Ashoka identifies and supports teenagers who start their own initiatives for addressing social and environmental problems. Selected Changemakers are inducted into a global community and gain access to co-leadership bootcamps, media partnerships, public speaking platforms, exposure visits, strategic allies and more opportunities to grow and to influence youth culture in their countries. Candidates must be under 20 years of age to participate. Ashoka offers youth related activities in Nigeria, Brazil, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the United States. Expressions of interest can be submitted all year-round. Nominations for Ashoka Young Changemakers are accepted year-round. Details
Africa
GET.invest — Finance Catalyst for Renewable Energy Projects
The GET.invest Finance Catalyst supports small- and medium-scale renewable energy projects and businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean or the Pacific region. The program provides advisory support on project and business plan development, project and business structuring and accessing finance, at no cost. Eligible applicants may be private sector developers, NGOs, universities or research institutions. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. Once one round closes a new one opens. Finance Catalyst for Renewable Energy
Women in Africa Initiative — Women for Zero Hunger
The Women for Zero Hunger Program supports sustainable initiatives led by women to create lasting solutions for African communities in need. Non-profit organizations are invited to apply by completing a questionnaire. The association must be African or active in an African country to be eligible. Three non-profit organizations will receive €10 thousand and take part in a 6-month-personalised-mentoring program. The application deadline is 16 February 2025. Women for Zero Hunger
West African Research Association — Scholar Mobility Fellowship
The WARA Scholar Mobility Fellowship supports young West African scholars for research visits to other institutions on the continent. The fellowship program will award one predoctoral grant of US$4,000 for travel to West Africa to conduct research. The program is open to West African nationals, with preference given to those affiliated with West African colleges, universities, and research institutions. The next application cycle closes on 23 February 2025. WARA Scholar Mobility Fellowship
Africa Carbon Removal Accelerator — Carbon Removal in Africa
The Africa Carbon Removal Accelerator (ACRA) is a six-month program designed to support startups in Sub-Saharan Africa focused on carbon dioxide removal (CDR) solutions. The program provides expert-led training, access to a CDR-focused community, and insights into the latest research on sustainable carbon removal technologies. Participants will connect with key stakeholders, including policymakers, investors, and verification bodies, to strengthen their business models and scale their solutions. The program is open to startups across Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on those that demonstrate strong scientific, technological, and business potential. The next application cycle closes on 24 February 2025. Details here
West African Research Association — Travel Grants for West African Nationals
The WARA Travel Grant supports African scholars and graduate students for research visits to other institutions on the continent. Travel grant funds may be used to attend and present papers at academic conferences relevant to the applicant’s field of research; visit libraries or archives in support of the applicant’s current academic work; engage in collaborative work with colleagues at another institution; and travel to a research site. The grant provides travel costs up to US$1,500 and a stipend of US$1,500. The program is open to West African nationals, with preference given to those affiliated with West African colleges, universities, and research institutions. The next application cycle closes on 02 March 2025. WARA Travel Grant
Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation — Renewable Energy and Waste Management
The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) offers grants to private sector entities working on renewable energy and waste management in developing countries. The funding aims to increase access to sustainable energy, reduce emissions from the energy sector, and mitigate marine litter by supporting recycling, reuse, and pollution reduction efforts. The program prioritizes projects in Sub-Saharan Africa and Indonesia, with a particular focus on Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Nepal. The next application cycle closes on 04 March 2025. NORAD Grants
New England Biolabs Foundation — Grants for Grassroots Conservation 2025
The New England Biolabs Foundation makes grants to grassroots and charitable organizations to support the conservation of biological diversity; ecosystem services; community food security; and marine environment. The geographical scope focuses on regions (specified on the website) in Central America; South America, and West Africa. The maximum grant size is US$10 thousand. Most grants are US$3 thousand to US$8 thousand. The deadlines for submission of LOIs are 01 May and 20 October 2025. Link
Conservation, Food and Health Foundation — Local Project Support
The Conservation, Food and Health Foundation supports special projects and programs in the areas of conservation, food, and health in low- and lower-middle-income countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The foundation supports projects that demonstrate local leadership; develop the capacity of local organizations; and address a particular problem or question in the field. Eligibility extends to NGOs, community-based organizations, and academic institutions. There is no maximum grant size. Most grants will fall in the US$25 thousand to US$50 thousand per year range. The application deadline for concept notes is 15 June 2025. About this opportunity
MasterCard Foundation — Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund
The Mastercard Foundation and University of Cambridge Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund aims to catalyse new and strengthen existing collaborations between researchers in Africa and Cambridge and support high quality training activities. The focus of the scheme is research on climate resilience and sustainability. Applications can be made for a Research Catalyst Grant for up to £20 thousand or a Workshop Grant for up to £50 thousand. The deadline for submission is 21 March 2025. Details here