The SDG Challenge seeks to support teams to develop transformative, sustainable solutions that will contribute to addressing development challenges under the UN SDGs in countries where Irish Aid works. Solutions address SDG 2: Zero Hunger, “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture”. Applicants to the program can request up to €300 thousand over 18- months. One or more teams may be provided with follow-on funding from the prize fund of up to €1 million. Eligibility extends to collaborative and equitable partnerships between researchers in Ireland and a partner country. The application deadline is 08 October 2024. SDG Challenge
Ilka Westermeyer
UK Government — Darwin Capability & Capacity Grants
The Darwin Initiative invites applications for proposals that deliver effective and successful biodiversity conservation as well as poverty reduction projects. Darwin Initiative Capability & Capacity projects may request between £50 thousand to £200 thousand for projects that focus on developing the capability and capacity of national and local organizations. Projects led by in-territory partners/organizations are encouraged. The deadline to apply is 21 October 2024. Capability & Capacity Grants
IUCN French Committee — Support Program for Biodiversity Civil Society Organizations
The IUCN French Committee supports projects in developing countries led by civil society partnerships. This initiative aims to support projects focused on biodiversity conservation and nature-based solutions, addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation. The committee will support up to ten field projects, offering grants ranging from €100 thousand to €250 thousand for a maximum duration of 24 months. Co-financing provided through these grants will represent up to 90% of the total project budget. The grant application form must be completed in French or English by 26 May 2024. Link
Reversing Environmental Degradation in Africa and Asia — Restoration Programs in Africa and Asia
Reversing Environmental Degradation in Africa and Asia (REDAA) invites proposals for locally-led research-to-action restoration programs in Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Nine Program Grants of between £1 million and £1.5 million will be offered to the best proposals. Grants will fund programs of four years. Organizations eligible for funding include non-profit organizations and private sector organizations. The application for concept notes closes on 30 June 2024. Link to REDAA
U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal
The U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) supports projects to assess, remove, and dispose of marine debris in and around coastal communities impacted by hurricanes and other episodic storm events. Eligible projects will reduce marine debris from coastal habitats and nearshore waters of coastal counties in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina impacted by the 2022 hurricanes Fiona, Ian, Nicole, and Typhoon Merbok. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, government agencies, for-profit organizations, and educational institutions. The Fund will award approximately US$6 million in grants. The proposal deadline is 26 July 2024. Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund
Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative — Water Pollution Challenge
The Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative aims to find innovative solutions to conserve and restore freshwater ecosystems. Aquapreneur seeks high-potential solutions to prevent water pollution and reduce the environmental impacts of contaminated water. Solutions could include advanced filtration, the elimination of wastewater discharges, decision support systems to provide accurate and accessible data for measuring options for both the public and industries, as well as household water testing and filtration. Up to 10 innovators will each be eligible to receive CHF 175 thousand in co-financing. The challenge is open for submissions until 12 August 2024. Tackling Water Pollution Challenge
Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. — In-Kind Donations to Non-Profit Organizations
Royal Caribbean Cruises supports local communities invested in marine conservation and education. For that purpose, the company awards cash and cruise donations to be used for fundraising purposes to non-profit organizations with like-minded goals. Requests must be made at least 90 days prior to the event. The Fund accepts applications and requests throughout the year. Link
CS Fund and Warsh-Mott Legacy — Agriculture and Food Sovereignty
The CS Fund and Warsh-Mott Legacy take an activist approach in making grants to defend the traditional management of agriculture and natural resources in the Global South. Specific interests include protecting local seeds and reducing chemicals in agriculture; regulating the introduction of genetically modified organisms; and supporting communities in their self-governance of natural resources. Recent grants include several for Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. Most grants are under US$20 thousand. Letters of inquiry can be sent at any time. Details here
German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy — Women in Renewable Energy
The mentoring program “Energising Women to Advance the Energy Transition” aims to address the gender gap in the renewables sector. The program offers mentoring, online courses, networking, and peer-to-peer exchange. The deadline for applications is 24 May 2024. Women in Energy
The Bridge International — Funding for Social Entrepreneurs
The Bridge International is a non-profit organization that works as an online crowdfunding platform for social entrepreneurs in Asia and Africa. Bridge International aims to support local entrepreneurs to be self-reliant and financially sustainable in their operations while they create social impact within the community. Applications for the recruiting program Global Bridging Fund (GBF) are open. Selected partners will benefit from seed funds up to US$5,000 as a 0% interest loan, connections to other social enterprises, and potential partnerships with global institutions and corporations. The deadline is 28 May 2024. Global Bridging Fund