The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) supports the private sector to expand its clean energy technologies to Africa’s rural communities. The AECF Innovation Fund is looking to invest between US$100 thousand and US$300 thousand to support business growth for impactful innovations across clean cooking and productive use of energy technology sectors. The co-financing requirement is a minimum of 30% of the project cost. Eligibility extends to the African private sector (for-profit as well as non-profit) in Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Mali, and Sierra Leone. Applications close 26 November 2021. AECF Innovation Fund
community projects
Netherlands Enterprise Agency — Access to Renewable Energy
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency supports projects that contribute to access to sustainable energy for households in developing countries. Projects under this call should contribute to access to renewable energy technologies and services. Applicants can apply for a subsidy of min. €250 thousand and max. €2.5 million per project. The program is open to activities in the following countries: Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Chad, Ethiopia, Gambia, India, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda, Senegal, Sudan, Tanzania, and South Sudan. The main applicant has to be a Dutch organization but local partnerships are required to be eligible. The application deadline is 22 November 2021. Access to Renewable Energy
PES Latam Alliance — Support for Social Entrepreneurs in Latin America
PES Latam Alliance supports social entrepreneurs in Latin America to accelerate their impact in the region. The Bridge for Billions program seeks social businesses with innovative solutions working to improve the lives of the most vulnerable. Selected social enterprises will be able to access up to US$50 thousand of seed capital, support through courses and events, training with alliance partners, and a community of entrepreneurs. The applicants must be a registered hybrid or for-profit business and must have been operating (selling product/service) for at least a year. The application form has to be submitted by 20 October 2021. Bridge for Billions Fellowship
European Commission — Sustainable Water and Natural Resources Management and Protection
The European Union Rural Development Program aims to improve agricultural production, management of natural resources, and promote sustainable and efficient use of water in Tajikistan. The goal is to enable inclusive growth and resilience to extreme climate conditions in rural communities and to improve livelihood in rural areas. The overall amount made available under this call is €15 million. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations. Lead applicants not established in Tajikistan must act together with at least two co-applicants established in Tajikistan. The deadline for the submission of concept notes is 20 November 2021. Click here
Ministry of Economic Affairs Taiwan — Taiwan Excellence Awards
The “Taiwan Excellence: Sharing is Caring” campaign solicits proposals for philanthropic events on issues relating to social concerns and environmental protection. The three best proposals will be awarded US$10 thousand each. The funds for executing each of the three best proposals shall be decided by the organizers, provided that the funds for implementation do not exceed US$150 thousand. Any natural persons or legal persons may submit proposals. Proposals must be submitted by 31 October 2021. Taiwan Excellence Awards
EIT Climate-KIC — Innovation Call for Climate Solutions
EIT Climate-KIC aims to support the development of innovative commercial products or services that achieve climate impact through entrepreneurship and commercial means. EIT Climate-KIC seeks to finance innovators, researchers, scientists, coaches, and experts to join forces in projects that aim to bring innovative solutions to the European market. Innovative actions should address a decarbonization or climate adaptation challenge. EIT anticipates making up to €5 million funding available with a 20% to 40% contribution towards each project’s total budget. The call closes for applications on 18 November 2021. Innovation Call
U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — International Coral Reef Conservation Grants 2022-2023
The NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program provides matching grants and cooperative agreements for international coral reef conservation projects. NOAA currently invites applications for the international program, with priority for the Wider Caribbean, South East Asia and South Pacific, and Micronesia. The program offers funding from US$40 thousand to US$300 thousand per year for projects of up to two years. The program is open to institutions of higher education, NGOs (U.S. and international), governments (except U.S.), and for-profit organizations. The application deadline is 01 December 2021. Link to the Coral Reef Conservation Program
Embassy of Japan — Grassroots Human Security Projects in Botswana
The Embassy of Japan in Botswana invites applications for grant assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects. The fund is directed to relatively small socio-economic development projects which have a direct and immediate impact on the well-being of disadvantaged communities. The main areas are education, health/sanitation, water/energy, agriculture/indigenous industry, and environment. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, educational institutes, medical institutes, and local governments. Grant size is up to ¥ 10 million per project. The deadline for applications is 21 January 2022. Find out more
U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — Marine Debris Prevention
The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program supports the development and implementation of locally-driven, marine debris assessment, removal and prevention projects that benefit coastal habitat, waterways, and marine resources. Projects awarded through this competition may be implemented throughout the United States or within coastal areas of Mexico or Canada as long as it benefits US resources. The typical funding level of project awards ranges from US$50 thousand to US$400 thousand. Marine debris projects can apply for removal, prevention, and research grants. Eligible applicants for projects taking place in Mexico or Canada are limited to institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations or commercial (for-profit) organizations with expertise in a field related to marine debris. The application deadline is 11 February 2022. Marine Debris Program
U.S. African Development Foundation — Mandela Washington Fellows Program
The Mandela Washington Fellows Program provides up to US$25 thousand in funding to African-owned, sustainable social ventures. Venture must be based in and operate in Sub-Saharan Africa. Applicants have to demonstrate how the venture will improve and change the communities in which the grants are implemented. Applications are open until 21 September 2021. More info here