The Equator Prize 2023 recognizes innovative initiatives from Indigenous peoples and local communities that demonstrate exceptional achievements in nature-based solutions for local sustainable development. Nominated projects may focus on solutions for sustainable food systems, restoration of ecosystems that help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change, or protection of terrestrial or marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and wildlife. Special consideration will be given to nominees working on water security and disaster risk reduction. The nominated initiative must have been in existence for at least three years. Each winner will receive US$10 thousand. Nominations must be submitted by 12 April 2023. Equator Prize
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Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Malawi
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives supports small-scale, high-impact projects in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Malawi. The priorities under this call include women’s economic rights (which can include agriculture), environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management. The average contribution is C$40 thousand to C$50 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. Expressions of Interest have to be submitted by 14 April 2023. CFLI Zimbabwe, Botswana and Malawi
European Commission — Cross-Border Cooperation Montenegro – Albania
The European Commission (EC) supports cross-border cooperation with a view to promoting socio-economic development in Montenegro and Albania. The call for proposals seeks cooperation in the field of cultural and natural heritage preservation that enhances the competitiveness of the tourism sector, protects the environment and promotes climate change adaptation, or promotes labor. Applicants may request up to €900 thousand in project funding. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations established in Montenegro or Albania. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 15 June 2023. Know more
OPEC Fund for International Development — Young Professional Development Program
The Young Professional Development Program (YPDP) is a two-year program designed to prepare young professionals from OPEC Fund member countries for a career in global development. The themes include poverty reduction, energy and sustainable development, environment, and other related science and technology fields. YPDP offers training, coaching and mentoring, the opportunity to experience different departments and access to professional networks. To be selected for the program, applicants must be 30 years of age (or younger) and hold a Master’s degree. The deadline for applications is 24 March 2023. More about the YPDP
Tony Elumelu Foundation — Entrepreneurship Program for Africans 2023
The Tony Elumelu Foundation fosters and supports start-up enterprises in Africa. The TEF Entrepreneurship Program provides mentoring, training, forums, seed capital, and alumni support to individuals in Africa proposing new business ideas or early-stage companies in sectors that include agriculture, among others. Participants receive up to US$5 thousand in seed capital. The program is open to citizens and legal residents ages 18 and older in any African country. The next application deadline (English, French, Portuguese) is 31 March 2023. TEF Entrepreneurship Program
Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship — Training for Social Entrepreneurs
The Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship accepts applications for an accelerator program focused on social enterprises looking to scale a proven impact model. The program is designed for established social entrepreneurs that directly serve people living in poverty who suffer disproportionately from climate change. Climate resilience falls into one of the following three categories: sustainable energy, availability of sustainable management of water and sanitation, and climate-smart agriculture. Non-profit, for-profit, or hybrid social enterprises that have a clear commitment to an earned revenue model with the potential for scale are all encouraged to apply. There are no geographical limitations. Participants are selected on a rolling basis. The application deadline for the upcoming accelerator is 31 March 2023. Link to Miller Center
Earth Journalism Network — Story Grants to Report on the Mediterranean Sea
Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers story grants to selected journalists to report on overfishing, illegal fishing and the biodiversity crisis in the Mediterranean region. ENJ expects to make 5 awards of €1.000 each. Applicants can be from any country that borders the Mediterranean Sea. Applications are open to journalists working in any medium (online, print, television, radio) and other expert media practitioners with professional reporting experience. Deadline for applications is 07 April 2023. Story Grants
Association of Commonwealth Universities — Higher Education and SDGs Grants
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) accepts applications for the Higher Education and the SDGs Challenge Grants to fund collaborative work around the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The grants are open to professional and academic staff at ACU member universities. Four grants of £2,500 are available. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with member universities to promote further Commonwealth partnerships, or other organizations such as local governments. The closing date is 02 May 2023. Details here
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation — Research Fellowship for Brazilian Postdoctoral Researchers
The Capes-Humboldt Research Fellowship supports postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers from Brazil with their research in collaboration with a host at a German research institution. Fellowships may last from 6 to 18 months and can be divided into up to three stays within three years. The monthly fellowship amount is €2,600. The next application deadline is 31 May 2023. More here
United Nations World Food Programme — Fighting Hunger Worldwide
The World Food Program (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. The program seeks profit and non-profit organizations with great ideas and bold solutions to solve hunger globally. The Innovation Accelerator offers financial support, training and access to WFP partners and technical experts. Selected teams get an opportunity to develop their projects and receive up to US$ 100 thousand. Startups must apply by 31 December 2023. About