The Equator Prize 2023 recognizes innovative initiatives from Indigenous peoples and local communities that demonstrate exceptional achievements in nature-based solutions for local sustainable development. Nominated projects may focus on solutions for sustainable food systems, restoration of ecosystems that help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change, or protection of terrestrial or marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and wildlife. Special consideration will be given to nominees working on water security and disaster risk reduction. The nominated initiative must have been in existence for at least three years. Each winner will receive US$10 thousand. Nominations must be submitted by 12 April 2023. Equator Prize
agriculture
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Malawi
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives supports small-scale, high-impact projects in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Malawi. The priorities under this call include women’s economic rights (which can include agriculture), environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management. The average contribution is C$40 thousand to C$50 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. Expressions of Interest have to be submitted by 14 April 2023. CFLI Zimbabwe, Botswana and Malawi
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in China
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives supports small-scale, high-impact projects in China. The priorities under this call include women’s economic rights (which can include agriculture), environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management. The average contribution is C$10 thousand to C$40 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. Expressions of Interest have to be submitted by 20 April 2023. CFLI China
Biomimicry Institute — Nature-Inspired Solutions for a Healthy Planet
The Biomimicry Institute seeks applications for the Ray of Hope Prize which celebrates nature-inspired solutions addressing the world’s biggest environmental and sustainability challenges. The challenge is open to innovative ideas from a variety of topics, such as agriculture, water, clean energy, biotechnology, and many more. Up to 10 startups will be selected as finalists to pitch their business idea for US$100 thousand in prize money which can be used to develop their ideas into market-ready products. The competition is open to entrepreneurs and inventors worldwide. The application deadline for the 2023 prize is 28 April 2023. Ray of Hope Prize
Halcyon — Support for Early-Stage Social Entrepreneurs
The Halcyon Incubator program equips early-stage social entrepreneurs from all around the world with support to transform their ideas into scalable and sustainable ventures. Ventures may be for-profit, hybrid, or undecided, as long as the core mission is to create measurable social change. (Note: This may include business ideas in agriculture, sustainable energy, or sustainable development.) Ventures structured as ‘non-profit’ will only be considered if they have a product or service they are selling. Partnerships (ventures co-founded and led by two individuals) are eligible. Applications are accepted until 28 April 2023. About the Halcyon Incubator
Halcyon — Food & Agtech in Africa
Halcyon supports African entrepreneurs with innovative solutions that can improve the livelihoods of farmers while increasing access to quality food for the most vulnerable. The Food & Agtech Fellowship will be delivered in a hybrid modality, with three virtual meetings, a one week in-person residency at Halcyon and a one week in-person residency in Nairobi. Participants receive US$5 thousand per venture equity-free stipend to use toward travel expenses to attend the residencies, a one week long residency at Halcyon’s facilities in Washington, DC (USA), and a one week long residency in Nairobi (Kenya). Applications are accepted until 29 April 2023. Food & Agtech Fellowship
European Commission — Civil Society Development in Eritrea
The European Commission (EC) aims to promote capacity development of local civil society in Eritrea. The action aims to contribute to an inclusive and independent civil society which engages in decision making in the areas of economic development, women’s rights, and sustainable development (agriculture, environment). Applicants may request between €300 thousand to €700 thousand in project funding. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations established in the European Union or Eritrea. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 02 May 2023. More information
European Commission — Civil Society Development in India
The European Commission (EC) aims to promote capacity development of local civil society in India. In India, EU investments focus primarily on clean energy, water, biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. Applicants may request up to €3 million in project funding. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations established in the European Union or India. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 02 May 2023. Details here
European Commission — Civil Society Development in Moldova
The European Commission (EC) aims to promote capacity development of local civil society in Moldova. The action aims to contribute to an inclusive and independent civil society which engages in decision making in the areas of economic development, women’s rights, and sustainable development (agriculture, environment). Applicants may request between €300 thousand to €700 thousand in project funding. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations established in the European Union or Moldova. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 05 May 2023. Link
U. S. Department of Agriculture — Food for Progress Program
The Food for Progress Program provides for the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities to developing countries committed to expanding free enterprise in the agricultural sector. The objective is to improve agricultural productivity and to expand trade of agricultural products. The Program has prioritized the following areas: the Cacao sector, the Coffee sector, the Spices sector, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards, the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and Climate Smart Agriculture. The estimated funding per award is US$20-US$39 million. The following entities are eligible to apply: governments of emerging agricultural countries, nonprofit organizations, universities, and any other private entity. The closing date for applications is 24 May 2024. Food for Progress Program