Deadline: January 15, 2026
The Wayfinder Society Student Mini-Grant 2026 is a global funding opportunity designed to support student-led projects addressing plastic pollution at its root causes. Offered by the Wayfinder Society in partnership with Algalita, this mini-grant empowers young people to turn ideas into action through education, advocacy, creativity, and systems-level change.
The Wayfinder Society Student Mini-Grant 2026 provides financial support, mentorship, and visibility to students committed to creating solutions that move beyond clean-ups and focus on long-term impact.
Overview of the Wayfinder Society Student Mini-Grant 2026
This mini-grant is created to help students implement impactful projects that reduce plastic pollution through behaviour change, awareness, innovation, and community engagement.
Selected applicants will not only receive funding but also mentorship and recognition within a global youth network focused on environmental sustainability.
Grant Value and Number of Awards
- Each selected student will receive a USD 500 mini-grant
- A total of 10 students will be awarded
- Total funding available for this cycle: USD 5,000
Purpose of the Mini-Grant
The grant supports student-led initiatives that address the root causes of plastic pollution, rather than one-off clean-up activities.
Supported projects may include, but are not limited to:
- Plastic reduction and reuse systems
- Behaviour change campaigns
- Environmental education and awareness
- Advocacy and policy-focused initiatives
- Community engagement projects
- Creative or art-based approaches to plastic pollution
Projects can be school-based, community-focused, or implemented at a broader level.
Additional Benefits for Selected Students
Beyond financial support, selected students will receive:
- Mentorship from their own advisor and the Algalita team
- Visibility and recognition through Algalita’s social media platforms
- Connection to a global network of youth changemakers working on environmental solutions
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be between 11 and 25 years old at the time of application
- Hold an individual Wayfinder Society account or a student account through a teacher
- Demonstrate a clear commitment to addressing plastic pollution
- Complete two required actions on the Wayfinder platform before applying:
- The Story of Plastic – Watch the Film
- The Story of Plastic – System Mapping
Eligible Countries
- The Wayfinder Society Student Mini-Grant 2026 is open to students worldwide
Application Deadline
- 15 January 2026
Late applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
Interested students should:
- Create a Wayfinder Society account (individual or through a teacher/class)
- Complete the two required learning actions on the Wayfinder platform
- Submit a complete application before the deadline
Why You Should Apply
This mini-grant is ideal for students who want to:
- Transform ideas into real-world environmental impact
- Gain mentorship and international exposure
- Join a growing global movement tackling plastic pollution
- Build leadership, project design, and advocacy skills
Need Support With Your Application?
We provide professional support for proposal drafting, refining, and review to help strengthen your application and improve your chances of success.
📩 Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
