Celebrating the innovators restoring our natural world
Environmental prizes & competitions play a powerful role. They offer recognition, funding, technical support, global visibility, and the opportunity to scale what already works.
Across Africa and around the world, hundreds of environmental organisations and community groups are quietly restoring landscapes, reviving ecosystems, protecting wildlife, and strengthening climate resilience. Much of this work happens far from the public eye, yet it is exactly these efforts that shape a greener future.
As we move into 2026, FactoryForest has curated a comprehensive guide to the most influential environmental prizes and competitions available to Rewilders, Ground Givers, youth innovators, and Forest Patrons across Africa and beyond.
Below is a selection of key opportunities worth watching, and preparing for, in 2026.
Top Environmental Prizes & Competitions to Watch in 2026
1) The Earthshot Prize
What: One of the world’s most high-profile environmental prizes supporting scalable solutions across five themes: Protect & Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World, and Fix Our Climate.
Who & How: Nomination-based (no open applications). Winners receive multi-year support and global visibility.
2) Zayed Sustainability Prize
What: Global award for SMEs, NPOs, and high schools across Energy, Food, Water, Health and Climate Action.
Who & How: Open applications. Check the 2026 submissions portal for deadlines.
3) Ashden Awards
What: UK-based awards supporting climate, clean energy, and nature-positive solutions through grants, storytelling, and technical assistance.
Who & How: Open annual applications. The 2026 cycle typically closes in December of the preceding year.
4) Whitley Awards (Whitley Fund for Nature)
What: Prestigious conservation awards offering ~£50,000 grants to grassroots leaders.
Who & How: Open annual applications; winners honoured at a global ceremony.
5) Keeling Curve Prize
What: Recognises breakthroughs that reduce atmospheric CO₂, awarding $25k–$50k grants.
Who & How: Open applications; the 2026 cycle usually closes mid-January.
6) Equator Prize (UNDP)
What: Honours Indigenous and local community initiatives using nature-based solutions.
Who & How: Nomination-based; strong focus on SDG alignment.
7) SET (Start Up Energy Transition) Award
What: Global competition for clean energy and climate-tech startups.
Who & How: Open applications via the SET portal.
8) Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation
What: Pan-African prize for engineering innovations solving local sustainability challenges.
Who & How: Open to sub-Saharan African innovators; multi-stage process.
9) The Earth Prize (Youth Competition)
What: Major global challenge for youth teams aged 13–19 working on sustainability solutions.
Who & How: Open applications; deadlines vary annually.
10) Future Conservationist Awards
What: Grants and mentorship for early-career conservation practitioners.
Who & How: Open calls through various partners; competitive project-based applications.
11) Champions of the Earth (UNEP)
What: UNEP’s highest environmental honour recognising individuals, institutions, and policymakers.
Who & How: Nomination-based; cycles vary, typically opening during the first half of the year
12) Rolex Awards for Enterprise
What: Supports individuals leading initiatives benefiting the planet—environment, exploration, and science.
Who & How: Open applications via the Rolex portal.
13) Katerva Prize
What: Global sustainability innovation prize supporting disruptive, scalable environmental technologies.
Who & How: Nominations and applications depending on category.
14) World Sustainability Awards
What: Awards aligned with the World Sustainability Forum, covering Biosphere, Society, and Economy categories.
Who & How: Open calls ahead of the annual Forum.
15) Right Livelihood Award (“Alternative Nobel”)
What: Recognises individuals and organisations solving global environmental and social challenges.
Who & How: Nomination-based; check foundation rules for 2026.
16) Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiatives
What: Funding and global support for climate, conservation, and exploration projects.
Who & How: Open applications for project leaders.
17) Prince Talal / AGFUND Prizes
What: Supports SDG-focused solutions across energy, water, food security, and development themes.
Who & How: Annual calls through AGFUND and partner foundations.
18) Other Regional & Thematic Competitions (Africa & Global)
- EU Innovation & Sustainability Calls (EU Funding Portal)
- Regional Climate-Tech Accelerators & Startup Awards
- African Science & Engineering Prizes (various philanthropy networks, including GreenCape and RAEng)
How FactoryForest Supports Your Prize Applications
At FactoryForest, our mission is to amplify the people restoring the natural world, the Rewilders, Ground Givers, and Forest Patrons driving change across Africa.
We offer:
✓ Annual Grant & Prize Watch-Lists
✓ Application and nomination guidance
✓ Done-for-you submissions
✓ Storytelling and visibility support
✓ Spotlights on organisations preparing 2026 entries
If you’re preparing to apply for environmental prizes in 2026, keep an eye on our platform.
If you’re a Forest Patron, consider nominating or supporting a project deserving of international recognition.
Small Acts. Shared Purpose. Global Impact.
Together, we can accelerate the work of those healing ecosystems, strengthening communities, and restoring the planet.
Image: Freepik
