The Young Leaders for the SDGs initiative recognizes young people who are leading efforts to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative offers Young Leaders a range of benefits designed to support and amplify their impact. The United Nations seeks applications from young people of all backgrounds from all around the world. Applications are being accepted until 18 April 2025. Young Leaders for the SDGs
forests
Rainforest Action Network — Protect-an-Acre Fund
The Protect-an-Acre Fund makes small grants to protect forests, promote local self-sufficiency, and strengthen the rights and livelihoods of forest communities. Grants are to local forest communities, indigenous federations, and NGOs active in rainforest zones worldwide. Grants generally do not exceed US$5 thousand. Applications can be submitted at any time. Protect an Acre
Curt Bergfors Foundation — Food Planet Prize
The Food Planet Prize seeks ideas that could solve the dilemma of feeding a growing population on a warming planet. The prize awards two initiatives with €2 million each to speed up their product, project, or program. Nominees can be individuals, groups, organizations or businesses. Nominations from all over the world are welcome. The Foundation accepts nominations all year round. Food Planet Prize
Savvy — Fellowship for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs
The Savvy Fellowship is a 12-week online learning program for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. Savvy seeks early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs from across Africa working on solving the most pressing problems through innovation. Fellows will receive support, mentorship, and access to a lifelong community in support of their innovative business ideas. Fellows have to be no older than 40 years. The Savvy Fellowship program is open year-round and accepts applications on a rolling basis. More
Government of Luxembourg — Business Partnership Facility
The Government of Luxembourg provides financial support to the private sector in Europe to set up sustainable commercial projects in partnership with private or public organizations in developing countries. Project proposals should focus on one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and may not exceed €200 thousand. Applications can be submitted before 30 April 2025. Details here
PAGES — African Mobility Fellowship
PAGES runs an International Mobility Research Fellowship Program for African early-career scientists on past global changes. The program aims to contribute to the development of collaborative research and the promotion of paleoscience networks in Africa. The fellowship supports African early-career scientists pursuing international research experience in paleoscience and is intended to support costs associated with international travel and living expenses while abroad. The next deadline for new applications is 15 August 2025. African Mobility Fellowship
French-African Foundation — Young Leaders 2025
The French-African Foundation invites applications for Young Leaders 2025. The program recognizes and supports young leaders to become true agents of change in relation to global challenges. Candidates must be between 28 and 40 years old and have French nationality or the nationality of an African country. Successful candidates will spend five days in France, five days in Africa, engage in high-level meetings and receive training and mentorship. Flights and accommodation will be provided. The deadline for applications is 30 March 2025. About the program
Global EbA Fund — Global Ecosystem-based Adaptation
The Global Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Fund supports scaling up innovative approaches to ecosystem-based adaptation to increase the resilience of communities against the impacts of climate change. The goal is to build awareness and understanding of the critical role of natural assets in underpinning resilience and expand the knowledge base to help make the case for working with people and nature. The fund is open for contributions of US$50 thousand to US$250 thousand, with no specified country focus. The maximum project duration is 36 months. Projects may have a global, thematic, regional and/or country-specific focus. The Fund accepts and reviews applications year-round and makes biannual funding decisions. Global EbA Fund
OPEC Fund for International Development — Grants
The OPEC Fund provides financial assistance to developing countries, particularly low-income countries, in support of their economic and social development efforts. OPEC will consider requests for (i) grants for country-specific activities and projects; (ii) grants for special development initiatives of global or regional scope; and (iii) emergency aid. In the past, the OPEC Fund has financed projects in agriculture, energy, health, transportation, and water and sanitation sectors. The amount of the contribution will vary according to the scope and the nature of the proposed activity. However, except for emergency aid and small grants in amounts of up to US$100 thousand, OPEC’s contribution should not exceed 50% of the total cost. Eligible partners are any government or non-government entity, including co-financing partners, private sector entities, research entities, UN agencies, and international NGOs. There is no deadline. Know more about the OPEC Fund
Inter-American Foundation — Grants for NGOs in Latin America and Caribbean
The Inter-American Foundation (IAF) makes grants to non-governmental and community-based organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean to raise the living conditions of disadvantaged populations, and to advance other social goals. The Foundation’s grant-making interests include grassroots projects in agriculture; clean water and sanitation; community conservation; and local management of natural resources (forests, fisheries, etc.). Applicants may request grants in the range of US$25 thousand to US$400 thousand. Applications can be submitted in Spanish, Portuguese, English, French, or Haitian Creole. Community Development Grants