The International Visegrad Fund calls for grant projects that will facilitate the transfer of know-how between non-governmental and civil society organizations in Visegrad countries (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary) and the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia). Thematic areas include environment and sustainable development, among others. The program is open to any legal entity or natural person worldwide, with preference for projects submitted by non-profit and non-governmental organizations; public educational, cultural, and research institutions; and municipalities and local governments. Applicants can apply by 01 June 2026. Visegrad+ Grants
business/enterprise
French Development Agency — Digital Energy Challenge for Start-ups
The Digital Energy Challenge supports the development of innovative solutions for energy access, the integration of renewable energy, and utility performance improvement. The Call for Projects targets projects based in Sub-Saharan Africa. Projects must have a core element of digital technology (telecom, computer, or cloud-based). The Challenge will award grant-based funding of €150 thousand to 3 to 4 start-up projects. The application deadline for project submission is 17 June 2026. Digital Energy Challenge
Financial Times — Africa Sustainable Futures Awards
The Financial Times invites entries for the Africa Sustainable Futures Awards. This program recognizes innovative, private sector-led solutions that address development challenges across Africa in sectors such as energy access, agribusiness, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure. The awards are open to businesses and organizations operating commercially viable initiatives that demonstrate impact, scalability, and financial sustainability within the continent. While the awards provide significant international visibility and networking opportunities at the FT’s Africa Summit in London, specific cash prize amounts are not publicly specified. The deadline for submitting entries is 30 June 2026. Africa Sustainable Futures Awards
Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area — Multitopic Research and Innovation Action
The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) supports projects under the following topics: (1) Water Management, (2) Farming Systems, (3) and Agri-food Value Chain. Water projects should focus on alleviating Mediterranean water scarcity through adaptive water governance. Farming projects need to demonstrate field practices based on agroecological practices to increase ecosystem services and biodiversity, adapt the small farming systems to climate change, and to increase farmers’ incomes. Companies/enterprises, non-profit organizations, NGOs, public research organizations, and universities from the following non-EU countries are eligible: Israel, Tunisia, Turkey, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco. The deadline for pre-proposals is 15 May 2026. Details here
United Nations — Action Awards for Sustainable Development Goals
The UN SDG Action Awards aim to support action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mobilizers, storytellers, campaigners, connectors, visualizers, and creatives fighting for sustainable development can apply. The Awards are open to individuals, organizations, governments, foundations, or private sector leaders worldwide. While the program does not award direct cash grants, nine finalists receive a fully funded trip to Rome, Italy, for a multi-day program of coaching, networking, and capacity building, followed by a televised awards ceremony. The deadline for submissions is 17 May 2026. UN SDG Action Awards
Thrive Philanthropy — Alternatives to Industrial Animal Agriculture
Thrive Philanthropy provides grants to support non-profit organizations outside the United States that are working to transition food systems away from industrial animal agriculture. The program funds initiatives that promote plant-rich diets, increase access to nutritious plant-based foods, and raise awareness about sustainable alternatives to factory farming. Mid-sized or larger organizations with a proven track record of success are eligible to apply. Grant amounts range from US$10 thousand to US$30 thousand. Deadlines for applications are 01 June, 01 September, and 01 December each year. Know more
Forest Conservation Fund — Project Grants
The Forest Conservation Fund (FCF) provides financial support to protect and restore natural forest ecosystems worldwide. The fund targets diverse applicants including community-based organizations, NGOs, indigenous groups, research institutions, and private companies that manage or own forest land. To be eligible, projects must cover at least 500 contiguous hectares of native forest and be located in areas where commodity production, such as palm oil, timber, or soy, threatens the landscape. While FCF does not specify a rigid maximum grant amount, it offers five-year grants to support field activities, ranger training, and community livelihoods. Deadlines for quarterly reviews occur during the third week of March, June, September, and December. More information
African Development Bank — Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa
The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) provides catalytic finance to unlock private-sector investments in renewable energy. SEFA offers technical assistance and concessional finance instruments. Funding requests must be aligned with three strategic priorities: (1) Green Baseload; (2) Green Mini-Grids; and (3) Energy Efficiency. Technical assistance grants are available to public and private sector entities. Applications can be submitted anytime. Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa
NewGen — Renewable Energy Accelerator
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) invites applications for the fourth cohort of its NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator, a program designed to support young entrepreneurs driving the global energy transition. The initiative provides youth-led start-ups and growth-stage businesses with four months of technical mentorship, business model consolidation, and access to investment matchmaking. Eligible applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and working on innovative solutions in renewable energy, climate adaptation, or climate mitigation. While the program does not provide a direct cash grant, participants compete for the IRENA Rising Stars Award and gain access to IRENA-backed financing platforms such as the Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF) facility. The deadline for applications is 03 May 2026. Renewable Energy Accelerator
Orange Telecom — Orange Social Venture Prize 2026
The Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) supports entrepreneurs using technology to drive social and environmental change across Africa and the Middle East. Orange invites tech-based startups and individuals to apply if their projects address local needs in fields such as health, education, agriculture, or sustainable development. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and based in one of the 17 participating countries, including Botswana, Egypt, Morocco, and Senegal. The competition features a national stage followed by an international grand prix, where three winners receive prizes of €25 thousand, €15 thousand, and €10 thousand respectively, alongside an additional €20 thousand International Women’s Prize for projects supporting women’s empowerment. The deadline for applications is 10 May 2026. Social Venture Prize