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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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Rolling deadline

Unspecified amount

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.

Rolling deadline

Unspecified amount

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.

Rolling deadline

US $10,000 - US $25,000

The Explorers Club Impact Grants support groundbreaking field research across various scientific disciplines, including biological sciences, archaeology, and ecology. Aimed at enhancing scientific understanding and resource conservation, these grants range from $10,000 to $25,000, helping researchers and explorers illuminate their findings. The program emphasizes innovative approaches and storytelling to engage a global audience, while ensuring that projects align with the Explorers Club's mission to mitigate climate change and protect biodiversity.

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Applications due Jun 21, 2026

US $10,000 - US $40,000

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.

Applications due Jun 30, 2026

Approximately £450

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.

Applications due Sep 8, 2026

Up to £2,000

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.

Applications due Sep 15, 2026

US $750 - US $1,000

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.

Applications due Sep 16, 2026

US $75,000

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Research Fellowship supports innovative and fundamental research by early-career scientists across various fields. This prestigious two-year fellowship offers $75,000 in a lump sum, allowing recipients to allocate funds towards research-related expenses. Eligible candidates must hold a Ph.D. and be tenure-track faculty at U.S. or Canadian institutions. The fellowship aims to nurture the next generation of leaders in research and academia.

Applications due Sep 30, 2026

£500 - £2,000

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.

Applications due Oct 1, 2026

Up to US $60,000

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.

Full proposal due Oct 5, 2026

Up to US $250,000

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's initiative, "Creating Equitable Pathways to STEM Graduate Education: Seed," aims to enhance graduate education access for students from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). The program provides grants of up to $500,000 to foster partnerships between MSIs and various higher education institutions. Projects should focus on overcoming barriers to success in graduate studies, including recruitment and admission processes, thereby promoting equitable learning environments in STEM fields.

Full proposal due Oct 5, 2026

Up to US $75,000

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's Creating Equitable Pathways to STEM Graduate Education initiative aims to foster partnerships between Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and graduate programs. By addressing barriers in graduate education, the initiative seeks to promote equitable learning environments. Planning grants will support collaborations that assess needs and develop systemic changes to enhance pathways for students in STEM fields, ensuring that all students can thrive in their academic pursuits.

Applications due Oct 13, 2026

Unspecified amount

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.

Applications due Oct 13, 2026

US $5,000

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.

Applications due Oct 13, 2026

US $10,000

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.

Full proposal due Nov 1, 2026

Up to US $500,000

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's Creating Equitable Pathways to STEM Graduate Education initiative aims to foster partnerships between Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and graduate programs to enhance equitable learning environments. Grants of up to $500,000 will support projects addressing systemic barriers, promoting effective practices, and ensuring seamless transitions from MSIs to advanced degrees in various STEM fields. The initiative seeks to create lasting impacts on student access and success in graduate education.

Applications due Nov 2, 2026

US $101,401 - US $131,826

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.

Applications due Nov 16, 2026

Unspecified amount

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.

Applications due Dec 10, 2026

Up to US $15,000

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.

Applications due Jan 13, 2027

Up to C $20,000

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.

Full proposal due Feb 10, 2027

Unspecified amount

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.

Letter of inquiry due Feb 20, 2027

Unspecified amount in in-kind support

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.

Applications due Feb 21, 2027

US $2,000 - US $3,500

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.

Pre proposal due Mar 15, 2027

US $875,000

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.

Applications due Mar 31, 2028

US $100,000

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.

Showing 25 of 30+ results.

Earth Science Grants Highlights

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of nonprofits can qualify for Earth Science grants?

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.

Why are Earth Science grants offered, and what do they aim to achieve?

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.

Who typically funds Earth Science grants?

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.

What strategies can nonprofits use to improve their success rate for Earth Science grants?

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.

How can Instrumentl simplify the grant application process for Earth Science grants?

Instrumentl simplifies the process of applying for earth science grants by offering an intuitive platform that helps nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities.

Use Instrumentl’s reporting tools to track and analyze grant performance.