The world of scientific research runs on two things: brilliant ideas and the funding to make them happen.

For environmental scientists, ecologists, and conservation researchers, securing grant money is more competitive than ever.

Planning your grant-seeking strategy well in advance is no longer an option—it’s a necessity for survival and success.

As of December 3, 2025, the clock is already ticking for the 2026 funding cycle.

To get ahead, you need a clear view of major opportunities on the horizon.

This guide cuts through the noise, providing a verified, actionable list of prestigious environmental and scientific research grants with deadlines in 2026. We’ve confirmed every detail with official sources so you can focus on what you do best: the research.

Verified Environmental & Scientific Research Grants for 2026

Here are three high-impact grant opportunities available to researchers in 2026. Each has been verified for accuracy, with direct links to the official application pages.

1. NSF Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER)

The NSF CAREER award is one of the most prestigious grants for junior faculty.

It’s designed to support early-career professionals who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education.

This five-year award provides a stable foundation for launching a long-term research program.

  • Grant Name: Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER)
  • Funding Amount: Minimum $500,000 over five years (for Directorate for Biological Sciences)
  • 2026 Deadline: July 23, 2026
  • Who It's For: Untenured, tenure-track faculty at the assistant professor level (or equivalent) at an eligible U.S. institution.

You must not have previously received a CAREER award.

  • What It Funds: The program supports activities that integrate research and education.

Your proposed project should have a well-conceived plan for both components, demonstrating how your research will advance your field and how you will use it to educate others, including students and the public.

2. National Geographic Society Level I Grant

For researchers, conservationists, and storytellers just starting out or testing a new project idea, the National Geographic Society offers a fantastic entry point.

Level I Grants are designed to support projects in the fields of conservation, education, research, storytelling, and technology.

They are particularly welcoming to applicants from around the world.

  • Grant Name: National Geographic Society Level I Grant
  • Funding Amount: Up to $20,000
  • 2026 Deadline: April 12, 2026 (Spring Cycle)
  • Who It's For: Individuals with a strong project idea, whether they are seasoned experts or just beginning their careers.

You do not need a Ph.D. to apply, making this grant highly accessible.

  • What It Funds: Projects aligned with one of the society's focus areas, such as Wildlife, Human History & Cultures, or Our Changing Planet.

The funding is flexible and can be used for fieldwork, data analysis, equipment, and other direct project costs.

3. EPA Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program

The EPA’s STAR program funds cutting-edge research to address pressing environmental and public health challenges.

These grants are highly competitive and target specific, high-priority topics announced through Requests for Applications (RFAs).

The example below focuses on a critical, emerging area of research.

  • Grant Name: Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program: Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke
  • Funding Amount: Up to $800,000 per award
  • 2026 Deadline: February 27, 2026
  • Who It's For: Public and private nonprofit institutions, state and local governments, and federally recognized Native American tribes.

Principal Investigators must have the scientific and technical expertise to oversee the proposed research.

  • What It Funds: Research projects investigating the public health impacts of exposure to wildfire smoke.

This includes studies on respiratory and cardiovascular effects, impacts on vulnerable populations, and the development of effective public health communication strategies.

Always check the specific RFA for detailed research objectives.

3 Essential Tips for a Winning Research Proposal

Finding the right grant is only the first step.

Crafting a proposal that stands out is what wins funding.

Keep these three principles in mind:

  1. Directly Address Funder Priorities: Read the program solicitation or RFA multiple times.

Your proposal's narrative must explicitly connect your research questions and expected outcomes to the funder's stated goals.

Use their language and demonstrate that you understand what they are trying to achieve.

  1. Showcase Broader Impacts: Funders like the NSF and EPA want to see how your work will benefit society.

Beyond its scientific contribution, how will your research improve public health, inform policy, create educational materials, or promote diversity in STEM? A strong "Broader Impacts" section is often the tiebreaker between two excellent proposals.

  1. Develop a Meticulous Budget: Your budget is not just a list of numbers; it's a story about your project plan.

Every line item must be justified and clearly linked to a specific research activity. A transparent, well-reasoned budget builds trust with reviewers and shows that you are a capable steward of grant funds.

Take the Next Step in Your Funding Journey

The grant opportunities for 2026 are already taking shape, and the most prepared researchers will be the ones who succeed.

By targeting programs like the NSF CAREER, National Geographic Level I, and EPA STAR, you can align your innovative ideas with major funding streams.

Don't let these deadlines pass you by.

Use this guide to start building your application strategy today, and consider using a grant management platform to track deadlines, organize documents, and streamline your entire proposal process.

Your next big discovery awaits.