Algalita Student Mini-Grants Program 2026 ($500 Mini-Grant)

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Applications are open for Algalita Student Mini-Grants Program 2026. Do you have an idea to tackle plastic pollution in your school or community? The Algalita Student Mini-Grants program is here to help you make it happen! These grants empower young changemakers to design and lead projects that address the root causes of plastic pollution, while building long-term solutions in their communities.

Plastic pollution isn’t just about litter, it’s a production problem. Their Student Mini-Grants fund projects that help students understand the root causes of plastic pollution and take action in their own communities. Whether through reusables on campus, education campaigns, policy advocacy, or creative reuse initiatives, these projects should build local capacity for long-term change.

Mini-Grants are open to students ages 11–25 worldwide who are leading or developing projects that address the root cause of plastic pollution. Projects can take place in your school, neighborhood, or broader community.

Grant Details

Each mini-grant is $500. We will be awarding a total of 10 students with a total allocation of $5,000 USD in this round of mini-grants.

This program is more than just funding. It’s an opportunity to:

Gain mentorship and guidance from both your chosen advisor and Algalita’s team
Collaborate on social media coverage on Algalita’s social media channels
Connect your work to a global community of youth leaders
Turn your ideas into lasting action against plastic pollution

If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey as a changemaker, we encourage you to apply. Together, we are working toward a world where plastic pollution is unthinkable!

Eligibility Criteria for Algalita Student Mini-Grants

To be eligible to apply for a Wayfinder Society Student Mini-Grant, you need to:

Be between the ages of 11-25 on the application deadline,
Have an individual account (or student account through your teacher) on Wayfinder Society,
Have successfully completed these 2 Actions before the application deadline: The Story of Plastic – Watch the Film and The Story of Plastic – System Mapping by following the instructions and completing the form at the bottom of the page, and
Be dedicated to ending plastic pollution in your classroom, school, community, or beyond.

Our Student Mini-Grants are open to applicants anywhere in the world!

We do not discriminate against its applicants based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

Eligible Project Examples

Any new or existing effort focused on addressing the plastic problem including, but not limited to education campaigns, cleanup initiatives, incorporating reusables in school cafeteria, community-based research or hosting a fixit clinic on campus. Here are some examples:

Campus reuse systems (dish ware programs, water refill stations)
Fix-It Clinics or repair cafés to keep items in use
Cleanup campaigns tied to data collection and storytelling
Education workshops or peer-to-peer campaigns
Policy advocacy projects (plastic bans, refill policies)
Creative arts/communication projects that reframe the issue
A school garden project that reduces cafeteria plastic waste
Composting program that teaches about food packaging reduction
Scholarships for students working on plastics-related or circular-economy projects
Conference attendance that equips students to advocate for plastic reduction solutions
… these are just a few ideas, the options are endless!

Selected grantees will receive ongoing support for their project from Algalita staff throughout the school year. You’ll participate in periodic check-ins with fellow student awardees where we’ll celebrate your wins, problem solve challenges and help you move your project toward success.