Higher Education Institutions Can Receive Up to US$5,000 to Advance Sustainability and Climate Leadership Second Nature has opened applications for the 2026 Catalyst Grants – Round Seven, providing higher education institutions with funding of up to US$5,000 to launch innovative climate action initiatives on campus. The annual Catalyst Grants programme is designed to help colleges and universities accelerate sustainability efforts by supporting projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen climate resilience, prepare students for clean energy careers, and promote environmental justice. Applications are now open and will close on 24 September 2026. Supporting Climate Leadership Across Higher Education Second Nature’s Catalyst Grants are intended to serve as the “spark” that enables institutions to initiate or expand climate action projects with long-term impact. The programme aims to strengthen institutional capacity while encouraging innovative solutions that address climate change through education, operations, and community engagement. Projects funded through the grants are expected to contribute to one or more of the following areas: • Reducing campus greenhouse gas emissions. • Increasing institutional climate resilience. • Preparing students for careers in the clean energy and sustainability sectors. • Advancing environmental justice and social equity. By investing in early-stage initiatives, Second Nature hopes to help institutions develop scalable climate programmes that continue beyond the initial grant period. Funding Available Selected institutions may receive: • Up to US$5,000 per institution. • Flexible, unrestricted funding to support approved climate action projects. • National recognition through Second Nature’s website, press releases, email communications, and social media platforms. • An opportunity to present their project and outcomes during the 2027 Second Nature Summit. The unrestricted nature of the funding allows institutions to allocate resources where they are most needed to advance campus sustainability goals. Commitment to Inclusive Climate Action The 2026 funding round includes dedicated support for historically underrepresented institutions. Second Nature has confirmed that: • At least one Catalyst Grant will be awarded to a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or a Tribal Institution. • At least one Catalyst Grant will be awarded to a Community College. In addition, preference will be given to institutions that have historically received limited funding or have relatively modest financial endowments. This approach aims to expand access to climate funding and ensure more institutions can participate in advancing sustainability initiatives. Eligibility Requirements Applications are open to eligible higher education institutions that meet Second Nature’s membership requirements. Eligible applicants include: • Active members of the Climate Leadership Network. • Affiliate members of the Climate Leadership Network. • Members of the University Climate Change Coalition (UC3). • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). • Tribal Institutions. Institutions that are Climate Leadership Network members must also be current with their annual reporting obligations and membership dues. Non-member HBCUs and Tribal Institutions may also apply under the programme’s expanded eligibility provisions. Application Timeline The 2026 Catalyst Grants follow the schedule below: • Applications Open: 22 July 2026. • Application Deadline: 24 September 2026. • Application Review: 5 October – 28 October 2026. • Award Announcements: 24 November 2026. Eligible institutions are encouraged to prepare and submit their proposals before the closing date. Eligible Climate Projects Second Nature supports projects that strengthen campus climate leadership while creating measurable environmental and educational benefits. Examples of eligible initiatives include projects that: • Improve energy efficiency. • Reduce institutional carbon emissions. • Build resilience to climate-related risks. • Expand sustainability education. • Promote environmental justice. • Prepare students for careers in clean energy and climate innovation. Applicants may also submit proposals that form part of larger institutional sustainability programmes, provided the Catalyst Grant supports a clearly defined component of the broader initiative. Collaborative proposals involving external organisations are also permitted where appropriate. Benefits Beyond Funding In addition to financial support, successful institutions gain valuable opportunities to increase the visibility of their climate initiatives. Grant recipients will benefit from: • Public recognition through Second Nature communications. • Opportunities to share successful practices with peer institutions. • Increased visibility within the Climate Leadership Network. • Participation in national discussions on higher education sustainability and climate leadership. These benefits help institutions strengthen partnerships, attract additional funding, and expand the impact of their climate programmes. Advancing Climate Solutions Across Higher Education The Second Nature Catalyst Grants continue to provide higher education institutions with valuable resources to initiate innovative climate action projects that deliver lasting environmental and social impact. By supporting sustainability leadership, clean energy education, climate resilience, and environmental justice, the programme contributes to building more sustainable campuses while preparing future generations to address the global climate crisis. Eligible colleges and universities are encouraged to submit their applications before the 24 September 2026 deadline. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. 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