USAID sponsors Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) to identify, develop, test, and scale innovative approaches in development. DIV’s portfolio includes projects across the range of USAID’s program areas – including in agriculture, energy, climate change, water, waste management, and others related to natural resources and the environment. Applicants may apply for any of the three following stages: Proof of Concept (Up to US$200 thousand for up to 3 years), Testing and Positioning for Scale (US$200 thousand to $1.5 million for up to 3 years), and Scaling (US$1.5 million to US$15 million for up to 5 years). Proposals are accepted year-round, from any type of organization (including private businesses, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, foundations, civic groups, regional organizations, and international organizations), in any country. Link
energy
Conrad Foundation — Spirit of Innovation Challenge 2024-2025
The Spirit of Innovation Challenge is a worldwide competition for youth ages 13-18 to create commercially viable products or services to address issues of global sustainability. Categories include “Energy and Environment”. Ideas are submitted by student teams, which can be international, if desired. There is a fee for team registration (discounted rates may apply for qualified title one schools or special circumstances). The winning teams are offered seed money to continue the development of their ideas. The application deadline for the activation stage (phase 1) is 01 November 2024. Link to the challenge
United States Agency for International Development — Unsolicited Solutions for Locally Led Development
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) supports sustainable and locally driven ideas from organizations of all types and sizes around the world. USAID supports locally driven activities through awards of up to US$2 million. Organizations that have received less than $5 million directly from USAID over the previous five fiscal years are eligible to apply. Concepts are accepted on a rolling basis. Know more
Earth Journalism Network — Grants for Video Content Production
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) seeks to boost video content production and distribution of information to build awareness about renewable energy in all states of India. To improve public awareness about the country’s efforts to decarbonize and scale its renewable energy capacity, EJN is providing fellowships for the production of video content. EJN will provide remuneration and mentorship to each selected applicant. The budget should cover reporting and production costs amounting to a maximum of INR 2.75 lakhs for a video of around 8 minutes in length. Proposals from all states in India are eligible. The application deadline is 16 August 2024. Know more
Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa — Off-Grid Energy
Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA) aims to incentivize private off-grid energy service companies to scale up their innovative sustainable businesses and accelerate access to affordable and clean off-grid energy in Mozambique. The BGFA invites off-grid energy companies to submit proposals for clean and affordable energy solutions in peri-urban and rural areas. Grants are expected to be between €1 million and €2 million, depending on the country. The application process is divided into two stages: (1) Pre-Qualification and (2) Final Application. The deadline for Prequalification is 13 September 2024. Off-Grid Energy Mozambique
Wilson Center — International Fellowship Program
The Woodrow Wilson Center offers a 9-month residential fellowship to scholars, practitioners, journalists, and public intellectuals. Fellows conduct research in their areas of interest while interacting with policymakers in Washington and Wilson Center staff and other scholars in residence. The Center accepts proposals that address key challenges confronting the United States and the world. The Center offers a stipend of US$90 thousand. Fellows are responsible for their own health insurance and travel expenses. The application deadline is 01 October 2024. Link to guidelines
Thomson Reuters Foundation — Communicating Just Transition Issues
The Thomson Reuters Foundation offers a free communication course for organizations in India, Bangladesh, and Brazil working in communication and journalism. The online course will consist of a series of training in which participants will receive training in parallel with climate journalists. Those who make the shortlist will have an opportunity to pitch their story ideas to the lead trainers for a chance to receive a £300 story grant. Applicants must be full-time employees with a role in communications and media engagement. The application deadline is 28 July 2024. Know more
USAID — Climate Finance
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Climate Finance for Development Accelerator (CFDA) funds climate change mitigation and adaptation activities focused on scaling up the transition to an equitable and resilient net-zero economy. The Accelerator welcomes local partners in the countries in which USAID works to co-create and design initiatives to meet national and local climate goals. Private sector entities, foundations, and development banks can join the CFIN or become a climate finance partner eligible to receive support. Applications are open until 31 December 2024. Climate Finance for Development Accelerator
Bezos Earth Fund — AI for Climate and Nature
The Bezos Earth Fund seeks new ideas for multiplying the impact of climate and nature efforts using modern AI. The first round of awards will focus on sustainable proteins, power grid optimization, biodiversity conservation, and embracing visionary wildcard solutions for climate and nature. The Grand Challenge will offer up to US$100 million in total funding over three rounds. Up to 30 seed grantees will receive US$50 thousand each. At the end of the challenge, up to 15 implementation grantees will receive up to $2 million each. The Grand Challenge invites grant proposals from U.S.-based non-profit and global academic institutions. The application deadline is 30 July 2024. Bezos Earth Fund
TotalEnergies — Support for Young African Entrepreneurs
The Startupper Challenge by TotalEnergies supports young African entrepreneurs to innovate and bring their projects to reality in their country of application. Winners will receive financial support to develop their startup or business idea. Business owners of startups under 3 years old with a positive impact on their communities or the planet can participate. The challenge is open to young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35. The application deadline is 18 June 2024. Startupper Challenge