The Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer (JWO) Research Grant supports early-career scientists who conduct impactful research that will provide solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing problems. The proposed research should be focused on the intersection between biodiversity and the economy; environmental tipping points; pollution and impact on the environment; or the impact of basic sciences on sustainable development. A grant of US$150 thousand will support a research project or program for up to three years. Applicants must have strong links to an African academic institution, research institution, government institution, NGO, or for-profit organization. The application deadline is 01 May 2026. JWO Research Grant
business/enterprise
Wilkes Center — Climate Prize
The Wilkes Climate supports innovative ideas to help fund and accelerate solutions to climate change. Organizations at all stages, both for-profits and nonprofits, anywhere in the world are eligible to submit ideas. The first round of submissions is due 28 February 2026. Wilkes Climate Launch Prize
Fondation Franklinia — Conservation of Globally Threatened Trees
The Foundation Franklinia accepts project proposals focused on in-situ conservation of threatened trees in the Mediterranean basin. Eligibility extends to any organization with well-established expertise and efficiency in plant conservation. Projects must aim at improving the conservation status of globally threatened tree species listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Funding from the Foundation favors conservation projects with reasonable budgets in relation to proposed activities. A minimum of 20-50% of co-funding will be required. The deadline for submission of proposals (English) is 26 March 2026. Tree Conservation
Union for the Mediterranean — Project Implementation Support
The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) does not fund the implementation of the projects but it assists project development, the search for financial resources, and the search for political and technical support needed for project implementation. UfM promotes a wide range of projects in the Mediterranean region in subject areas that include energy and climate, water, environment, blue economy, and several others. Proposals are accepted continuously; there is no calendar deadline. Details
Free Electrons — Clean Energy Transition
The Free Electrons Program is a global open-innovation accelerator that connects energy startups with leading utilities and energy system operators to pilot and scale breakthrough solutions for the energy transition. The program is open to startups worldwide with mature, market-ready technologies addressing areas such as grid digitalization, renewables integration, energy storage, flexibility, electrification, and climate resilience. Selected startups receive non-dilutive support, including paid pilot opportunities, access to utility partners, technical validation, mentoring, and global exposure (rather than a fixed cash grant). The application deadline is 31 January 2026. Free Electrons Program
LEAP-SE — Research and Innovation Partnership on Sustainable Energy
LEAP-SE funds collaborative research and innovation projects that advance clean energy technologies, systems, and policies aligned with the Africa–Europe energy transition agenda. The call is open to consortia of organizations, including universities, research institutes, companies, NGOs, and public bodies, from African Union Member States and European countries. Funding amounts vary by country and partner, with a maximum funding of €500 thousand per partner. Proposals must be submitted in two stages, with pre-proposals due by 05 February 2026. Details
UNCDF — Financing for Nature-Positive Private Sector Enterprises
The UNCDF seeks expressions of interest from private micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises operating in the Congo Basin region that are implementing or scaling nature-positive, deforestation-free, and climate-resilient business models. The call targets enterprises working in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, forest-industry transformation, landscape restoration, and ecotourism. The call is open to nonprofits, NGOs, social enterprises, private sector entities, and consortia. Applicants may request support ranging from US$250 thousand to US$1.5 million. The application deadline is 28 February 2026. Link to more information
European Commission — Improving Climate and Weather Models
The European Commission supports projects that enhance climate and weather data, modeling, and forecasting systems to improve resilience and decision-making across the African continent. The call is open to for-profit companies, startups, research institutions, NGOs, and consortia with strong technical capacity in climate science, data analytics, AI, or weather modeling. Selected projects may receive grant funding ranging from approximately US$250 thousand to US$1 million, depending on project scope and impact. The application deadline is 15 April 2026. Know more
HCLTech — Climate Action Grant
HCLTech accepts applications for the Climate Action Grant which provides grants to non-governmental organizations combating climate change and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity across the Americas. HCLTech accepts proposals for climate action in focus areas such as wildlife and biodiversity conservation; land and ocean action; clean energy; climate advocacy; campaigns; and climate risk reduction. One NGO will receive US$500 thousand, while two others will receive US$250 thousand each. The application deadline is 18 January 2026. Climate Action Grant
Enterprise Singapore — Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge
The Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge invites industry partners and creative innovators to co-develop sustainable solutions in key areas such as renewable energy, offshore wind, greener industries, sustainable agrifood and sustainable materials. Participants have the chance to collaborate with major partners and access funding to develop their solutions. Prizes include potential grant support (US$100 thousand from Hexagon Group), as well as funding and real-world testing facilitated by industry pioneers. The challenge is open to startups, small to medium enterprises, institutes of higher learning, and research institutes across the world. The application deadline is 30 January 2026. Details here