Rare’s Center for Behavior & the Environment and partners seek existing solutions that are changing behaviors to help solve the world’s most challenging environmental problems. For this year’s contest, Solutions Search looks for promising approaches that are shifting people’s behavior toward cleaner, healthier water ecosystems. Contest entrants get access to capacity building, workshops, and networking opportunities to further refine and scale their solution. The overall winner will receive US$25 thousand, among numerous other prizes, including a US$5 thousand prize awarded to the best early entrant (for submissions prior to 30 November). Any organization or institution worldwide is eligible (e.g., city government, business, non-profit, university, etc.). Individuals are not eligible to enter. The regular submission deadline is 10 January 2021. Access Solution Search
governments
European Commission — SWITCH-Asia for Sustainable Production and Consumption in Asia
SWITCH-Asia makes grants to promote sustainable production and consumption in Asia. Grants support small and medium enterprises in Asia to use processes, products, and services that reduce pollution and mitigate climate change. The program also supports a network facility for communications with stakeholders, and a policy component to promote measures that advance the switch to sustainable consumption patterns and behavior among Asian consumers. Applications are accepted from nonprofit organizations in eligible European and Asian countries, as well as in OECD member countries in the case of least-developed and highly-indebted ODA countries. Grants range from €1 million to €2.5 million, subject to cost shares. The deadline for concept notes is 18 December 2020. Find the call
European Commission — Improving Local Government Services in Macedonia
The European Union seeks to strengthen the capacity of local self-government in Macedonia by involving citizens, civil society organizations, and businesses in problem solving. The EU makes grants ranging from €300 thousand to €800 thousand to projects with focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable use of natural resources (such as energy and water), pollution prevention, and the protection and restoration of ecosystems. Eligibility extends to local government units (municipalities) in the Republic of North Macedonia. The application deadline is 30 December 2020. More here
The Commonwealth — Innovation for Sustainable Development
The Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards recognizes projects and contributions in advancing the sustainable development goals in Commonwealth countries. The Award has five categories: (1) Well-being (i.e. health, education, human rights etc.); (2) Prosperity (i.e. economic development, trade, etc.); (3) Peace; (4) Planet and the natural environment; and (5) Partnerships for sustainable development. 15 winners will each receive a trophy, a certificate and prize money of £3 thousand. Eligibility extends to individuals, governments, social enterprises, and businesses in Commonwealth countries. The deadline for nominations is 31 January 2021. Innovation for Sustainable Development Award 2021
U.S. Agency for International Development — Feed the Future Bangladesh
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks applications for a cooperative agreement from qualified entities to implement the Feed the Future Bangladesh Livestock and Nutrition Activity. The goal of this activity is to sustainably increase livestock productivity, marketability, and consumption of livestock products. USAID intends to award one Cooperative Agreement of US$19.5 million in total funding. Eligibility for application is unrestricted. The closing date for applications is 03 December 2020. Link
African Academy of Sciences — Food Security and Nutrition in Africa
The Grand Challenge Africa makes seed grants to innovative projects and technologies that achieve food security and nutrition in Africa. The challenge focuses on the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. The call seeks innovative global development and health solutions related to achieving food security and nutrition. The call will fund projects up to US$100 thousand for a maximum of 2 years. Applicants can be colleges and universities, government laboratories, research institutions, for profit and non-profit organizations. The call encourages scientific collaborations between African researchers and other organizations across the continent. The application deadline is 04 December 2020. Find the call
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation — Smart Farming Innovations for Small-Scale Producers
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation seeks smart farming solutions that leverage digital technology innovations that have the potential to drive positive impact for small-scale producer entrepreneurs. There are two grant types – Seed Grants (up to US$250 thousand) and Scale-Up Grants (up to US$1.5 million) – each with its own requirements detailed in the announcement. The Foundation will prioritize applicants who partner with organizations interested in smart farming in low- and middle-income countries. Applicants should be part of a consortium consisting of several types of organizations, such as enterprise technology platforms, enterprise agriculture, ag-tech startups, research organizations, national and international NGOs and farmer-based organizations, government and international organizations. The application deadline is 25 February 2021. Details here
Columbia Center on Sustainable Development — Training on Sustainable Investments in Agriculture
Columbia University invites applications for a training course on Sustainable Investments in Agriculture. Due to the current global situation, the 2021 training program will be held virtually, not in-person. The training will be made freely available to accepted participants from non-profit organizations and government officials from low- and middle-income countries. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis until 31 March 2021. About the training program
Kingdom of Bahrain — King Hamad Award for Sustainable Development
The Kingdom of Bahrain seeks youth contribution and projects that enable youth participation for the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The first category of the King Hamad Award is open to individuals (under the age of 30) or a youth-focused entity that develop initiatives to end poverty and hunger, protect the planet’s natural resources and climate, and promote peace. Five winners will receive US$20 thousand each. The second category is open to governmental, private sector, media, and nonprofit entities. Three winners will receive US$25 thousand each. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2020. More information
Cambodia Climate Change Alliance — Innovation Responding to Climate Change
The Cambodia Climate Change Alliance (CCCA) offers grants in support of Cambodia’s national priorities on climate change. The CCCA expects to award grants in amounts between US$50 thousand and US$100 thousand. Proposed projects should include innovative elements (technology or processes) and demonstrate a clear understanding of barriers to the adoption and scaling-up of the proposed innovation(s). The program is open to government ministries or agencies; NGOs (local and international based in Cambodia); and universities (based in Cambodia). The closing date for concept notes is 27 November 2020. Find information