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Best Earth Science Grants
Explore earth science grants for research, fieldwork, climate study, geoscience education, and environmental monitoring
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Unspecified amount
Brinson Foundation Grant
Rolling deadline
The Brinson Foundation Grant supports organizations in the greater Chicago area and focuses on education and scientific research. It encourages personal initiative and individual freedoms, aiming to enhance self-worth and dignity. The Foundation prioritizes programs that provide quality education and basic scientific research, particularly in underfunded areas. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities, while inquiries from those that discriminate or focus on religious activities are not accepted.
The Brinson Foundation
Unspecified amount
Environmental Sustainability (347328)
Rolling deadline
The Environmental Sustainability program by the National Science Foundation aims to foster engineered systems that enhance human well-being while supporting natural ecosystems. It emphasizes sustainable practices in areas like circular bioeconomy, industrial ecology, green engineering, and ecological restoration. This initiative encourages research that balances ecological protection with economic stability, facilitating long-term sustainability. Proposals should engage graduate and undergraduate students and may incorporate social sciences to enrich engineering solutions. For more details, visit the NSF website.
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Up to US $25,000
Francisco J. Varela Research Grant
Applications due Aug 29, 2026
The Francisco J. Varela Research Grant, offered by the Mind & Life Institute, supports contemplative research aimed at understanding human experience through various disciplines. Grants up to $25,000 are awarded annually to scientists and scholars who have participated in the Mind & Life Summer Research Institute. This initiative emphasizes personal well-being, compassionate communities, and the human-earth connection, encouraging proposals that integrate contemplative practices with scientific inquiry to foster emotional resilience and societal compassion.
Mind & Life Institute
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Up to £2,000
BES Outreach and Engagement Grants
Applications due Sep 8, 2026
The BES Outreach and Engagement Grants provide funding up to £2,000 for individuals and organizations to engage the public with ecological science. These grants aim to enhance public understanding and appreciation of ecology through innovative outreach activities. Projects should demonstrate direct interaction with non-academic audiences and may cover costs such as travel, marketing, and venue hire. The initiative encourages diverse formats that inspire impactful engagement and foster ecological solutions for global challenges.
British Ecological Society (BES)
US $750 - US $1,000
Marine Conservation Research Small Grants
Applications due Sep 15, 2026
The Marine Conservation Research Small Grants Program, initiated by the Society for Conservation Biology, aims to support marine biodiversity conservation in developing nations. This program provides funding for research and restoration projects that enhance local communities' reliance on healthy marine ecosystems. Priority will be given to applicants from developing countries and those demonstrating capacity to implement their proposed projects. Eligible activities include training local residents and conducting surveys to assess marine habitats.
Society for Conservation Biology
£500 - £2,000
Percy Sladen Memorial Fund Grants
Applications due Sep 30, 2026
The Percy Sladen Memorial Fund Grants, supported by The Linnean Society of London, provide funding for specific research projects in the life and earth sciences, particularly for fieldwork abroad. These grants do not cover expeditions, undergraduate studies, or conference attendance. The focus is on fostering good relationships between researchers and host countries, ensuring impactful scientific contributions while adhering to eligibility guidelines.
The Linnean Society of London
Up to US $60,000
Charles Bullard Fellowship in Forest Research
Applications due Oct 1, 2026
The Charles Bullard Fellowship in Forest Research supports advanced research by promising individuals in forestry-related fields. With a competitive selection of 5 to 7 fellows per year, this prestigious program emphasizes forest ecology, conservation, and public policy. Fellows can collaborate with various Harvard University departments and may receive stipends up to $60,000. This residential program requires fellows to engage deeply with the Harvard Forest community, enhancing their research impact.
Harvard University
Unspecified amount
Exodus Exploration without Boundaries Grant
Applications due Oct 13, 2026
The Exodus Exploration without Boundaries Grant, supported by the Explorers Club and Exodus Adventure Travels, encourages expeditions that enhance our understanding of the world through diverse scientific, cultural, and conservation efforts. Open to researchers aged 18 and older, the grant prioritizes unique projects led by indigenous explorers and those addressing ambitious research questions. With nearly 50 years of commitment to equitable exploration, this program aims to support explorers from all backgrounds in their quest for knowledge.
Explorers Club
US $5,000
The Explorers Club - Fjällräven Field Grant
Applications due Oct 13, 2026
The Explorers Club, in collaboration with Fjällräven, offers the Fjällräven Field Grant to promote scientific exploration and research. This grant supports explorers under 35 engaged in fieldwork related to conservation and sustainability. It prioritizes projects addressing ambitious research questions and values unique data collection. With a commitment to conservation, education, and community, the grant aims to enhance our understanding of environmental changes and the interconnectedness of wildlife and human societies worldwide.
Explorers Club
US $10,000
The Rolex Explorers Club Grants
Applications due Oct 13, 2026
The Rolex Explorers Club Grants aim to empower young explorers under 35 by funding their innovative field research. With a focus on addressing critical scientific, environmental, or historical questions, these grants encourage original projects that promise significant impact. Awarded historically at $10,000, the program seeks to foster exploration and conservation worldwide. The Explorers Club, a prestigious organization, supports grantees from diverse disciplines. Note that proposals for work in China are not accepted due to regulatory compliance.
Explorers Club
Up to US $70,000
The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP)
Applications due Oct 16, 2026
The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) provides opportunities for independent research related to Smithsonian collections and facilities. Targeted at graduate, predoctoral, postdoctoral, and senior researchers, fellows can work alongside Smithsonian staff for periods ranging from ten weeks to a year. The program encourages interdisciplinary applications across diverse fields, including anthropology, environmental science, and art history, making it an excellent platform for scholars to advance their studies while leveraging extensive institutional resources.
Smithsonian Institution (SI)
US $101,401 - US $131,826
Science & Technology Policy Fellowship
Applications due Nov 2, 2026
The AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship offers scientists and engineers the chance to engage directly in federal policymaking. This prestigious program places fellows in various governmental branches, enhancing their leadership skills through a year-long professional development curriculum. With stipends ranging from $99,000 to $129,000, participants gain invaluable insights into the intersection of science and policy, ultimately fostering a network of skilled leaders dedicated to serving the nation.
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Unspecified amount
RGGS Postdoctoral Fellowships
Applications due Nov 16, 2026
The RGGS Postdoctoral Fellowships at the American Museum of Natural History support postdoctoral researchers in diverse scientific fields including Anthropology, Zoology, and Paleontology. These fellowships typically last two years, offering competitive salaries, benefits, and limited support for relocation and research activities. Candidates are encouraged to contact potential sponsors before applying and must ensure their projects align with the museum's research priorities. Special funding opportunities are available for interdisciplinary projects, enhancing the fellowship experience.
American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)
Up to US $15,000
CTFS-ForestGEO Research Grants
Applications due Dec 10, 2026
The Smithsonian Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) offers research grants for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career researchers. These grants support projects utilizing Forest Dynamics Sites for fieldwork and data analysis, encouraging both natural and social science research. Proposals must integrate site data and can last from 3 months to 2 years. Funding covers research-related expenses, with priorities for projects enhancing educational and capacity-building efforts.
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Up to C $20,000
Weston Family Boreal Research Fellowship
Applications due Jan 13, 2027
The Weston Family Boreal Research Fellowship, supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, offers financial assistance to graduate students conducting field-based research in the Ontario Northern Boreal and Northern Boreal Mountains. This fellowship encourages projects that align with WCS Canada's conservation objectives and that collaborate with Indigenous communities. Successful applicants will benefit from mentorship and networking opportunities, while contributing to significant conservation efforts in North America's boreal regions.
Wildlife Conservation Society Canada
Unspecified amount
AEG K-14 Education Fund Grant
Full proposal due Jan 16, 2027
The AEG K-14 Education Fund Grant supports geological education across K-14 levels, including elementary, middle, high schools, and community colleges. Established by the AEG Foundation, its purpose is to encourage innovative teaching methods in geology through hands-on activities and professional demonstrations. Grants are available to accredited educators and institutions in the U.S. While AEG membership is encouraged, it is not mandatory. The fund excludes support for political activities and overhead costs.
Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists Foundation
Up to US $600,000
Discoveries in Safety Grants
Letter of inquiry due Jan 28, 2027
The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) offers grants aimed at enhancing fire safety research to address critical risks and challenges. These grants, up to $200,000 annually for three years, target innovative methodologies for assessing thermal and chemical exposures faced by firefighters. Successful proposals will contribute to educational resources and practical solutions for protecting first responders and improving public safety. FSRI encourages collaboration with diverse research teams, focusing on human and environmental impacts of fire incidents.
Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI)
Approximately £1,750
The Geological Society: Research Grants
Applications due Feb 9, 2027
The Geological Society of London offers diverse research grants aimed at enhancing knowledge of Earth sciences. These grants, averaging around £1,500, support various research activities, including fieldwork in geology and funding for early career geologists. Applicants do not need to be Fellows initially but must become members upon receiving a grant. The society prioritizes scientific focus and innovation, ensuring that funds support impactful geological research while setting clear eligibility criteria.
The Geological Society of London
Unspecified amount
Conservation Innovation Award
Full proposal due Feb 10, 2027
The Conservation Innovation Award, presented by the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS), honors exemplary efforts that advance soil, water, and natural resource conservation. Eligible candidates include organizations that align with SWCS's mission and demonstrate significant impacts in conservation practices. This award recognizes initiatives that enhance public understanding of conservation issues while fostering sustainable practices, aiming to inspire a broader community engagement in environmental stewardship.
Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS)
Approximately US $2,500
GSA Graduate Student Research Grants
Applications due Feb 19, 2027
The GSA Graduate Student Research Grants provide essential funding for master's and doctoral research in geological sciences for students in North America and Central America. In 2024, approximately $800,000 was awarded to 316 students, averaging around $2,500 each. The program aims to enhance the geoscience workforce, promote career development, and support diversity within the field. Applications require an appraisal from a primary advisor, and participation from underrepresented communities is encouraged.
Geological Society of America (GSA)
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
FICUS Research Proposals
Letter of inquiry due Feb 20, 2027
The FICUS Research Grant, in collaboration with JGI and EMSL, invites innovative research proposals that leverage the capabilities of multiple DOE-supported user facilities. This initiative aims to facilitate high-risk, high-reward projects in areas such as biofuels, hydro-biogeochemistry, and inter-organismal interactions. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that address significant scientific challenges within 24 months, utilizing diverse resources and datasets that surpass individual project outputs. The program fosters collaboration and multidisciplinary approaches to advance environmental and biological research.
Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory
US $2,000 - US $3,500
Huyck Research Grants
Applications due Feb 21, 2027
The Huyck Research Grants are awarded by the Huyck Preserve, a private non-profit field station, to support diverse research projects focusing on the natural systems of the Preserve. Eligible applicants include senior researchers, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers, with grant amounts typically ranging from $2,000 to $3,500. Recipients are required to engage in outreach activities and to submit raw data to the Preserve's database, fostering community involvement in scientific research.
Huyck Preserve & Biological Research Station
US $875,000
Packard Fellowships for Science and Engineering
Pre proposal due Mar 15, 2027
The Packard Fellowships for Science and Engineering provide essential funding to early-career scientists and engineers, enabling them to explore innovative research avenues without the constraints of traditional funding. Each year, 50 universities can nominate two promising faculty members for these fellowships, which support a diverse range of disciplines, including physics, biology, and engineering. Established in 1988 by the Packard Foundation, this initiative underscores the importance of academic research in driving societal advancements.
The David And Lucile Packard Foundation
Unspecified amount
Pivot Fellowship
Applications due May 14, 2027
The Pivot Fellowship, offered by the Simons Foundation, supports researchers transitioning to new disciplines. With a focus on mentorship, this program provides one year of salary support and a $10,000 allowance for research and development. Ideal candidates hold advanced degrees in the sciences and demonstrate a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. At the fellowship's conclusion, participants may apply for a significant research award, fostering innovative scientific exploration and discovery.
Simons Foundation Inc.
US $10,000 - US $40,000
Community Assist Grants
Applications due Jun 21, 2027
The Sharks Foundation, established in 1994, aims to empower Bay Area youth by providing Community Assist Grants that support wellness, education, and hockey initiatives. Each month focuses on a different area, including cancer care, holiday assistance, and environmental education. The foundation envisions equitable access to quality education and essential resources for every young person, promoting inclusivity through hockey. With its nonprofit status, the Sharks Foundation is committed to fostering community engagement and positive social change.
Sharks Foundation
Approximately £450
Earth and Space Exploration Award
Applications due Jun 30, 2027
The Earth and Space Exploration Award, offered by the Earth and Space Foundation, supports innovative projects that bridge the gap between environmental preservation and space exploration. Grants are awarded to initiatives that utilize Earth's knowledge to facilitate space settlement or apply space data to enhance Earth's ecosystems. This dual focus aims to promote a sustainable future where humanity thrives both on Earth and in space, with funding available for a variety of relevant fieldwork and educational projects.
Earth and Space Foundation
US $100,000
The MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity (International Award)
Applications due Mar 31, 2028
The MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity, established by AEON Environmental Foundation, honors individuals for their significant contributions to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Nominations for the 2024 prize are currently open, recognizing efforts aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This prestigious award, to be presented at COP 16 in November 2024, emphasizes collaboration across sectors to address urgent environmental challenges and aims to inspire global action on biodiversity.
AEON Environmental Foundation
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Frequently asked questions
Groups working on geoscience, climate research, or conservations are eligible for earth science grants. Specific organizations that these grants hope to support are universities, research institutions, environmental nonprofits, and government agencies working to advance a scientific understanding of our planet. Many funders also support STEM education and public engagement programs focused on increasing awareness of environmental issues.
The goal of earth science grants is to support research that advances our understanding of geological processes, climate change, natural disasters, and overall sustainability. Funders want to push scientific discovery forward to improve public policy on the environment, promote green technology, and encourage community involvement in the protection and preservation of our planet.
Earth science grants are funded by a variety of government agencies (both in the U.S. and globally), private foundations, and scientific organizations. Major funders include the Smithsonian Institution, National Science Foundation (NSF), and NASA, which support a wide range of earth science research. Private foundations and organizations like the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) provide grants for conservation and climate research as well.
To improve the chances of getting earth science grants, applicants should:
- Focus on urgent environmental issues and impact – Show how your research or project addresses pressing issues and leads to positive impacts, whether in policy, conservation, or public awareness.
- Back up claims with evidence – Having scientific data and clear research plans is important for funders backing earth science grants.
- Work across disciplines – Bring together experts from different fields to show a well-rounded approach to your work and strengthen your proposal.
- Highlight community engagement – Projects that involve communities, policymakers, or educators tend to stand out, especially if they show a potential for shaping policy in earth science issues.
Not sure how much to request in a grant application? Learn how to calculate the right amount with our grant request sizing guide.
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