The Global Leadership and Education Advancing Development (Global LEAD) Initiative invites submissions to the digital storytelling contest to show how youth are using the power of change to make the world a better place. Young changemakers between the ages of 18 and 35 can submit an original, three-minute video or slideshow in Arabic, English, French, or Spanish that tells the story of their youth-led actions to advance their community. Stories must be linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the key issues: Climate Action and Food Security/Resilience. Voting will open on the platform on July 1 and close on 23 July 2021. Be aware that early submissions have more chances to get more votes. Global LEAD Digital Storytelling Contest
Ilka Westermeyer
U.S. Mission to Malaysia — Environmental Exhibit
The U.S. Mission to Malaysia supports the development and implementation of a traveling exhibit on environmental themes targeting youth audiences on environmental issues such as climate change, conservation, reducing carbon emissions, waste management, sustainable economies, renewable/green technology, and/or other environmental themes. Applicants may propose workshops, lectures, activities, etc. and a companion website. The proposed travel exhibit is to be hosted in six locations across Malaysia. Estimated total project funding is US$130 thousand. Eligibility extends to foreign public and private educational institutions, as well as not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks. The closing date for applications is 31 July 2021. Details here
Total S.A. and others — Energy Access Booster 2021
TotalEnergies, Enea Consulting and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) launch the Energy Access Booster 2021 – a call for projects to support entrepreneurs in the field of energy access in Africa and Asia focusing on sustainable mobility. Five selected entrepreneurs will receive up to US$50 thousand and expertise support as well as mentorship. The deadline for applications is 15 August 2021. Energy Access Booster 2021
Empower a Billion Lives — Solutions to Energy Poverty
IEEE Empower a Billion Lives is a global competition aimed at fostering innovation to develop solutions to electricity access. Solutions are expected to be scalable, innovative and sustainable. The competition is open to student groups, companies, research institutions, and non-profit organizations. Winners of the regional round will be provided enough funding to complete a 2-month long field pilot. Global final winners will receive up to $1 million in prize monies. Teams must present their solution concept and a three-minute pitch video until 31 October 2021. Link
Climate Tracker — Solutions Reporting Fellowship
Climate Tracker seeks early-career journalists with a passion for a 6-month paid media mentorship-fellowship. Selected fellows will write and publish powerful sustainability stories focused on local solutions in their country/region, and receive coaching and mentoring from experts to gain hands-on experience in reporting on climate change and sustainability issues. Fellows receive €165 monthly stipend in support of their stories. The deadline to apply is 30 June 2021. More here
Youth in Agroecology and Business Learning Track Africa — Business Accelerator
The YALTA Business Accelerator calls upon SMEs in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda to submit their agroecological ideas for a sustainable, healthy and diverse food system. 10 selected participants will benefit from skills training, innovation jams and coaching to improve their ideas and turn them into a plan. Three winners will receive a matching grant of up to US$5 thousand to start implementing their ideas. Eligibility extends to young entrepreneurs in agriculture, food and nutrition who manage a local business. Applications have to be submitted by 30 June 2021. YALTA Business Accelerator
UK Government — Reducing Plastics Pollution in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia
The Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution (SMEP) Program calls for concepts for research and development projects that have the potential to bring new solutions into the plastics value chain upstream of the end-of-life solutions. The program has an investment fund of up to £20 million to be disbursed over a 5 year period with up to £5 million for this call. Eligibility extends to NGOs, UK-based non-profit organizations, companies, and educational institutions. Priority will be given to projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan. The deadline for submitting applications is 02 July 2021. Plastics Call
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Malawi
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives supports small-scale, high-impact projects in Malawi. The priorities under this call include one on environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management. The average contribution is up to a maximum of CA$ 50 thousand in funding per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The deadline for submission is 04 July 2021. Click here
Startup Africa — Next Generation Africa
Next Generation Africa is an accelerator program for African startups, innovators, makers, and young innovators who intend to develop products or services for the local economy. The accelerator will select 20 startups to participate in a boot camp week in Kampala, Uganda (August 2021). The project should fit in one of 6 social-impact topics, including Agribusiness & Agritech (farming systems, alternative feed supplies, agri-data business for monitoring and/or planning, new tools for farming and breeding etc.), among others. The startup can be based anywhere in the African continent but its product/service must have potential application in the East African region. The application deadline is 08 July 2021. Know more
African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement — Waterbird Conservation Award 2021
The AEWA Waterbird Conservation Award honors individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution towards long-term conservation and sustainable use of waterbirds in the African-Eurasian region. The Award is conferred every three years in two categories, institutional and individual. Please note that the AEWA Award 2021 will not be accompanied by a cash prize due to the lack of funding. The deadline for nominations (English, French) is 10 July 2021. AEWA Award