The Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge seeks startups from all around the world that use advanced technology to answer societal or industrial challenges. The challenge includes one category for startups that focus on energy, food, agriculture & environment, among 10 others. The grand prize is €100 thousand for the best early-stage startup (€25 thousand for 2nd place). The application process closes on 31 July 2024. Global Startup Challenge
agriculture
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in the Republic of Congo
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in the Republic of Congo. The priorities under this call include women’s economic rights, decent jobs and entrepreneurship, and investing in the poorest and most vulnerable (which may include agriculture or aquaculture projects). The average contribution is C$20 thousand to C$30 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The deadline for submission is 05 June 2024. CFLI Republic of Congo
African Food Changemakers — Building Resilience Against Climate and Environmental Shocks
Building Resilience Against Climate and Environmental Shocks (BRACE) is a capacity development program supporting agripreneurs to be aware of how their businesses are affected by climate change and to enable them to develop strategies to adapt and mitigate the impact of climate change through climate-smart practices adoption. Agribusinesses operating in Africa and in any part of the agribusiness sector’s value chain are eligible to apply. The application deadline is 09 June 2024. Link to BRACE
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Angola
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Angola. The priorities under this call include women’s economic rights, decent jobs and entrepreneurship, and investing in the poorest and most vulnerable (which may include agriculture or aquaculture projects). The average contribution is C$25 thousand to C$50 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The deadline for submission is 09 June 2024. CFLI Angola
United Nations World Food Programme — Food Systems Challenge: Rwanda
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) seeks solutions in Rwanda that address food insecurity through strengthening food systems. The IGNITE Food Systems Challenge supports the scaling of innovative start-ups, small businesses, and cooperatives with commercially viable solutions to address gaps in the food system. Each selected venture will receive up to US$25 thousand in grant funding and 5 months of technical support. Applications close on 23 June 2024. IGNITE Food Systems Challenge
MacArthur Foundation — $100 Million to Solve a Critical Problem
The MacArthur Foundation accepts applications for the 100&Change Competition to fund a proposal that promises real and measurable progress in solving a critical problem of the time. Applicants must strive toward transformative change in areas of profound concern, including the existential threats of climate change. The MacArthur Foundation will provide US$ 100 million in funding to a single proposal. The challenge is open to organizations and collaborations working in any field, anywhere in the world. Applicants have to register by 15 August 2024. 100&Change Competition
Science Foundation Ireland — Funding to Develop Sustainable Solutions
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
Global Citizens — Waislitz Global Citizen Award 2024
The Waislitz Global Citizen Award is an annual cash prize recognizing the excellence of one individual in their work to end extreme poverty. The grand prize winner receives US$100 thousand. Global Citizens makes three additional awards of $75 thousand each. Past winners include zero waste, environmental protection, and sanitation projects. The deadline for submissions is 03 June 2024. Waislitz Award
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
African Development Bank — Innovators Program
The AfriCircular Innovators Program supports young entrepreneurs by providing extensive support tailored to startups in the circular economy sector. Selected entrepreneurs receive grant funding for market exploration and product development. The program is designed for entrepreneurs who are at the early stage of their entrepreneurial journey. The program will support solutions with operations in Ghana, Ivory Coast, or Rwanda. Applications are open until 26 May 2024. AfriCircular Innovators Program