The Arab Startup Competition is a yearly competition run by the MIT Enterprise Forum Pan Arab in three different tracks: Ideas; Startups; and Social Entrepreneurship. Previous winners include examples in agricultural irrigation, transportation efficiency, and other green themes. The winning entrepreneurs are awarded prizes of up to US$50 thousand as well as training, mentorship, coaching, media exposure, and networking opportunities. Eligible enterprises can be located in any Arab country, and each team must have at least two members. The application deadline is 06 December 2021. Link to the competition
Ilka Westermeyer
Embassy of Japan — Grassroots Human Security Projects in Botswana
The Embassy of Japan in Botswana invites applications for grant assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects. The fund is directed to relatively small socio-economic development projects which have a direct and immediate impact on the well-being of disadvantaged communities. The main areas are education, health/sanitation, water/energy, agriculture/indigenous industry, and environment. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, educational institutes, medical institutes, and local governments. Grant size is up to ¥ 10 million per project. The deadline for applications is 21 January 2022. Find out more
U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — Marine Debris Prevention
The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program supports the development and implementation of locally-driven, marine debris assessment, removal and prevention projects that benefit coastal habitat, waterways, and marine resources. Projects awarded through this competition may be implemented throughout the United States or within coastal areas of Mexico or Canada as long as it benefits US resources. The typical funding level of project awards ranges from US$50 thousand to US$400 thousand. Marine debris projects can apply for removal, prevention, and research grants. Eligible applicants for projects taking place in Mexico or Canada are limited to institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations or commercial (for-profit) organizations with expertise in a field related to marine debris. The application deadline is 11 February 2022. Marine Debris Program
United States Agency for International Development — Economic Recovery through Sustainable Development
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Mali accepts the submission of concept papers focused on catalyzing private sector investment for Mali’s economic recovery through inclusive and sustainable development. Concept papers should focus on inclusive and sustainable agriculture-led growth. Funding for individual applications is anticipated to be in the range of US$250 thousand to US$1,5 million to be provided over a period of 2-5 years. The call is open to private sector entities from any country, although Malian private sector entities are of particular interest. The call is open for a period of one year with a deadline of 07 September 2022. USAID/Mali
Women’s International Network on Disasters Risk Reduction — Awards
The Women’s International Network on Disasters Risk Reduction (WIN DRR) awards two cash prizes to highlight the work of women who are changing the field of disaster risk reduction. Nominees must identify as women and be citizens/permanent residents of Asia-Pacific countries, who are working on disaster risk reduction across the Asia-Pacific region. Nominations close on 17 September 2021. Find details
Climate Tracker — COP26 Journalism Fellowship (in-person)
Climate Tracker plans to support a small team of 5 in-person journalists to report from inside the UN Climate Talks this October & November. Climate Tracker seeks young, but experienced reporters based in Europe or the UK, but come from a developing country background, and can speak and write in a non-English language. The 5 selected fellows will receive a stipend of €250 to publish up to 4 stories in their national media. The application deadline is 20 September 2021. In-Person Journalism Fellowship
Climate Tracker — COP26 Climate Journalism Fellowship (online)
Climate Tracker supports a team of 20 young journalists to report virtually on the UN Climate Talks this October and November. Climate Tracker seeks young, early-to-mid-career reporters who work on collaborative stories they can publish in their national media. Fellows will receive a stipend of €250 to publish up to 4 stories in their national media. Deadline is 20 September 2021. Climate Journalism Fellowship
CIVICUS — Civil Society Activism
The CIVICUS Nelson Mandela-Graça Machel Innovation Awards shed a light on the importance of people power and civil society activism in creating a more just, inclusive and sustainable world. The Awards will recognize seven individuals, groups or organizations that stand out for their innovative work building people power in support of human rights and social justice for everyone. Each winning initiative will receive a US$5 thousand prize. The Awards are open to any individual, organization or group in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Pacific. Deadline to submit the online application form is 20 September 2021. Innovation Awards
U.S. African Development Foundation — Mandela Washington Fellows Program
The Mandela Washington Fellows Program provides up to US$25 thousand in funding to African-owned, sustainable social ventures. Venture must be based in and operate in Sub-Saharan Africa. Applicants have to demonstrate how the venture will improve and change the communities in which the grants are implemented. Applications are open until 21 September 2021. More info here
Young Water Solutions — Young Water Fellowship Program: Senegal
Young Water Solutions supports young entrepreneurs to launch their water and sanitation related social businesses. The Young Water Fellowship provides training, seed-funding and mentorship. The bootcamp aims to empower its participants to implement projects addressing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), water pollution, and water scarcity. After the bootcamps Fellows can apply for a funding of up to €5 thousand to pilot their business models over 6 months. To be eligible, applicants must be 18 to 30 years old, be fluent in French, intend to stay in Senegal for at least 1.5 years after the training and spend at least 15 hours per week to work on their social business. The call for applications is open until 22 September 2021. Young Water Fellowship Senegal