The Fast Forward invites applications for the 2024 Accelerator Program to support and scale tech nonprofits. Tech innovations may include agri-tech or clean energy, among others. Selected entrepreneurs receive a US$25 thousand grant, mentorship, and connections to people who can help their innovation scale. The accelerator is open to tech nonprofits from around the world. Applications are open until 30 September 2023. Fast Forward Tech Accelerator
awards/prizes
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification — Land Heroes
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) supports young individuals and youth-led/based organizations making positive impacts against desertification, land degradation, and drought. Participants are invited to share transformative journeys through social media, videos, blogs, and the dedicated website, amplifying their contributions and recognizing both young men and women as critical forces for positive change. The contest is open to youth (15-35 years old) worldwide. Top finalists in each category receive a grant of US$1,000. The submission deadline is 15 October 2023. Link to contest rules
Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World — OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Awards
The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) supports early-career women scientists in Sub-Saharan Africa and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) with doctoral fellowships in the natural sciences. The applicant must have received her PhD in a scientific discipline within the previous ten years and whose current scientific research is related to the area of water, sanitation and hygiene. Five grantees receive a cash grant of US$5 thousand and an all-expenses-paid trip to attend a relevant international conference. Applicants should be qualified young women science graduates (generally below 40 years of age), who have an M.Sc. degree or outstanding B.Sc. in the natural sciences. Deadline for submission of applications is 08 October 2023. Details
Arab Gulf Programme for Development — Prize for Human Development
The Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development supports efforts aiming at the promotion and enhancement of human development concepts. The objective is to highlight the innovative experiences and continuously support the distinguished efforts in various fields of development (including, but not limited to, Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, Climate Action, and Zero Hunger). Prizes range from US$100 thousand to US$400 thousand. Projects implemented by UN agencies, international or regional NGOs, governmental bodies, social business enterprises, and individuals are eligible. Nominations for the Prize have to be submitted by 15 December 2023. About the Prize
MDPI — Remote Sensing Young Investigator Award 2024
MDPI, a publisher of peer-reviewed, open access journals, invites nominations for the Remote Sensing 2024 Young Investigator Award. The winner will receive CHF2000. This prize will be given to one young investigator in recognition of their contribution to the advancement of remote sensing science or applications. Candidates must be under 35 years and be nominated by senior researchers. The deadline for nominations is 31 December 2023. Remote Sensing Awards
United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change — Water Changemaker Awards 2023
Water Changemaker Awards is a global initiative that aims to recognize high-level commitment and leadership for climate resilient water investments to support a water-secure world. The initiative promotes the most promising climate resilient innovations to enable them to access new and innovative finance sources. Selected Water Changemakers will receive technical assistance and seed funding to scale up their innovations. Entities are eligible if they have been operating for at least one year. The application deadline is 18 August 2023. Water Changemaker Awards
Korea International Water Week — World Water Challenge 2023
The World Water Challenge is an international contest for water solutions. The Korea International Water Week (KIWW) aims to discover imminent water problems and to find feasible solutions. Participants are asked to select a water challenge (identified in the call) and submit their solution. The total prize amount for the World Water Challenge 2023 is KRW 10 million (approx. US$7,600). Winners will have the chance to be invited to the WWCH showcase during the KIWW 2024 and/or the 10th World Water Forum. Individuals or organizations are welcome to participate. Proposals can be submitted until 27 August 2023. Know more
Global Landscapes Forum — African Youth Storytelling Contest
The Global Landscapes Forum hosts a storytelling contest for young Africans. The story should revolve around the key themes of a thriving Africa, including but not limited to food sovereignty, biodiverse landscapes, ecosystem restoration, and climate justice, among others. The three best stories will receive prizes of €500, €300 and €200 respectively. The contest is open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 35 born and/or currently living in Africa. Stories have to be submitted by 31 August 2023. African Youth Storytelling Contest
Enabel — Prize for Women Entrepreneurs
The Awa Prize highlights women entrepreneurs from Belgian development cooperation countries and their projects. The prize aims to promote women entrepreneurs in their local community and strengthen them in their entrepreneurial success. The winner receives €50 thousand in support of their enterprise and one week in Belgium. Participating countries for the 2023 edition: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, DRC, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Palestine, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda. The competition is open to any woman founder or majority/equal partner in a company based in one of the selected countries. Registrations open from 05 to 15 September 2023. Details here
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — World Soil Day Award
The World Soil Day Award (WSDA) recognizes individuals and/or institutions that have made an effort to organize successful celebrations in the framework of the World Soil Day campaign of the previous year. The award consists of US$15 thousand and a trip to Thailand. The award is open to individuals, non-profit organizations, universities, and private companies. Applications have to be submitted by 15 September 2023. World Soil Day Award