The Water Research Foundation Tailored Collaboration Program is a matching research initiative designed to support utility-specific or regional challenges that research can help to solve. WRF will provide up to US$150 thousand in matching funds for each selected project. The program encourages collaboration between utilities and researchers to address pressing water sector issues. Interested parties must submit a pre-proposal by 02 June 2025. Click here
business/enterprise
Innovate 4 Nature — Award for Nature-Positive Solutions
Innovate 4 Nature is a Swiss foundation supporting start-ups in the nature-positive space. The foundation issues an award in which organizations can participate. The Innovate 4 Nature Award honors projects, companies, and entrepreneurs that have developed promising, high-quality nature-positive solutions. The four key areas of the I4N Award are sustainable management of ecosystems; nature as infrastructure; regenerative agriculture; and circular nature-positive solutions. The award offers a total of CHF 100 thousand in prize money. Award winners can benefit from access to an ecosystem of partners and experts. (please be aware that the foundation does not offer grants or other financial means.) The application deadline is 12 June 2025. Innovate 4 Nature Award
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Aquatic Food Systems
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations aims to recognize the critical role of aquatic foods in nourishing communities and sustaining livelihoods. Nominations are open to national, regional, and local administrations, research and development institutions, the private sector, civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations that have made a meaningful impact on the sustainable and responsible development of fisheries and aquaculture. Submissions are open until 30 June 2025. Details
SVG Ventures — Global Accelerator for Agrifood Tech Startups
Silicon Valley Global Ventures is an investment, technology, and advisory firm that invests in companies that go through their accelerator program. The THRIVE Global Impact Challenge seeks innovative startups advancing a more sustainable future for agriculture. Selected companies benefit from an accelerator program that provides investment, mentorship, and direct access to agriculture companies and farmers. The winning company will receive an investment of up to US$1 million. The application deadline is 25 May 2025. THRIVE Global Impact Challenge
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Global Forestry Champions
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) seeks to honor individuals, institutions, initiatives, and programs that have significantly impacted forestry development at national, regional, or global levels. Selected nominees will be recognized for their achievements across ten thematic areas, including forest restoration, biodiversity, climate action, and innovation. The call for nominations is open to governmental institutions; national, regional or local agencies; intergovernmental organizations; non-government organizations; academia; community service organizations; and the private sector. The deadline for receiving nominations is 31 May 2025. More about this opportunity
African Development Bank — Agri-Food Financing
Seed Lab offers capacity building supporting agri-food businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa. Prioritization will be given to businesses with integrated gender-inclusive and climate-resilient practices. The 3-month program offers help with strategic planning, financial management, business operations, and leadership, to support sustainable growth. The deadline for applications is 25 April 2025. More information
Village Capital — Empowering Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Africa
Empowering Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Africa 2025 is a program that supports climate-focused startups in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Village Capital seeks entrepreneurs focused on climate adaptation, renewable energy, blue economy, and food security solutions. Participants will access mentorship, investor connections, financial modeling support, and exposure opportunities. Eligibility extends to for-profit entities in the target countries. Applications close on 30 April 2025. Empowering Sustainable Entrepreneurship Africa
UNICEF — Sustainable WASH Solutions
UNICEF seeks innovators worldwide to strengthen WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) systems by supporting solutions that enhance SME environments and integrate climate-sensitive data into programming. Participants will access mentorship, strategic matchmaking, global scaling opportunities, and initial catalytic funding of approximately US$150 thousand. Eligibility extends to organizations with proven, adaptable WASH innovations addressing systemic challenges and capable of scaling impact across multiple geographies. Applications close on 30 April 2025. Innovative WASH Solutions
International Water Association — Recovery Best Practice Award
The International Water Association recognizes exemplary practices in resource recovery from water and wastewater treatment. Winners will receive a trophy, certificate, and the opportunity to present at the 6th IWA International Resource Recovery Conference in the Netherlands. Eligibility extends to individuals or organizations demonstrating innovative, replicable, and environmentally impactful solutions within the resource recovery value chain. Nominations close on 05 May 2025. Resource Recovery Best Practice Award 2025
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. The winners will be announced at a special UN SDG Action Awards Ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York City, USA. Applications have to be submitted before 07 May 2025. UN SDG Action Awards