The Power of Local Challenge by Ashoka and Prudential supports initiatives that strengthen small business ecosystems in Latin America and East Africa. Eleven winners will receive up to US$60 thousand in prizes for projects enhancing collaboration, mentorship, and access to capital. Eligibility extends to small businesses and entrepreneurs from Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Applications close on 26 February 2025. Link to Ashoka
Ilka Westermeyer
P4G — Green Growth and Sustainability
The P4G Partnership Fund provides financial support and targeted assistance to public-private partnerships that implement strategies to achieve the following five Sustainable Development Goals: Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture; Water and Sanitation; Clean Energy; Sustainable Cities; and Sustainable Consumption. P4G partnerships will receive grants of US$350 thousand on average. Projects have to be implemented in Colombia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, South Africa or Vietnam. Eligibility extends to partnerships of at least one early-stage business and one nonprofit organization. The deadline for submission of projects is 07 March 2025. P4G Partnership Fund
European Climate Initiative — Transboundary Climate Action in Europe
The European Climate Initiative (EUKI) calls for project ideas for transboundary climate action in Europe. Projects may propose forward-looking ideas in the areas of climate policy, energy, buildings and municipalities, mobility, agriculture, soils and forestry, awareness, climate-aligned finance, or sustainable economy. Financing of between €50 thousand and €1 million may be provided for each project. EUKI supports climate projects in EU member states, with a regional focus on Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe as well as the Baltic states. Non-profit organizations from EU accession candidate countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey) may apply for financing as implementing partners. Project ideas have to be submitted by 10 March 2025. More about EUKI
Siemens — Tech for Sustainability
Tech for Sustainability Campaign is a global initiative for students, researchers, startups and innovative individuals to leverage technology to solve real-world sustainability challenges. Challenges include climate resilience, and global energy. Every challenge listed needs a feasible and technologically viable solution to implement it commercially. Siemens offers €30 thousand in investments. The deadline for applications is 10 March 2025. Link
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association — MSc Scholarships for Coral Research
The Coral Research & Development Accelerator Program (CORDAP) offers two MSc scholarships designed for Tanzanian citizens, focusing on the restoration of the coral reefs. Candidates will conduct scientific investigations to assess fish colonization patterns, focusing on metrics such as fish abundance, diversity, and trophic composition. Tuition will be covered by the project along with all fieldwork expenses and a monthly stipend will be provided. Candidates must submit a one-page application letter until 13 January 2025. MSc Scholarships for Coral Research
Tadamon — Food Security Accelerator
The Tadamon Accelerator for Food Security with a focus on community-based organizations, tech-driven CSOs, and social enterprises addresses growing food insecurity due to climate change through innovative and impactful solutions. Tadamon invites businesses operating in Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Chad, Djibouti, Libya, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, the State of Palestine, Somalia, Sudan, or Yemen to join and further develop innovative solutions to create a more secure and resilient future with sustainable food access. The program provides funding of up to US$40 thousand to the best-performing CSOs. The application deadline is 20 January 2025. Food Security Accelerator
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association — Marine Conservation Management
The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) launches a call for proposals to enhance marine conservation management and improve the effectiveness of Marine Conservation Area management in the Western Indian Ocean region. Grants range from €50 thousand to €200 thousand. Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity include marine conservation organizations or entities operating in Western Indian Ocean countries. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 31 January 2025. Know more
IUCN — Nature-and-Climate-positive Projects
The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) announces the Innovative Climate with-Biodiversity Positive Program. IUCN seeks Nature-and-Climate-positive projects with on-the-ground restoration activities, including community development and activities. The Facility provides grants ranging from € 750 thousand to € 1.5 million. Applications are accepted from a wide range of organizations involved in the design, development, and implementation of high-quality, scalable nature-based projects for carbon markets, such as NGOs; Indigenous Peoples, and Local Community organisations; forestry and agricultural companies; cooperatives; and others with the relevant expertise. The deadline for Concept Note submission is 13 February 2025. Details here
UNESCO — Fellowship for Young Women Scientists in Africa
Nominations for the UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea Fellowship Program for Young Women Scientists in Africa are open. The initiative aims to bridge the persistent gaps on the African continent and is designed to offer targeted support and focuses on promoting equal opportunities in science, by creating concrete opportunities for young women to become actively involved in various life science disciplines. Two young women will be awarded a grant of US$25 thousand each to advance their research and foster a promising scientific career. Applicants must hold African nationality and conduct research at a recognized laboratory in Africa. The deadline for nominations is 31 March 2025. Fellowship for Young Women Scientists
UNESCO — International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences
The UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences rewards projects and activities of individuals, institutions, and NGOs for scientific research in the life sciences leading to improving the quality of human life. Projects in life sciences contribute to poverty eradication, improved health, food and water security. Nominations are submitted by governments of UNESCO’s member states, and by NGOs maintaining official relations with UNESCO that are active in the fields covered by the Prize. The Prize amount of US$350 thousand may be equally divided among a maximum of three laureates. The closing date for submissions (English, French) is 31 March 2025. Prize for Research in the Life Sciences