IAIA Innovation Grants 2026: Apply for Funding
Have an innovative idea to advance impact assessment? IAIA wants to help bring it to life.
Applications are now open for IAIA’s 2026 Innovation Grants, offering US$2,000–$5,000 to support creative, short-term projects that advance IAIA’s mission and vision.
Current IAIA members, Sections, Branches, and Affiliates are invited to apply. Projects must be completed within 12 months.
Application deadline: 6 November 2026
Apply for an Innovation Grant
Innovation in Action
IAIA Innovation Grants have supported a wide range of projects, from practical resources and research to community engagement initiatives.
In 2024, Leungo Leepile (Botswana) received a US$5,000 grant to develop the Botswana EIA Tracker, an online platform designed to improve transparency and public participation in environmental impact assessment.
Other previously funded projects include:
Biodiversity in environmental assessment: Development of a comprehensive dataset examining how biodiversity is considered in SEA and EIA practices across the European Union, drawing on perspectives from practitioners, decision-makers, planners, and project proponents.
Nature-based solutions in Latin America: Development of best practice guidance for selecting nature-based solutions to manage urban green spaces in Latin American developing countries.
Digital impact assessment: Research into the state of digital IA practice, resulting in a report and webinar.
Public consultation during COVID-19: Research and case studies from Italy and the Philippines examining how the pandemic affected public consultation in environmental and social impact assessment.
Community participation in EIA: Participatory development of a basic EIA guide in English and isiZulu to help communities understand and participate more effectively in environmental impact assessment processes.
Teaching impact assessment: Research contributing to IAIA’s Best Practice Principles for Teaching Impact Assessment, along with a literature review on innovations in cumulative effects assessment.
Human health in EIA: Development of the reference document Human Health: Ensuring a High Level of Protection, outlining principles for considering population and human health under the European Union EIA Directive.
Circular economy and impact assessment: Development of a primer, FasTips, and webinar exploring the relationship between impact assessment and the circular economy.
Environmental and social dialogue in Sierra Leone: Organization of the National Environmental and Social Forum for Sierra Leone, bringing together environmental and social scientists to discuss national issues through the framework of IAIA’s mission and values.
Indigenous engagement: Support for Aashukan: The 2017 Indigenous Exchange, a gathering of Indigenous participants held before IAIA17 in Québec.
Professional recognition in EIA: Development of the Compendium of National EIA Professional Recognition Schemes, documenting professional recognition and accreditation approaches for EIA practitioners worldwide.
