The FY27 Lighthouse Grant Program, administered by Montgomery County's Office of Grants Management in Maryland, provides funding to local nonprofit organizations for community-based projects and services. The program is part of a broader portfolio of county grant initiatives spanning food assistance, nonprofit security, community health, place-based management, and strategic planning. Eligible applicants apply through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process, with information sessions available to guide prospective grantees. Awards support a range of community development and social service activities throughout Montgomery County.

Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program is a grant from U.S. Department of Commerce - NOAA, administered by the Minneapolis Foundation in partnership with the Midwest Environmental Justice Network, NDN Collective, and RE-AMP Network. Distributing million over three years through EPA's Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, it funds community-based nonprofits and eligible organizations in EPA Region 5 (Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, and 37 federally recognized tribal nations). Three funding tiers support assessment and engagement (up to ,000), community education and planning (up to ,000), and project development and implementation (up to ,000). Projects focus on air, soil, and water quality, stormwater and green infrastructure, and environmental job training.

Unsolicited Grant: Project/Program Proposals is sponsored by Williamsburg Community Health Foundation Inc.. Funding for evidence-based, promising, or previously successful approaches and new ideas that improve the health and well-being of residents in Greater Williamsburg. Proposals should target factors such as access to care (primary, behavioral, dental), economic advancement (housing stability, transportation, educational success), and healthy living (nutrition, physical activity). Geographic focus: Greater Williamsburg (City of Williamsburg, James City County, and York County, Virginia) Focus areas: Access to Care, Economic Advancement, Healthy Living, Behavioral Health Services, Healthy Aging, Integrated Care, Two-Generation Family Services, Community Capacity Building

Brownfield Redevelopment Action Plan - Bronx River Waterfront is a consulting RFP issued by Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice (YMPJ), with support from EPA funding, seeking qualified professionals to develop a Brownfield Redevelopment Action Plan for the Bronx River Waterfront area. The project aims to guide environmental remediation and community-centered redevelopment of contaminated land along the Bronx River, consistent with EPA Brownfields program goals of transforming polluted sites into community assets. Eligible respondents include qualified environmental professionals, urban planners, and real estate development consultant teams with relevant brownfield assessment and redevelopment planning experience. Awards of up to ,000 are available, with a deadline of March 22, 2026.

Spring 2026 Early Investment Grant is a grant from the New York Women's Foundation that funds emerging, community-based organizations working to advance gender, racial, and economic justice in New York City. Eligible organizations may apply for a one-year, $80,000 general operating support grant. For this cycle, priority focus areas are Economic and Environmental Justice and Civic Engagement and Leadership; applications addressing Safety, Health, and Bodily Autonomy will also be considered if additional resources become available. This opportunity is specifically designed for organizations led by and for women and gender-expansive people that are rooted in historically marginalized communities across all five boroughs. The application deadline was March 23, 2026.

Youth Conservation Program is a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation that funds workforce development projects preparing young people for careers in environmental conservation and sustainability. Administered under the Green Jobs for Youth — Skills Training program, the grant aims to expand access to equitable workforce opportunities for youth in environmental justice communities through skill-building, mentorship, and job placement in sectors such as clean energy, sustainable agriculture, waste reduction, and conservation. Total funding available is $4,000,000 across a 36-month contract period. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit and tribal organizations in New York State. Applications were due January 28, 2026, with anticipated awards by June 30, 2026.

CZM Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants is a grant from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) that funds projects assessing and treating stormwater pollution, restoring coastal habitat, and advancing comprehensive coastal restoration planning. The program, which incorporates the former Coastal Pollutant Remediation grants, prioritizes projects within the Massachusetts coastal watershed. Eligible applicants include municipalities, federally recognized tribes, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, regional planning agencies, and stormwater collaboratives partnering with municipalities. Awards range from $50,000 to $250,000, with the FY2027 deadline of March 27, 2026.

Unified Grant Program is sponsored by Fred C And Katherine B Andersen Foundation. The foundation provides resources to nonprofit organizations that build thriving communities and improve the quality of life. The board welcomes requests for general operations, programs, or projects that address community health and stability, with an emphasis on helping the underserved and under-resourced. Geographic focus: St. Croix Valley region of Minnesota and Wisconsin (specifically Washington and eastern Ramsey County in MN; Polk, St. Croix, and Pierce counties in WI). Focus areas: Healthcare, Housing, Education, Human Services, Civic, Environmental

Next generation of renewable energy technologies is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Projects are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Breakthrough and game changing renewable energy technologies enabling a faster transition to a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions EU economy by 2050. Measures, knowledge and data have been demonstrating that the technology has a minimal environmental impact (notably on biodiversity and pollution), has gained citizens’ trust, is economically viable and benefits from a multi-level policy support. Establishing a solid long term dependable European innovation base. Scope: The proposal is expected to address high-risk and high return technology developments for game changing renewable energy technologies. It could cover, for example, catalyst development, renewable energy storage systems, integration of renewable energy technologies into a single energy generation system, hybrid renewable energy systems, heating & cooling systems, fuels production systems, (direct) solar fuels and solar driven chemical processes, hybrid electricity generation solutions between different renewable energy sources, direct utilization of renewable energy sources. The following areas are excluded from the scope of the topic as they fall within the scope of partnerships or other calls: Hydrogen production through electrolysers. Fuel cells. Basic material research. Batteries. The proposal is expected to establish technological feasibility of its concept through a robust research methodology, at least TRL 4 or at most TRL 5. The concept could be based on a new solution or on the improvement of an existing high-risk and high return solution. Technology transfer from sectors other than energy should be considered whenever relevant, as it may provide ideas, experiences, technology contributions, knowledge, skills, and new approaches. For bioenergy or biofuel concepts, whenever the direct use of biogenic waste is considered, resource availability and treatment will be taken into account from the design stage. In developing its concept, the proposal is expected to address the following related aspects: lower environmental impact, minimise impacts on biodiversity and protected species and habitats, reduced pollution, better resource efficiency (materials, geographical footprints, water, etc…). Whenever risks have been identified, mitigation measures need to be presented. The proposal is expected also to present a comparison with current commercial renewable energy technologies and/or solutions to show its advantages in terms of expected economic performance, environmental impact (notably on biodiversity and pollution), energy security, competitivity and industrial independence [1] . Selected projects are expected to consider the drivers behind social acceptance and trust-building of the technological solution and assess the best way to promote local involvement as part of ensuring a just transition (gender, cultural and socio-economic factors should be accounted for). An analysis of policy approaches that are encompassing (policy mixes), adaptive (policy learning) and context sensitive (working for different places, levels and/or sectors) should also be performed in order to support the deployment of the future new technology. This topic requires the effective contribution of SSH disciplines and the involvement of SSH experts, institutions as well as the inclusion of relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related research activities. Proposals are encouraged to consider, where relevant, services offered by European research infrastructures [2] , as well as related projects offering access to research infrastructures in the clean energy domain- particularly RISEnergy [3] . [1] For an example of methodology for the assessment of sustainability, circularity and contribution to EU resilience and technological autonomy of clean energy technology in the R&I pipeline, please see Study on cir Programme areas: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Climate, Energy and Mobility, Energy Supply Deadline stages: 2026-03-31, 2026-10-20

2026 Spring General Grant is sponsored by Robert J Kleberg Jr And Helen C Kleberg Foundation. This program supports projects in community services, health, education, arts and humanities, and wildlife and habitat stewardship. The foundation prioritizes projects that improve the quality of life in South Texas communities and those that advance knowledge and innovation. Support is available for capital projects, single-year, and multi-year initiatives. Geographic focus: South Texas (primarily Kleberg and adjoining counties) for community and health services; National for arts and wildlife. Focus areas: Community Services, Health Services, Education, Arts and Humanities, Wildlife and Habitat Stewardship

Massachusetts Community Health & Healthy Aging Funds is a grant program from the Massachusetts Community Health & Healthy Aging Funds that supports community organizations working to build inclusive, age- and dementia-friendly communities across Massachusetts. Funding is available for projects focused on healthy aging, dementia-friendly initiatives, and community health capacity-building. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and community-based organizations in Massachusetts addressing social determinants of health for older adults. The program promotes policy, systems, and environmental change and aligns with Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative priorities to improve quality of life for seniors and individuals living with dementia.

Massachusetts Community Health and Healthy Aging Funds is sponsored by Massachusetts Department of Public Health (Mass. DPH). This program supports age-friendly efforts and advances the objectives in "ReiMAgine Aging 2030: The Massachusetts Plan" by funding Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) changes, Community Health Improvement Planning (CHIP), and Healthy Aging strategies. It aims to disrupt root causes of inequitable health outcomes.

Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program is sponsored by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This program, administered through the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, focuses on the removal and assessment of derelict fishing gear (traps), which are a significant source of microplastic pollution. Projects must involve assessment, removal, and prevention activities.

The Massachusetts Community Health and Healthy Aging Funds 2026 is a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Health Resources in Action that funds organizations addressing health disparities and age-friendly community development across the Commonwealth. The program supports Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) changes that tackle root causes of inequitable health outcomes including structural racism, poverty, and power imbalances. Three funding streams are available: PSE Change, Community Health Improvement Planning (CHIP), and Healthy Aging, which aligns with Massachusetts' ReiMAgine Aging 2030 plan. Eligible applicants include Massachusetts-based nonprofit organizations, municipalities, quasi-governmental groups, and coalitions. Award amounts vary between planning and full implementation grants. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2026.

2026 Call for Proposals is sponsored by Montana Healthcare Foundation. An annual grant opportunity supporting Montana-based organizations to design and pilot innovative, Montana-grown solutions to critical health challenges. The program funds both planning projects (to support strategic, business, and sustainability planning) and implementation projects (for those with existing strong business and sustainability plans). Geographic focus: Montana Focus areas: Innovative Health Solutions, Health Inequities, Community Health, Strategic Planning, Health Care Access

Nonpoint Source Implementation 319 Grants is a grant from Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that funds a wide variety of nonpoint source pollution management activities under the federal Clean Water Act Section 319 program. Oregon DEQ administers this competitive grant program, awarding funds to eligible local organizations for water quality improvement and protection projects across the state. The 2026 Request for Proposals is open from January 20 through April 1, 2026. Eligible applicants typically include local governments, watershed councils, tribes, and nonprofits working to reduce agricultural runoff, stormwater pollution, and other nonpoint sources of water contamination in Oregon waterways.

The Evidence for AI in Health (EVAH) initiative is a US$60 million joint investment by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Novo Nordisk Foundation and Wellcome Trust to support locally led evaluations of AI health tools in low- and middle-income countries. Representing the second investment from a US$300 million global health research partnership established in 2024 the program funds rigorous evaluations of AI-enabled clinical decision support tools designed for frontline healthcare workers in primary and community health settings. Funded evaluations include randomized controlled trials implementation science studies economic feasibility analyses and public health acceptance assessments of AI tools that feature machine learning computer vision or large language models trained on representative data for resource-constrained environments. The program focuses on triage diagnosis and referral functions in Sub-Saharan Africa South Asia and Southeast Asia. Implementation is managed by the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) and the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC). This is distinct from OpenAI mental health research grants and from Stanford AIMI-HAI which fund US-based AI healthcare research.

Community Wellness Endowment Grants is a grant program from Corewell Health Foundation that supports local nonprofits in Southwest Michigan working to improve community health and wellness. The program funds organizations addressing root causes of health disparities, including access to nutritious food, safe housing, mental health care, and other essential social services. Applications are accepted twice annually, with deadlines on April 1 and October 1 each year. Eligible applicants are local nonprofit organizations operating in Southwest Michigan. The program reflects Corewell Health Foundation's mission to make the region a healthier and stronger place to live, work, and grow.

The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS) Cooperative Agreement Program is a grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that funds community-based organizations tackling local environmental and public health challenges. Eligible applicants are community-based nonprofits, with awards ranging from $150,000 to $500,000. The deadline to apply is April 10, 2026. The program provides financial assistance to support collaborative problem-solving approaches that engage affected residents in identifying and addressing environmental justice issues. Applicants must register with SAM.gov and are encouraged to identify local partners before applying. The EJCPS program prioritizes solutions developed by and for the communities most burdened by environmental hazards.

Living labs to enhance soil health in Alpine and Atlantic biogeographical regions is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Activities under this topic respond directly to the goal of the Mission Soil to set up 100 living labs and lighthouses to lead the transition to healthy soils by 2030. They support the specific objectives of the Mission Soil [1] . Activities should also contribute to the Common Agricultural Policy and to meeting the European Green Deal ambitions and targets and more specifically those of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 , the EU Soil Strategy for 2030 and the proposal for a Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive , the Zero Pollution Action Plan , the Communication on Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the EU , as well as to Sustainable Development Goals [2] . Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: enhanced capacities for participatory, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary R&I to co-create and co-implement economically viable soil health solutions; improved soil health monitoring and increased availability of high quality, standardised soil data at local and regional level; increased availability of practice-oriented knowledge for land managers and land users, leading to better adoption of effective soil health solutions in diverse contexts; policy makers are more aware of local needs regarding soil health, including the factors that influence it, and can use this knowledge to design and implement more effective policies to enhance soil health, while considering the economic sustainability of solutions. Scope: The Mission Soil proposes the deployment of living labs as a novel approach to research and innovation in soil health [3] . Living labs have the potential to facilitate a green transition by involving multiple actors in real-life sites within a local/regional setting to co-create soil health solutions and achieve large-scale impacts on soil health and soil governance. Projects funded under this topic should deploy a number of living labs to expand and complement the network of soil health living labs initiated in previous Mission Soil topics to gradually establish 100 living labs and lighthouses to lead the transition towards healthy soils by 2030 [4] . Soil health living labs are long-term collaborations between multiple actors to address common soil health challenges in real-life sites at local or regional level [5] (10 to 20 sites in each living lab). Living labs can address soil health challenges in or across different land uses (agricultural, (peri-)urban, (post)-industrial, forest and (semi-)natural). Depending on the level at which each living lab operates and the specific context (e.g. land use covered, or soil health challenge addressed), applicants can exceptionally propose living labs with fewer sites. Individual sites can be farms, forest holdings, urban green areas [6] , industrial areas, etc. Sites that are exemplary in their performance in terms of soil health improvement and serve as places for demonstration of solutions, training and communication are lighthouses. Lighthouse sites can be part of a living lab or be situated outside a living lab. Projects funded under this topic are expected to kick-start a participatory process or build on existing ones. If building on existing processes, the new proposed living labs should complement the existing network of Mission Soil Living Labs and deliver unique results. While on average, projects run for around four years, the duration of the projects under this topic should accommodate longer timescales required to establish participatory processes and/or for soil processes to take place. Actors working on common shared soil health challenge(s) within and across the living labs of the same project, will be able to compare results, exchange good practices, validate methodologies, replicate actions and solutions and benefit from cross-fertilisation, thereby accelerating the transition towards the shared objective of improving soil health. Proposals should: support the establishmen Programme areas: Horizon Europe (HORIZON), Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Keywords: Agriculture, Agriculture related to crop production, soil biology and cultivation, applied plant biology, Ecosystem services provided by soils, Soil biodiversity, Soil chemistry, Soil conservation, Soil erosion, Soil fertility, Soil functions, Soil improvement, Soil management, Soil science, Alpine, Atlantic, Biogeographical, Biogeographical regions, Bottom Up, Co-creation, Integrated sciences, Interdisciplinary, Land uses, Living Labs, Multi actor approach, Participatory research, Soil health, Soil restoration, Sustainable land management, Transdisciplinary Deadline stages: 2026-04-14, 2026-09-15

Disruptive Technologies and Innovative Concepts for Energy Saving Onboard of long-distance ships (ZEWT Partnership) is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: Development of novel and disruptive technologies and innovative concepts that demonstrate at least 25% energy savings for long distance shipping, compared to 2008 levels. Established methodology for assessing the energy savings from the proposed solutions, considering the implementation of the IMO GHG strategy and of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation. Proven scalability and replicability of the developed technologies and concepts to various ship types, operational profiles and navigational routes. Assess the economic viability, environmental and climate impacts of the technologies and innovative concepts. Defined implications and impacts of the proposed solutions regarding safety and operational aspects, also addressing competences and skills issues for the adoption and operation of such technologies. Consider AI-based and digital twin features for optimisation and energy management aspects. Relevant improvements should not be considered as part of the at least 25% energy savings target. Scope: Energy consumption of long-distance shipping should be reduced significantly to achieve sustainable worldwide trade. To achieve a more sustainable and environmentally friendly shipping industry, it is essential to continue developing disruptive technologies, advanced materials, and innovative concepts that can significantly reduce energy consumption of long-distance shipping. The objective of this topic is to support solutions for propulsion and non-propulsion energy consumption that aim to achieve at least at least 25% energy savings in long distance shipping as compared to 2008 levels, through the development and integration of standalone solutions. These technologies include (but are not limited to) active or passive increased performance solutions, novel propulsion systems, augmented propulsion technologies capitalizing also on ship motions, hull performance enhancements and the use of advanced materials which can further enhance energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of vessels. Any fuel-related proposals should only consider renewable low and zero-carbon fuels. These technologies and concepts should be applicable to various types of ships, including ro-pax, container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers. Proposals are expected to address all the following aspects: Development and demonstration at TRL 4-5 of novel, high-uncertainty but high-reward technologies that significantly reduce energy consumption in long distance shipping. Development of various ship concepts, conducting replication studies for different case scenarios and modelling the real overall energy savings of the solutions and concepts developed. Development of methodologies measuring the impact of the energy efficiency achieved on the GHG intensity and the impact on air pollution of the energy used for propulsion specifically for long distance shipping, with a focus on emission reductions, also facilitating the introduction of such technologies under the scope of LCA guidelines and FuelEU Maritime, and improving the EEDI, EEXI and CII performance where relevant. Consider links with digital twin and AI-based optimisation aspects for the considered technologies (e.g., adaptive and model-predictive control), including the necessary sensing systems, to expand the system’s future capacities. Model the economic viability of the developed technologies, considering initial investment, operational savings, maintenance costs, and potential financial incentives, to assess the economic feasibility while also facilitating decision-making in the design process. Assessment of the safety and environmental implications of the solutions, including technical and operational risks, possible impacts to ships, ports and other land infrastructure. Ensure appropriate sustainability of the action outputs by elaborating on a technology development roadmap and by exploring business c Programme areas: Industrial Competitiveness in Transport, Clean, Safe and Accessible Transport and Mobility, Smart Mobility Deadline stages: 2026-04-14, 2026-10-08

Ports of the future (ZEWT Partnership) is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes. Ensured applicability and replicability of sustainable and digital strategies at port level for middle and small-size maritime ports and inland ports across all the EU, balancing geography and size. Ensured increased adoption of sustainable waterborne transport practices in ports of all sizes. Sustainable and digital strategies will prepare middle and small-sized ports to enhance their competitiveness with a focus on cost-effective and scalable adaptation measures, increase their climate resilience and biodiversity friendliness, and improve safety for port workers and crews of ships at berth. Sustainable and digital strategies will reduce emissions of GHG, air and water pollutants and other biodiversity impacts from ports, applying innovative solutions for zero-emission and biodiversity friendly port operations and ships at berth. Strategies should be applicable to maritime and inland waterway middle-sized and small-sized ports and located throughout Europe. Contribute to the objectives of the EU Port Strategy. Development of sustainable and digital strategies that not only enhance the competitiveness of middle-sized and small-sized ports but also mitigate health risks for populations in port areas. Scope: Ports are important multimodal hubs in the supply chain, linking the sea with the hinterland, evolving into critical hubs and facilitators of sustainable energies, are clusters of industry and circular economy, as well as geo-political and geo-economic resilience. Europe needs ports that are competitive and sustainable on local, regional and global levels, and the Competitiveness Compass calls for a new strategy to highlight the role that European ports will play in the future EU economy. The Green Deal aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and to reverse the degradation of ecosystems by 2030 . The EU Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy [1] (SSMS) states that infrastructure must be adapted to climate change, less biodiversity harmful and made resilient to disasters. In line with the SSMS, it is also important that ports can provide increasing volumes of clean and decarbonised energy sources, notably renewable energy, and on a modernised grid. Proposals are expected to address all the following aspects: Identify innovative technologies, as well as results from EU-funded research, innovation and deployment projects and other technological, economic and social best practices. Consider mature technologies ready to be deployed in middle and small-sized ports across the EU contributing to the expected outcomes. Address challenges and opportunities for the implementation and/or for commercial deployment of these solutions in small and medium-sized maritime ports and inland waterway ports located throughout the EU. Developing strategies contributing to the expected outcomes for middle and small ports across the EU following a geographical balance, contributing to the objectives of the EU Ports Strategy. Design and demonstrate integrated smart energy systems and grids for port and waterborne transport operations, including energy production, storage and OPS operations, covering the needs for electrification and charging of port terminal equipment, and modes of transport connecting the port to the hinterland, such road transport, nearby industry and buildings) to make the solutions more energy- and cost-effective. Develop climate resilience strategies of middle and small size ports and their infrastructure, including adaptation measures to address sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and other climate-related risks, with a focus on cost-effective and scalable solutions (such as nature-based solutions), building on best practices developed in EU-funded research projects. Analyse how VTMIS and port community systems can be developed and exploited to their full potential, harmonizing functionalities whenever possible, paving t Programme areas: Industrial Competitiveness in Transport, Clean, Safe and Accessible Transport and Mobility, Smart Mobility

Non-exhaust emissions in road and railway transport is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Methods and tools to support measurement, simulation and validation of non-exhaust pollutant emissions in road and railway transport into the environment; Estimates on the impact of these pollutants on human health, terrestrial ecosystems and the aquatic environment (including biodiversity in these ecosystems) with particular focus on microplastics and other heavier non-airborne particles; Delivery of better emission factors for emission inventories and projections, including the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP), also for resuspension, for which little knowledge exists today; Recommendations and mitigation strategies including the determination of appropriate KPIs and assessing the effectiveness of control measures with an appropriate cost-benefit analysis to understand the economic and practical feasibility of different emission reduction strategies. Scope: With continuous increase in electrification of the car fleet and railways, the share of non-exhaust particulate emissions into the environment becomes increasingly important. Non-exhaust emissions (NEE) of particles apply to all forms of ground transport and can be categorised as those coming from several sources, such as brake wear, tyre wear, pantograph-catenary wear, wheel-rail contact, road surface wear, as well as vehicle-induced resuspension of road/track dust deposited on the surface. There may be other sources, e.g. engine belts and clutch plates. Quantitative data on the magnitude of non-exhaust emissions are fragmented and highly uncertain, particularly when compared to data for exhaust emissions. Emissions vary widely according to brake, tyre and road surface material, and with driving style. Further research efforts are necessary to increase the understanding of these particles, their creation, ageing and dispersion in the environment. Moreover, the health impact of NEEs is far less studied, and it remains unclear whether these predominately solid/non-soluble PM may induce the same effects as combustion PM. Additionally, these pollutants has been reported to adversely affect terrestrial systems and aquatic environment as well as the biodiversity; however, it is not clear to what extent. Research into rail particulate emissions is an equally important area due to its implications for air quality, human health, and environmental impact. However, research data on the health impacts of specific particulate components is limited. Furthermore, comprehensive studies on the chemical composition of rail particulates are scarce. The impact of rail particulates on soil, water, and ecosystems and their biodiversity is not well understood, while more data is needed on how particulates disperse and deposit in different environments, especially in urban versus rural areas. Addressing these research gaps would provide a more comprehensive understanding of rail particulate emissions and contribute to the development of effective mitigation strategies. In order to address the two aforementioned areas (road and rail), R&I actions are expected to address the following aspects: Methods and tools for the segregation of NEE particle sources: i) during particle collection (e.g., due to high background concentrations), ii) attribution of collected material to different sources. Appropriate real-world test conditions, equipment and sampling methods for the evaluation of particles (e.g., separation of total and solid particles) Source identification and characterization including detailed source apportionment (brake wear, tyre wear, wheel-rail interaction, resuspension, etc.) and chemical composition; Assessment of the influencing parameters: use cases (e.g. different vehicle types or tyre types), conditions (e.g. urban, rural, motorways, tunnels), driving behaviour, state of the road surface or rail tracks; attribution and distribution; Emission Measurement Tech Programme areas: Industrial Competitiveness in Transport, Clean, Safe and Accessible Transport and Mobility, Smart Mobility Deadline stages: 2026-04-14, 2026-10-08

Advancing basic knowledge and developing tools for sustainable management of key migratory fish species is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: improved knowledge on life history parameters of key migratory fish species, through basic and applied research on key aspects of biology, ecology, connectivity, conservation, management and exploitation; better knowledge of the extent of anthropogenic impacts on key migratory fish species through their entire life cycle within a context of a changing climate regime; enhanced capacity of national and regional authorities (and other stakeholders) to develop and implement effective and efficient tools for the protection, restoration and resource management of key migratory fish species and/or their habitats, and for the appropriate assessment of the effectiveness of measures put in place to allow necessary feedback and adaptive management. Scope: The world’s migratory species are in decline, and their global extinction risk is increasing, with a growing part of this acceleration linked to climate change and a deterioration of their migration routes. Migratory marine fish stocks - ranging across a wide size spectrum - are vital for ecosystem functioning and food security, as their long-term persistence depends on management approaches that balance sustainability with ecological resilience in a system of global change. Furthermore, diadromous fish species play a critical role in land-sea interactions across their ranges, providing unique financial and non-financial societal goods and benefits to society and nature, such as marine-derived nutrient flows to rivers and lands, and exceptional cultural values. Ability of these species to connect and utilise a variety of habitats over long distances, makes them 'umbrella' species, meaning conservation measures for these species benefit broader ecosystems. Protecting these species and sustainably managing the bio-resources they provide across national and international waters, and often multi-national catchments require a holistic and coordinated approach, integrating local attitudes, uses, knowledge, policies and conservation measures, and adapted to local circumstances where necessary. Proposals should: develop methods and methodologies, where relevant at regional scale or global scale, to assess the effectiveness of conservation and management measures that will allow for adaptive management; develop tools and practices to reduce anthropogenic mortality factors for these species and in all key lifetime aquatic habitats and to avoid fragmented non-coordinated management across sectors and countries; generate new knowledge on the interplay between climatic and non-climatic pressures, particularly related to fisheries of marine species, or in relation to infrastructure impeding connectivity (e.g. hydropower, pumping stations, flood control) and pollution for the diadromous species; assess the impact of emerging pressures on the migratory species of interest; assess the ecosystem services and the resulting societal goods and benefits provided by long-ranging migrating and/or transboundary land-sea-connecting species; strengthen data collection systems covering all life-history stages and successive key habitats of these migratory fish, to improve monitoring coordination across regions and countries; incorporate relevant stakeholders and end-users from the design phase through development and implementation, ensuring that outputs can be readily applied by them. The scope includes migratory marine and diadromous species of commercial interest, with particular emphasis on endangered species and endangered local populations. Where applicable, considerations related to farming of migratory species should be addressed. Proposals should involve the effective contribution of social sciences and humanities disciplines. Citizen science is encouraged at all stages of the research activities for this topic. Projects are expected to contribute to the EU Common Fisheries Policy, the European Ocean Pa Programme areas: Seas, Oceans and Inland Waters, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness Keywords: Animal behaviour, Animal biology, Animal morphology, Animal physiology, Animal reproduction, Applied zoology, Aquaculture, fisheries, Brakish water ecosystems, Cultural and economic geography, Ecology (theoretical and experimental; population, species and community level), Environmental and marine biology, Environmental sciences (social aspects), Fresh water biodiversity, Fresh water biology, Fresh water ecology, Fresh water ecosystems, Limnology, Marine biodiversity conservation, Marine biodiversity monitoring, Marine ecosystem management, Population genetics, Zoology, adaptive management, anthropogenic mortality, citizen science, connectivity, conservation, data collection, diadromous fish, emerging pressures, habitats, hydropower, multi-national catchments, pumping station, restoration

Large-scale demonstration of Heavy-Duty Battery Electric Vehicles (HD BEV) towards long-haul logistics operations (2ZERO Partnership) is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Increased percentage of Heavy Duty Battery Electric Vehicles (HD-BEV) tested and used in operations by the logistics and transport operators involved in the demonstrations, compared to the current fleets. Demonstrated efficient integration of HD-BEV in logistics fleets and operations along several European corridor segments, building further on the initial fleet developed in the large-scale demonstrations and across several types of transport operators. Reinforced ecosystem connecting involved parties as fleet operators, charge providers, road authorities at local, regional, national and European levels – also reinforcing the industrial HD-BEV value chain in the EU. Scope: The implementation of zero emission vehicles for long-distance heavy-duty freight transport is of key importance to meet the European targets reducing greenhouse gas and air pollutants emissions. To further accelerate HD-BEV integration in logistic fleets and operations it is essential to identify and address the remaining barriers and challenges of their deployment. These barriers can be related to e.g. limitations in vehicle technology, digital tools, knowledge and user awareness, stakeholder engagement, energy and power availability, charging infrastructure needs such as depot charging and Megawatt Charging System (MCS), permit processes and connection to the grid and services. The challenges for logistics companies’ (also smaller operators) implementing zero emission transport solutions need to be addressed. Proposed actions are expected to address all of the following aspects: Perform large-scale demonstrations of HD BEV equipped with MCS reaching up to a hundred market-ready vehicles and new generation vehicles in logistics fleets operations, involving several transport operators also engaging SMEs and microenterprises, focussing on long-haul operation (average ≥600km operations) during extended durations of over twelve months. The demonstrations must cover at least four European corridors’ segments in at least four Member States (MS) and/or Associated Countries (AC), and involved HD BEV should where possible be also equipped with MCS connector. Identify and address the barriers and challenges to accelerate the deployment of fleets of HD-BEV in long-distance logistics operations in Europe, considering also the impact of battery degradation and the weather conditions in all seasons. Develop and integrate in the demonstrations the use of digital tools with use of AI, access to data sets, operational and governance logistics models including charging opportunities and models to facilitate increasing numbers of HD-BEVs in logistics operations Ensure synergies with the existing publicly accessible charging infrastructure available or funded under the CEF and/or other national/regional funding schemes and assess charging methods and business models for long-haul operations such as depot, destination, truck-stops, overnight etc., using different charging power considering cost and time optimisation. Only depot charging (mono and/or multi-operator) infrastructure can be (partially) funded in demonstration projects, including related innovative business models associated such as smart, bidirectional V2X solutions and possible second life of batteries. Develop a competition-compliant ecosystem for sharing data for HD-BEV fleet management in so-called data labs including data pooling, which can include publication of open and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Re-usable) data, and which could build on the common European mobility data space, also supporting the dissemination best practices, learnings and capacity building mechanisms as levers for HD-BEV acceleration. Using the shared data, new services and tools can be developed, including AI-based tools, agents and model frameworks for fleet management, both for on-board and remote monitoring. Defin Programme areas: Industrial Competitiveness in Transport, Clean, Safe and Accessible Transport and Mobility, Smart Mobility

Integrating a holistic perspective in microbiome research for resilient, competitive and sustainable food systems is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: a better systems-level understanding through a One Health approach of the complex interactions and functional impacts of microbiomes across different hosts (plants, humans, animals...), environments (water, food matrices...), and interconnected ecosystems; solutions are identified for resilient, competitive, and sustainable food systems that cover e.g. food security, agrifood systems durability and resilience, industrial applications, nutrition, health, and relevant aspects of biodiversity, climate change and the environment; synergies are identified between existing European research infrastructures for sample biobanking and data-gathering/gathering/sharing to facilitate the exchange, pooling and integrated analysis of integrated microbiome (meta)-data, promoting inter and trans-disciplinary collaboration among different stakeholders under the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Re-usable) principles. Scope: Microbiomes hold immense potential for food systems applications, but microbiomes are often studied in siloes or one ecosystem at a time. Unlocking the functional diversity of food microbiomes to help develop innovative applications requires a systems approach [1] . The topic is relevant to the EU policies related to the Commission communication on: Building the future with nature: Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the EU [2] , the Life Science Strategy, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the Zero Pollution Action Plan, the EU strategy on research and technology infrastructure, the R&I Food 2030 Framework and the policies related to the digital transition (e.g. AI Act, etc) and contributes to climate action and biodiversity goals. Proposals should address all the following activities: establish a holistic system approach to study the microbiome, and its interaction with its host and/or environment, its function and contribution to ecosystem(s) functions, connecting inter and trans-disciplinary fields of science (e.g. microbiology, ecology, AI and bioinformatics, biotechnology, synthetic/molecular biology, agronomy, plant sciences, etc.); investigate existing and new supporting technologies such as multi-omics technologies, high-throughput sampling/phenotyping systems, predictive models, AI, federated learning, cultivation methods and/or in-vitro validated models (e.g. organoids, organ-on-a-chip, genetic and metabolic engineering) for application in integrated microbiome studies; establish further synergies between existing infrastructures (for instance, ELIXIR, MIRRI, BBMRI-ERIC, EOSC, etc.) to enhance their capacity to integrate and valorise integrated microbiome data (integrating samples and associated (meta)-data from diverse sources) as well as considering the integration of other environmental, agricultural, nutritional or climate datasets; provide references strains and/or samples (e.g. for food safety or holobiont selection), standard protocols, operating procedures and quality control measures through the existing biobanks and data-repositories to support and facilitate further microbiome studies. Proposals must follow a multi-actor approach, engaging researchers, businesses (including SMEs and startups), public authorities and policy makers, research infrastructures and civil society to co-develop solutions. null Activities are expected to start from TRL 2-3 in order to achieve TRL 5 by the end of the project – see General Annex B. [1] Meisner, A., Wepner, B., Kostic, T., van Overbeek, L.S., Bunthof, C. J., de Souza, R. S. C., Olivares, M., Sanz, Y., Lange, L., Fischer, D., Sessitsch, A., Smidt, H. (2022). Calling for a systems approach in microbiome research and innovation. Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 73, 171–178. https://doi. org/10.1016/j.copbio.2021.08.003 [2] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/document/download/47554adc-dffc-411b-8cd6-b52417514cb3_en Programme areas: Food Systems, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness Keywords: Agricultural biotechnology, Environmental biotechnology, Industrial biotechnology, Microalgae, Microbiology, (meta)data, AI, BBMRI-ERIC, ELIXIR, EOSC, MIRRI, Multi-omics, Predictive models, agriculture, biobank, biobanking, biodiversity, bioinformatics, biotechnology, climate change, ecosystem, ecosystems, environment, food system, food systems, health, holistic, microbiome, nutrition, one health, organoids, phenotyping, resilient, sustainability, sustainable

Living labs to enhance soil health in managed forests and in natural/semi-natural lands is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Activities under this topic respond directly to the goal of the Mission Soil to set up 100 living labs and lighthouses to lead the transition to healthy soils by 2030 and support the specific objectives of the Mission Soil. Activities should also contribute to the Common Agricultural Policy, and to meeting the European Green Deal ambitions and targets and more specifically those of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 , the EU soil strategy for 2030 and the proposal for a Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive , the Zero Pollution Action Plan , the EU Forest Strategy, as well as to the Sustainable Development Goals [1] . Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: enhanced capacities for participatory, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary R&I to co-create, and co-implement economically viable soil health solutions tailored to managed forests or natural/semi-natural lands; improved soil health monitoring and increased availability of high quality, standardized soil data at local and regional levels; increased availability of practice-oriented knowledge for land managers and land users, leading to better adoption of effective soil health solutions in diverse contexts; policymakers are more informed about local needs regarding soil health, including its drivers, and can use this knowledge to design and implement more effective policies that enhance soil health, while considering the economic sustainability of solutions. Scope: Forests soils play a fundamental role in global environmental protection, by supporting rich biodiversity, preventing soil erosion, regulating floodings, and mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon from the atmosphere [2] . In Europe, forests cover nearly 40% of the total land area, with over 90% classified as managed forests, where human activities such as timber production, habitat management, recreation, etc. take place [3] . Maintaining and enhancing soil functions in managed forests is essential for ensuring both their productivity and long-term resilience. In this context, developing a sustainable forest bioeconomy is strategically important for Europe’s green transition. The remaining 5–10% of Europe’s forested land consists of unmanaged or natural forests, such as those within national parks or nature reserves. Monitoring the state of soil health in these natural forests lands as well as in any other natural areas [4] across Europe, is essential for their conservation as, despite the minimal or absence of human intervention, they remain vulnerable to degradation processes originating from surrounding managed lands and diffuse pollution. Early detection of such risks is critical to allow for prevention and remediation. The Mission Soil proposes the deployment of living labs as a novel approach to research and innovation in soil health [5] . Living labs have the potential to facilitate a green transition by involving multiple actors in real-life sites within a local/regional setting to co-create soil health solutions and achieve large-scale impacts on soil health and soil governance. Projects funded under this topic should deploy a number of living labs to expand and complement the network of soil health living labs initiated in previous Mission Soil topics to gradually establish 100 living labs and lighthouses to lead the transition towards healthy soils by 2030 [6] . Soil health living labs are long-term collaborations between multiple actors to address common soil health challenges in real-life sites at local or regional level [7] (10 to 20 sites in each living lab). Depending on the level at which each living lab operates and the specific context (e.g. land use covered, or soil health challenge addressed), applicants can exceptionally propose living labs with fewer sites. Living labs under this topic can address soil health challenges in or across two land uses: managed forest or natural/semi-natural lands. Individual site Programme areas: Horizon Europe (HORIZON), Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Keywords: Agriculture, Agriculture related to crop production, soil biology and cultivation, applied plant biology, Ecosystem services provided by soils, Soil biodiversity, Soil chemistry, Soil conservation, Soil erosion, Soil fertility, Soil functions, Soil improvement, Soil management, Soil science, Biogeographical, Bottom Up, Co-creation, Forest soils, Forestry, Integrated sciences, Interdisciplinary, Living Labs, Multi actor approach, Natural habitats, Participatory research, Semi-natural habitats, Soil health, Sustainable land management, Transdisciplinary Deadline stages: 2026-04-14, 2026-09-15

Open topic: Boosting organic farming for a competitive, sustainable and resilient farming sector is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: farmers, advisors, agri-food chain operators, policy-makers, public funders and citizens benefit from new knowledge and knowledge exchange, viable innovations, practices and tools that boost the competitiveness, sustainability (economic, environmental, social) and resilience of the organic farming sector; knowledge and innovations contribute to an improved sustainability of organic farming systems and an overall improved efficiency of the sector, leading to an increased attractiveness of organic farming in Europe and an improved understanding of its contribution to sustainability (economic, social, biodiversity, climate); the EU regulatory framework for organic farming, the Common Agricultural Policy, and the EU’s biodiversity, zero pollution and climate policies are supported by science-based evidence, methodologies and standardized monitoring frameworks. Scope: The Vision for Agriculture and Food [1] recognises organic farming as an approach with potential to ensure an attractive and predictable agri-food sector where incomes enable farmers to thrive, while at the same time delivering several ecosystem services beneficial for the environment, climate and biodiversity. The Vision also recognises the importance of research and innovation (R&I) for sustainable farming approaches, such as organic farming, to thrive. At the same time, the EU Action Plan on the Development of Organic Production [2] attaches a central role to R&I for achieving the Plan’s objectives. In line with this Action Plan, under Horizon Europe, the EU has funded several R&I projects addressing multiple aspects and challenges of organic production. The purpose of this topic is to fill remaining R&I needs to boost the organic farming sector in Europe. Proposals should increase knowledge and develop safe, viable and cost-effective innovations to tackle agronomic, sustainability (social, biodiversity, climate, economic), value chain development and/or market-related challenges of organic production. Proposals should develop innovations addressing land-based organic production in a range of pedo-climatic conditions in the EU and Associated Countries. They should demonstrate the contribution of these innovations to facilitating the uptake and implementation of organic production methods by relevant stakeholders, among which farmers. This should include activities to increase networking and knowledge and best practice exchange among farmers (both among organic farmers and with farmers implementing other approaches) and with other relevant actors. Proposals should establish sites in diverse pedo-climatic conditions to co-create, test, validate and upscale the innovations, and set-up a network connecting these sites. Both crop and livestock production systems under organic production are in scope of this topic. Proposals should convincingly explain how they will fill existing R&I needs in line with the EU Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production [3] and the Vision for Agriculture and Food [4] . The projects under this topic are also relevant to the EU policies related to the objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy, as well as the EU’s biodiversity, zero pollution and climate policies. If proposals relate to some of the activities covered by the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme (including the CORE Organic ERA-Net), to the Horizon Europe Cluster 6 Work Programmes 2021-2022, 2023-2024 or 2025, to projects funded under the EU Mission Soil [5] , and/or to projects funded under the Horizon Europe Partnerships ‘Agroecology’ [6] , Animal Health and Welfare [7] or FutureFoods [8] , they should convincingly explain how they will build on and not duplicate them. Proposals should include a dedicated task, appropriate resources and a plan on how they will collaborate with other projects funded under this topic, as well as with other relevan Programme areas: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Areas Keywords: Crop and livestock production, Innovation systems, Organic farming, Participatory Innovation, Social innovation, Inform policies for organic farming, Innovation in organic farming, Promote organic farming, Stakeholder cooperation in organic farming Deadline stages: 2026-04-14, 2026-09-15

NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program Grants are offered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to fund coral reef conservation, restoration, monitoring, and resilience projects across U.S. coral reef jurisdictions. The program addresses land-based sources of pollution, disease and disturbance response, and changing ocean conditions affecting reef ecosystems. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, universities, state and local governments, and tribal entities. Awards typically range from $100,000 to $1,000,000. Additional funding is available through the NFWF Coral Reef Stewardship Fund administered in partnership with NOAA. Deadline is April 15, 2026.

The WIC and Peer Breastfeeding Support Program (PBSP) grant, administered by the Minnesota Department of Health, funds local agencies delivering Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) services and peer breastfeeding counseling across Minnesota. The program period runs from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2031. Applicants may apply for WIC only or combined WIC and PBSP funding through a single electronic submission via the MDH Child and Family Health Online Grant Portal. A letter of intent is required by the deadline before accessing the full application. Partnering agencies delivering peer breastfeeding services should submit one consolidated PBSP application. This grant supports community-based nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion, and maternal and child health services for eligible families.