The La Caixa Foundation invites applications for projects that contribute to the eradication of poverty and the fight against inequality in developing countries. The program supports initiatives focused on basic health, education and training, and socio-economic development, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable populations. Eligible applicants are Spanish non-profit organizations that work in partnership with local entities in countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Grants provide up to €50 thousand per project, covering up to 75% of the total project cost for initiatives with a duration of up to two years. The deadline for applications is 20 May 2026. Know more
energy
Africa Centre for Energy Policy — Energy Leaders Innovation Challenge 2026
The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) invites applications for the Future Energy Leaders Innovation Challenge. The program is open to young African innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs who are developing sustainable energy solutions to address energy poverty and climate change across the continent. Selected participants receive technical mentorship, access to industry networks, and a grant of US$5 thousand to pilot or scale their innovations. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and residents of an African country. The deadline for applications is 31 May 2026. Energy Innovation Challenge
Earth Journalism Network — Workshop on Renewable Energy
The Earth Journalism Network invites applications for a workshop in Bhubaneswar, India, focused on renewable energy and a just energy transition. The program is open to content creators, influencers, and community communicators who are interested in deepening their reporting on energy issues. Participants will receive full funding for travel, lodging, and meals to attend the workshop. The deadline for applications is 05 June 2026. Workshop on Renewable Energy
Digital Energy Facility — Digital Energy Challenge for Startups
The Digital Energy Facility invites applications for the Digital Energy Challenge to support innovative projects in the energy sector across Africa. Start-ups must be in the early stages of development and propose digital solutions that address energy access, grid management, or the integration of renewable energy. Eligible applicants must be registered in an African country or collaborate with local partners. Winners receive a financial award of up to €150 thousand, along with technical assistance and visibility within the digital energy ecosystem. The deadline for applications is 17 June 2026. Digital Energy Challenge
European Commission — Alleviating Household Energy Poverty
The European Commission invites proposals for the LIFE program to address energy poverty and protect vulnerable consumers in Europe. The initiative supports projects that implement practical solutions, such as small-scale energy efficiency renovations, improved access to renewable energy, and the establishment of local advisory services for energy-poor households. Eligible applicants include legal entities such as non-profit organizations, public authorities, and private companies established in EU member states or associated countries. Funding is provided as a co-financing grant covering up to 95% of eligible project costs, with individual project budgets typically ranging from US$1 million to US$2 million. The deadline for applications is 16 September 2026. Link
RES4Africa Foundation — Renewable Energy
The RES4Africa Foundation invites applications for the 2026 edition of RAISEAfrica, a program supporting renewable energy startups and entrepreneurs in Africa. The call is open to African citizens between 18 and 35 years old, or startups registered in Africa, who are developing innovative renewable energy solutions for the African market. Up to six selected participants will receive an initial entry contribution of €3,000, along with mentoring, coaching, and fundraising support. Additionally, participants can compete for the “Young Talent of the Year Award,” which offers a final prize between €5,000 and €10,000. The deadline for applications is 17 May 2026. Link to RES4Africa
German Federal Ministry of Education and Research — Digital Green Talents Award
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) recognizes young researchers worldwide working at the intersection of digitalization and sustainability. Awardees receive a fully funded three-month research stay in Germany. Eligible applicants are Master’s students in their final year or current PhD candidates (or recent graduates within three months), under 30 years old, with strong academic records. Past winners include many in renewable energy, water management, and environmental engineering. The deadline is 15 June 2026. Green Talents
French Development Agency — Digital Energy Challenge for Start-ups
The Digital Energy Challenge supports the development of innovative solutions for energy access, the integration of renewable energy, and utility performance improvement. The Call for Projects targets projects based in Sub-Saharan Africa. Projects must have a core element of digital technology (telecom, computer, or cloud-based). The Challenge will award grant-based funding of €150 thousand to 3 to 4 start-up projects. The application deadline for project submission is 17 June 2026. Digital Energy Challenge
Association of Commonwealth Universities — Fellowships
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) provides fellowships for the academic and professional staff to facilitate collaboration at a distance and the creation of valuable new partnerships between ACU member universities across the Commonwealth. ACU provides financial support of up to £5,000 per fellowship. Applications close on 25 June 2026. ACU Fellowships
Financial Times — Africa Sustainable Futures Awards
The Financial Times invites entries for the Africa Sustainable Futures Awards. This program recognizes innovative, private sector-led solutions that address development challenges across Africa in sectors such as energy access, agribusiness, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure. The awards are open to businesses and organizations operating commercially viable initiatives that demonstrate impact, scalability, and financial sustainability within the continent. While the awards provide significant international visibility and networking opportunities at the FT’s Africa Summit in London, specific cash prize amounts are not publicly specified. The deadline for submitting entries is 30 June 2026. Africa Sustainable Futures Awards