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
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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
Reversing Environmental Degradation in Africa and Asia — Restoration Programs in Africa and Asia
Reversing Environmental Degradation in Africa and Asia (REDAA) invites proposals for locally-led research-to-action restoration programs in Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Nine Program Grants of between £1 million and £1.5 million will be offered to the best proposals. Grants will fund programs of four years. Organizations eligible for funding include non-profit organizations and private sector organizations. The application for concept notes closes on 30 June 2024. Link to REDAA
U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal
The U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) supports projects to assess, remove, and dispose of marine debris in and around coastal communities impacted by hurricanes and other episodic storm events. Eligible projects will reduce marine debris from coastal habitats and nearshore waters of coastal counties in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina impacted by the 2022 hurricanes Fiona, Ian, Nicole, and Typhoon Merbok. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, government agencies, for-profit organizations, and educational institutions. The Fund will award approximately US$6 million in grants. The proposal deadline is 26 July 2024. Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund
Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative — Water Pollution Challenge
The Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative aims to find innovative solutions to conserve and restore freshwater ecosystems. Aquapreneur seeks high-potential solutions to prevent water pollution and reduce the environmental impacts of contaminated water. Solutions could include advanced filtration, the elimination of wastewater discharges, decision support systems to provide accurate and accessible data for measuring options for both the public and industries, as well as household water testing and filtration. Up to 10 innovators will each be eligible to receive CHF 175 thousand in co-financing. The challenge is open for submissions until 12 August 2024. Tackling Water Pollution Challenge
United Nations Development Programme — ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge
The United Nations Development Program aims to foster the development of the blue economy in ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste. The ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge seeks to identify, finance, and support innovative solutions geared towards the conservation and sustainable management of marine ecosystems, coastal areas, and freshwater resources. Selected awardees receive US$40 thousand to pilot their innovations. The deadline is 31 May 2024. ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Direct Assistance in Sustainable Forestry
The EU’s Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan includes grants of technical assistance to benefit government institutions and private-sector organizations. Projects need to address the identified themes in FLEGT. Currently, requests can be submitted from entities in VPA countries and non-VPA countries. The VPA countries are Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, Lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Guyana, and Honduras. Grants are up to US$55 thousand. Eligibility extends to government institutions and non-profit organizations. Applications (English, French, Spanish) can be submitted at any time. More about FLEGT
International Fund for Agricultural Development — Earth Observation Data
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) makes grants for supporting the use of satellite data in project design, monitoring, and evaluation. The recipient can be a non-profit organization, private sector company, university, vocational training provider, or research institute. The deadline to receive proposals is 30 May 2024. Earth Observation Data
Inter-American Development Bank — Boosting Water Sector Innovation
The Inter-American Development Bank launches the Aquacerta Challenge. The challenge supports innovative solutions from the private sector that can be adopted by service providers in Latin America and the Caribbean to ensure safely managed drinking water and the resilience of water systems. Applicants can apply for contingent recovery financing from US$300 thousand to a maximum of US$500 thousand each. However, applicants should be able to contribute at least 50% in counterpart funds. Eligibility extends to legally established entities from the private sector such as startups, small and medium enterprises, and social businesses. The application deadline is 31 May 2024. Aquacerta Challenge
Earth Observation — Sustainable Blue Economy
The Earth Observation Sustainable Blue Economy project aims to develop new products, indicators, and tools to support local Blue Economic activities and monitor their impact on the marine environment. Four contracts will be implemented, each targeting one among four possible themes: Aquaculture, Fisheries, Marine Renewable Energy, Leisure, and Tourism. The activity shall be implemented in close collaboration with Early Adopters such as permitting and regulating authorities, financial investors, and the Blue Economy sector operators. The closing date is 05 June 2024. Details