Village Capital supports an investment readiness program to advance innovative and sustainable solutions, actively contributing towards building resilience and mitigating the effects of climate change across Africa. The program currently accepts startups from Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa, which promote sustainable solutions for underestimated communities. The program will run for twelve weeks. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, through 09 May 2025. Greentech Africa
Day: March 20, 2025
French Development Agency — Digital Energy Challenge for Start-ups
The Digital Energy Challenge supports the development of innovative solutions for energy access, the integration of renewable energy, and utility performance improvement. The Call for Projects targets projects based in Sub-Saharan Africa. Projects must have a core element of digital technology (telecom, computer, or cloud-based). The Challenge will award grant-based funding of €150 thousand to 3 to 4 start-up projects. The application deadline for project submission is 16 May 2025. Digital Energy Challenge
Orange Telecom — Orange Social Venture Prize 2025
The Orange Social Venture Prize recognizes entrepreneurs and start-up organizations that make innovative use of technology in agriculture, energy, and other fields of development. The geographical focus is Africa and the Middle East. Prizes range from €10 thousand to €25 thousand, plus professional support for a period of six months. In addition, Orange will reward more start-ups with the International Women’s Prize worth €20 thousand. The registration deadline is 18 May 2025. Orange Social Venture Prize
Startup SG — Global Startup Competition
Startup SG seeks global startups to compete in the Slingshot 2025 Global Startup Competition. Entries to the competition need to present game-changing innovation in one of four challenge categories, including Environment, Energy and Green Technologies (e.g., Agriculture, Clean Energy, Food, or Green Technology). The Top 100 Global Startups will pitch to a global audience and compete for cash and grant prizes worth up to S$200 thousand. Interested participants have to register on the platform by 11 July 2025. Link to Slingshot
Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust — Sustainable Future Grant
The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) accepts applications for the Sustainable Future Program to develop and promote sustainable, low-carbon alternatives to the current economic systems. JRCT is particularly interested in activities that help marginalized groups and young activists. The Fund will support campaigns and movements, networks, and the replication of innovative local projects on a larger scale. Eligibility extends to UK based and foreign non-profit organizations. Applicants have to register an account first. The upcoming deadline for account registration is 01 September 2025. Details here
Volvo Environment Prize — Nominations 2026
The Volvo Environment Prize aims to promote scientific research and innovations that in broad terms fall within the environmental and sustainability field. The Volvo Environment Prize Foundation invites universities, research institutes, scientists, engineers, as well as other individuals and organizations to submit nominations. Priority is given to an individual or to a group of individuals. Past laureates have included leaders in fields such as global change, biodiversity, energy efficiency, and others. The Prize consists of a diploma, sculpture, and cash award for SEK 1.5 million. The deadline for nominations is 20 January 2026. Volvo Environment Prize
Belgian Royal Academy for Overseas Sciences — Research Competition 2026
Each year, the Belgian Royal Academy for Overseas Sciences sponsors a competition to stimulate high-quality research regarding problems inherent in the developing world. The questions for 2026 request a study on the impact of climate change on the spread of tropical diseases in humans, animals or plants. Each award-winning work is granted a prize of €2,500. The deadline for the 2025 competition is 01 March 2026. Find the questions for the 2026 competition
Cisco — Network Technology to Solve Social Challenges
Cisco welcomes applications for cash grants from community organizations around the world who offer an innovative approach to a critical social challenge. Cisco supports non-profit organizations that apply digital technology and have a broad impact on the most economically underserved parts of the world. The maximum request amount for first-time grant recipients is US$75 thousand. Interested organizations take an eligibility quiz to determine whether they are aligned with Cisco’s mission. Applications are accepted year-round. More
Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility — Small Grants Program
The Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) finances small projects managed by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), charity organizations and/or mandated by National Disaster Coordinators in local communities in the Caribbean. Projects submitted for consideration should fall within the thematic areas of disaster risk management and climate change adaptation and range between US$5 to US$25 thousand. Proposals for small grants may be submitted anytime. About the small grants program
Curt Bergfors Foundation — Food Planet Prize
The Food Planet Prize seeks ideas that could solve the dilemma of feeding a growing population on a warming planet. The prize awards two initiatives with €2 million each to speed up their product, project, or program. Nominees can be individuals, groups, organizations or businesses. Nominations from all over the world are welcome. The Foundation accepts nominations all year round. Food Planet Prize