The YMCA Network Solutions Youth Empowerment Fund is a grant opportunity designed to support youth-led initiatives that address local challenges and advance the Sustainable Development Goals. The grant is open to YMCA National Movements and their local associations in countries eligible. Grants of €10 thousand to €20 thousand are available for national projects, and up to €30 thousand for multi-country collaborations involving at least three countries. Applications close on 18 May 2025. Link to more information
climate
Climatic Peace — Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction Fellowship
The Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Fellowship Program 2025 is a 12-week hybrid initiative designed to empower young changemakers across the Arab States. The program aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to drive climate action and enhance disaster resilience through innovative, community-driven solutions. The program is open to youth-led NGOs, student groups, social enterprises, or informal collectives. The deadline for applications is 20 May 2025. Details here
Scotiabank — Decarbonization Research
Scotiabank’s Net-Zero Research Fund (NZRF) supports registered charities and non-profit organizations conducting research to advance global decarbonization efforts. Funded projects have addressed topics such as carbon footprint reduction in artisanal mining, carbon capture through native species in the Amazon, and real-time data platforms for solar energy performance. Grants range from CA$25 thousand to CA$100 thousand. Applicants must be registered charities or non-profit organizations in Canada, the US or Latin America. The deadline to apply is 22 May 2025. Net-Zero Research Fund
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Côte d’Ivoire
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Côte d’Ivoire. The priorities under this call include one on environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation. The average contribution is C$20 thousand to C$49 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The deadline for submission is 25 May 2025. CFLI Côte d’Ivoire
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in the Caribbean Islands
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The priorities under this call include women’s economic rights, decent jobs and entrepreneurship, and investing in the poorest and most vulnerable (which may include agriculture or aquaculture projects), as well as environment, climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, and water management. Project funding is up to C$50 thousand. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The deadline for submission is 28 May 2025. CFLI Caribbean Islands
Swiss Re Foundation — Changemakers Africa
The Swiss Re Foundation invites applications for the 2025 Changemakers Africa Incubation Program. This online program is designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs across Africa who are developing innovative solutions in healthcare or climate resilience. Eligible applicants must be based in Africa and commit to 6–8 hours of weekly participation. Participants have the chance to pitch their ventures at the final Demo Day for seed funding of up to US$15 thousand. The deadline to apply is 28 May 2025. Changemakers Africa
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Pakistan
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Pakistan. The priorities under this call include one on environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management. The average contribution is C$30 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The deadline for submission is 30 May 2025. Click here
Meaningful Business 100 — Entrepreneur Award
The Meaningful Business 100 (MB100) is an annual award program that honors global leaders who effectively combine profit and purpose to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The award is open to social entrepreneurs, corporate sustainability leaders, impact investors, and micro-entrepreneurs across various industries and regions. Individuals can nominate themselves or others. The deadline for entries is 15 June 2025. Know more
International Center for New Media — World Summit Awards 2025
Nominations are open for the World Summit Awards (WSA) and the WSA Young Innovators Awards (young social entrepreneurs under 26 years of age). Start-ups and social entrepreneurs are asked to submit their local digital innovations with high social impact. The 8 award categories include one on Environment & Green Energy (climate, sustainable resources, agriculture). The winner does not receive a monetary award but does benefit from partnerships and integrations. Applications are accepted from companies, organizations, or individuals. The deadline to apply for WSA and WSA Young Innovators is 30 June 2025. (Deadlines for national submission of applications for WSA may vary locally.) Find out more
Global Environmental Education Partnership — Youth Innovation Challenge 2025
The Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) invites applicants from 15 to 30 years of age to propose innovative solutions to protect marine resources and support people of all ages to be engaged stewards for marine conservation. Global Environmental Education Partnership seeks solutions that are innovative, feasible, and informed by research. Three solutions will be awarded a US$1000 prize. The deadline to submit proposals is 30 June 2025. Find the challenge