Small Acts. Shared Purpose. Global Impact.
Introduction
Across Africa and around the world, thousands of dedicated organisations are quietly restoring landscapes, protecting species, and helping communities live in balance with nature. Yet, while their work transforms the world around us, many still struggle to find the right funding and partnerships to sustain it.
The FactoryForest – 2026 Forest Patron Grant Call Watch-List has been created to help bridge that gap. It connects Ground Givers, those doing the work, with Forest Patrons, those resourcing it.
This ‘Watch-List’ curates verified open and upcoming funding opportunities for environmental, conservation, and climate-resilience projects active in Africa (and beyond). Each listing links directly to official calls or funder pages, giving changemakers a clear path to apply, plan, or prepare proposals well ahead of time.
By sharing this list, FactoryForest honours its commitment to visibility, connection, and empowerment, creating pathways for organisations that are restoring the centricity of nature in human systems.
| Funding Call | Focus / What They Fund | Deadline / Timeline | Digital Link |
| 1. Whitley Fund for Nature – 2026 Whitley Awards | Grassroots conservation, habitat and biodiversity restoration projects across the Global South. | Open now for 2026 cycle | Whitley Fund 2026 |
| 2. Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance – 2026 Call for Ideas | Innovative financial mechanisms addressing climate change and sustainability in emerging economies. | Open (Oct 2025 – early 2026) | Global Innovation Lab 2026 |
| 3. Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation – 2026 Grant Programme | Sustainable development initiatives including environment, climate, and livelihoods. | Deadline: 10 Oct 2025 (for 2026 cycle) | ACT Foundation 2026 |
| 4. National Research Foundation (NRF) South Africa – Funding in 2025 & 2026 | Research, innovation, and environmental science projects in South Africa. | Active through 2025 – 2026 cycles | NRF 2025–26 Call |
| 5. HawkWatch International – Global Raptor Research & Conservation Grant 2026 | Raptor conservation, habitat protection, and education in developing regions. | Deadline: 15 Jan 2026 | HawkWatch 2026 Grant |
| 6. VLIRUOS TEAM 2026 Call for Project Proposals | Research and institutional partnerships; sustainable development including environmental science. | Deadline: 3 Mar 2026 | VLIRUOS 2026 Call |
| 7. International Elephant Foundation – 2026 Conservation Grants | Elephant conservation, habitat protection, and community outreach. | Open now for 2026 cycle | IEF 2026 Grants |
| 8. ANR / Climate Services for Risk Reduction in West Africa (CS4RRA) | Climate risk reduction, early warning, and regional adaptation partnerships. | Open for 2026 projects | CS4RRA Call |
| 9. Conservation, Food & Health Foundation – 2026 Grants | Small to mid-sized African NGOs improving food systems, biodiversity, and community health. | LOI: 15 Jun 2025 Full Proposal: 15 Aug 2025 (for 2026 funding) | CFH 2026 Grants |
| 10. Technology Agency of the Czech Republic – Biodiversity Partnership 2026 | Research & innovation for biodiversity restoration and monitoring. | Deadline: 14 Apr 2026 | Biodiversity Partnership 2026 |
| 11. Global Environment Facility (GEF) – CSO Challenge Fund 2026 | Small grants for African civil-society biodiversity & conservation initiatives. | Opens Jan 2026 | GEF CSO Fund 2026 |
| 12. Jabil Cares Foundation – Global Grant Programme 2025–26 | Global grants including environment & climate innovation; Africa eligible. | Rolling 2025–26 cycle | Jabil Cares 2026 |
| 13. African Development Bank – Climate Action Window 2026 | Climate adaptation, mitigation, and resilience projects in Africa. | Next cycle opens Q1 2026 | AfDB Climate Action Window |
| 14. EEP Africa – 2026 Call for Proposals | Innovative clean energy and climate solutions in Southern/Eastern Africa. | Opens mid-2026 | EEP Africa 2026 |
| 15. Climate Justice Impact Fund for Africa (CJIFA) – 2026 Small Grant Scheme | Market-driven climate action and resilience programmes in Africa. | Open 2025 for 2026 cycle | CJIFA Small Grants 2026 |
At FactoryForest, we believe that access to opportunity is a cornerstone of environmental justice. Funding is more than financial support — it’s the oxygen that allows ideas, innovation, and community action to breathe and grow.
Through our Forest Patron Grant Call Watch-List, we aim to help changemakers and funders find one another in a spirit of shared purpose — because restoring our world depends on every small act, every shared resource, and every committed partnership.
If you are a Ground Giver seeking funding, explore these opportunities and prepare early. If you are a Forest Patron interested in collaboration or partnership visibility, reach out, let’s build a greener, fairer future together.
“The future of humanity and indeed, all life on earth, now depends on us.”
— Sir David Attenborough
