The Young One World Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 5 seeks female leaders playing a critical role driving economic growth and providing livelihoods for their communities. The challenge welcomes solutions from innovative female founded companies that provide affordable access to renewable energy, eliminate or reduce plastic pollution, and/or improve water quality in high stressed watersheds. The winner will receive a US$100 thousand project startup grant and mentorship. The application deadline is 30 April 2023. More details
april2023
Enel Foundation — Africa’s Clean Energy Future
The Enel Foundation invites young African leaders (between 24 and 35 years) to apply for the Open Africa Power program. Open Africa Power is an education venture aiming to forge a new generation of African leaders deeply engaged with their country’s clean energy future. Up to 150 African students and early-career professionals will have the opportunity to participate in professional development and leadership activities. The application deadline is 10 April 2023. Open Africa Power
United Nations Environment Program — Champions of the Earth 2023
The Champions of the Earth is the UN’s highest award to honor people and organizations worldwide for leadership and action on sustainable development, climate change, and a life of dignity. This year, UNEP seeks nominations of individuals, organizations, and governments working on sustainable solutions to eliminate plastic pollution. Persons may nominate themselves, their own organizations, or a third party whom they believe should receive recognition. Nominations must be supported by three endorsers. The closing date for nominations is 14 April 2023. UN Champions of the Earth
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
U.S. Agency for International Development — Climate Action Partnership for Education
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks opportunities to co-create, and collaborate in the research, testing and scaling of innovative solutions that will advance climate action with a focus on girls’ education. USAID invites organizations, companies, community-based enterprises, academic and research institutions, and government agencies to propose novel or creative approaches. USAID anticipates making one to three awards totaling between US$4 to 5 million over two to three years. USAID seeks solutions that are relevant to sub-Saharan Africa and/or Southeast Asia. The application deadline is 28 April 2023. Click here
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
Halcyon — Climate Resilience in Latin America
Halcyon supports entrepreneurs that seek to build climate resilience across Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the compounding effects of climate change on poverty, food insecurity, health disparities, and displacement. The 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 Mexico City. 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 Mexico City (Mexico). Applications are accepted until 29 April 2023. Climate Resilience Fellowship
SEED — Starter Workshop for Eco-Enterprises in India
SEED offers valuable resources and professional support to expand entrepreneurial ideas while learning from peers during interactive SEED Starter workshops. SEED Starter workshops consist of a team of 2-5 members that bring in a business idea for addressing environmental, social and economic challenges. Successful alumni are invited to apply for a SEED Grant for up to €1,000 which pays for resources required to establish the new enterprise. Eco-Entrepreneurs from India are invited to apply for the next starter workshop. Applications have to be received by 04 April 2023. Link to current openings
Earth Journalism Network — Story Grants to Report on the Mediterranean Sea
Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers story grants to selected journalists to report on overfishing, illegal fishing and the biodiversity crisis in the Mediterranean region. ENJ expects to make 5 awards of €1.000 each. Applicants can be from any country that borders the Mediterranean Sea. Applications are open to journalists working in any medium (online, print, television, radio) and other expert media practitioners with professional reporting experience. Deadline for applications is 07 April 2023. Story Grants