum of USD 10,000 and maximum of 900,000 for a year-long contract. Note, however, that OTF’s target support ceiling is USD 300,000; most supported efforts receive between USD 50,000 and 200,000.

Deadline: Ongoing

26.   Rapid Response Fund, Open Technology Fund

Aims to facilitate the digital emergency response community to resolve threats in a timely and comprehensive manner for individuals, communities, and organizations whose free expression has recently been repressed.

Funding information: The total value of support cannot exceed USD 50,000. Average support amounts are between USD 5,000 and USD 25,000.

Deadline: Ongoing

27.   Grant Program, Fund for Innovation in Development

A new initiative to support innovation that contributes to reducing global poverty and inequality. Through flexible grant funding, FID enables innovators and researchers to test new ideas, build rigorous evidence of what works, and scale the highest-impact and most cost- effective solutions. Deadline: Ongoing

28.   Global Innovation Fund (GIF)

This program seeks to invest in social innovations that aim to improve the lives and opportunities of millions of people in the developing world. Open to funding innovations in any sector as long as they can demonstrate their innovation improves the lives of those living on less than USD 5 PPP per day.

Funding information: USD 50,000 to USD 15,000,000

Deadline: Ongoing

29.   SwedBio Funding Program for CSOs, International Organisations, Institutes & Universities

SwedBio welcomes submissions of concept notes to support a limited number of strategic initiatives through their ‘Collaborative Partner Implementation Pathway’. Grouped under Themes are five different thematic focal areas, some with close interlinkages. These are Livelihood, food & health; Cities & biodiversity; Biocultural diversity; Climate change & ecosystems; and Values & governance.

Funding information: USD 10,000 to USD 100,000 Deadline: Ongoing

Fellowships and Other Opportunities

1.    Open Call: Fellowships at the Cullman Center

The Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers supports projects that draw on the research collections of The New York Public Library's Stephen A. The Center seeks top-quality writing from academics as well as from creative writers and independent scholars. Visual artists whose projects require extensive use of Library collections are also encouraged to apply.

Deadline Date: September 27, 2025

2.    Submissions open for International Fellowships

The AAUW Action Fund is inviting applications for its International Fellowships to promote education and equity for women by investing in international applicants who will be pursuing postgraduate studies or research in the U.S., with the intention of applying their expertise, professional skills, and leadership in the context of their home countries.

Deadline Date: September 30, 2025

3.    Entries open for Individual Fellowship

The Individual Fellowship at STIAS offers scholars a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in a creative space for the mind where original and innovative research can thrive across disciplines.

Deadline Date: October 31, 2025

4.    NEW Applications open for Amelia Earhart Fellowship

The Zonta International is pleased to announce its Amelia Earhart Fellowship to carry out its mission to provide women access to resources and represent them in decision-making positions on an equal basis with men.

Deadline Date: November 15, 2025

5.    Applications open for Visiting Fellowship

The Visiting Fellowship Scheme provides an opportunity for statelessness researchers, practitioners, and educators to engage with the work of the Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness and to strengthen international collaborations.

Deadline Date: November 30, 2025

6.    The KAUST Global Fellowship Program for Early Career Researchers

The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology is accepting applications for its KAUST Global Fellowship Program to attract and support outstanding emerging research leaders and scientists from around the world to build their path towards a fully independent career. The program inspires the young generation of scientists and engineers to address global challenges and explore opportunities that benefit humanity. This merit-based program targets excellent postdocs who have breakthrough ideas that can complement, support, contribute, and advance the major research priorities of KAUST.

Deadline Date: January 15, 2026

7.    Call for Applications: Georg Forster Research Fellowship Program (see link for eligible countries)

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is seeking applications from researchers in all disciplines from developing and emerging countries who have above-average qualifications for its Georg Forster Research Fellowship Program.

Deadline Date: Ongoing