The International Society of Tropical Foresters (ISTF) awards an Innovation Prize to honor outstanding initiatives and ideas related to tropical forest use and conservation. ISTF seeks innovative examples of approaches, experiences, or efforts of individuals, groups, or organizations in line with “Governing Resilient Tropical Forest Systems”. Finalists will receive a cash award contingent on the quality of submissions and ISTF fundraising efforts (usually between US$1,000 and US$3,000). The application deadline is 22 November 2024. ISTF Innovation Prize
energy
U.S. African Development Foundation — Off-Grid Energy Challenge
The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) requests proposals for the USADF Off-Grid Energy Challenge. Selected African off-grid energy companies will receive funding in the form of grant capital of up to US$250 thousand. Applicants must be 100% African-owned and -managed to be considered for the Challenge. Applicants must submit the completed application before 12 December 2024. Off-Grid Energy
EnDev — Renewable Energy Uganda
EnDev offers Business Development Services support through targeted mentorship, training, and coaching in thematic areas that promote key business processes and operations to interested enterprises in the solar and cooking sectors in Uganda. The target is to support selected solar and cooking enterprises to grow their business and the renewable energy subsector in general. Applications are open to small and medium enterprises operating in the solar and clean cooking sectors in Uganda. Enterprises can apply until 13 November 2024. Details
Acumen — West Africa Fellowship
The Acumen Fellows Program supports social innovators from West Africa who are tackling issues of poverty and injustice within their community. The Fellowship consists of a fully-funded leadership program, where Fellows remain in their role while taking part in a series of immersive seminars, workshops, and group practice. Past fellows have included several in smallholder agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, fair trade, and other subject areas. Applications have to be received by 25 November 2024. Acumen West Africa Fellowship
Social Science Research Council — Next Generation Social Sciences in Africa 2025
The Social Science Research Council offers Individual Research Fellowships to support research and analysis on peacebuilding. Past topics have included some related to climate change and land issues. Fellowships support six months of field-based research through a stipend of up to US$15 thousand. Applicants must be African citizens currently residing in an African country while holding a current faculty position at an accredited college or university. The application deadline is 31 January 2025. Next Generation Africa
United Nations Development Programme — Energy Accelerator
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) seeks startups with a solution to solve Africa’s energy challenges. The GreenTech Hub aims to foster startups developing groundbreaking solutions in renewable energy tailored to African needs. The program provides technical support, mentorship, access to funding, and advocacy to support green enterprises to grow and scale their businesses. The most viable and high-impact startups selected from the program will receive long-term support for 6 months. Startups must be legally registered and operating within Africa. The deadline for applications is 20 October 2024. GreenTech Hub
Loyola Foundation — Catholic Mission Activities
The Loyola Foundation supports family-based charitable organizations in less developed countries worldwide. Past grants have helped finance the installation of solar power plants, water wells, or the construction of churches, schools, and health clinics. Generally, the Foundation accepts requests up to US$20 thousand. Projects must be part of an overseas catholic mission activity. Completed applications must be received by 31 March and 30 September 2025. Link
U.S. Agency for International Development — Development Innovation Ventures
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
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