The Small Grant Program on Plastic Waste seeks to improve the management of plastic waste and contribute towards preventing and significantly reducing marine pollution. The Program seeks to identify and implement low-cost high impact pilot projects on the ground. Selected projects will seek to enhance capacities in partner countries to implement and enforce the Basel Convention and manage plastic waste in an environmentally sound manner. Budgets range from US$65 thousand to US$180 thousand. The projects will benefit countries in Asia-Pacific, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Central and Eastern Europe. The deadline for submission of proposals is 25 May 2022. Know more about the Small Grants Program
marine/coastal
World Ocean Initiative — Ocean Changemakers Challenge
The Ocean Changemakers Challenge seeks business solutions to ocean-related sustainability challenges. The challenge is aimed at early-career researchers and professionals, entrepreneurs and innovators with solutions to ocean challenges, e.g. marine pollution, overfishing and overexploitation of marine resources, unsustainable aquaculture, or destruction of ocean habitats. Three finalists will receive guidance from renowned ocean leaders as part of a 12-month mentorship program and present their business idea for a blue economy at the World Ocean Tech and Innovation Summit in Canada (October 2022). Entries close on 19 August 2022. Next steps
Entrepreneurship Campus — Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition
The Entrepreneurship Campus invites innovative ideas for the Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition to create a culture for entrepreneurship and implement one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Participants are invited to submit their innovative ideas and projects with a societal impact. Entries will be posted on the competition website and are subject to online commenting and public voting. Winners receive a virtual badge and a certificate. Participants from 13 to 29 years who are operating a business, a non-profit organization or an informal program are eligible to apply. Applications can be submitted until 15 September 2022. Know more
United States Agency for International Development — Environmental and Economic Reactivation Partnerships
The Ecuador New Environmental and Economic Reactivation Partnerships Initiative is designed to increase seascape conservation, combat illegal fishing, reduce ocean plastic pollution, achieve sustainable forests management, and support forest carbon sequestration and economic reactivation. USAID/Ecuador seeks implementing partners from the private sector and civil society. This includes private businesses, foundations, non-profit NGOs, and private educational institutions. USAID/Ecuador is prepared to make 4-6 individual awards of up to US$10 million each. The closing date for applications is 20 October 2022. Details here
Safe Seaweed Coalition — Funding
The Safe Seaweed Coalition (SSC) calls for proposals to support the safety and sustainability of the seaweed industry. SSC will support workshops, working groups, training, staff exchanges, technology platforms, pilot demonstration, prototypes, capacity building, and educational programs. Grants of €50 thousand will help the development of food, environmental, and occupational safety in the seaweed sector. The SSC will take into consideration a suitable geographical balance in its selection of projects across all continents. The submission deadline is 29 April 2022. Safe Seaweed Coalition
Amani Institute — Social Innovation Management
The Amani Institute offers a post-graduate certificate in social innovation management that emphasizes leadership, communication, entrepreneurship and management, and creativity and problem solving. Fellows will participate in a 3-month Immersion phase in Nairobi (Kenya). Fellows represent a diversity of fields contributing to sustainable development, including themes related to the environment. Amani offers discounted tuition plus a limited number of tuition scholarships (but excluding airfare and housing) in cases of extreme need. The application deadline for scholarships is 06 May 2022. Link
Global Landscapes Forum — Africa Photo Competition 2022
The Global Landscapes Forum seeks professional or amateur photographers who show their perspective on the beauty and richness of the African continent. Photographers from all over the world can apply for the GLF Africa 2022 Photo Competition. The competition offers small cash prizes US$400 (1st place), US$300 (2nd place) and US$200 (popular vote). The GLF Africa Photo Competition is open to anyone aged 18 or above. Photos have to be submitted by 10 May 2022. Africa Photo Competition
Copernicus Masters — Blue Challenge
Copernicus Masters is an international innovation competition that honors the best solutions using earth observation data and applications to solve global challenges. The Blue Challenge, sponsored by Portugal Space, seeks innovative and business-oriented ideas for ocean and coastal areas that tackle global problems. The winner receives a cash prize of €10 thousand, support to attend the Space Awards (including expenses for two people), plus other benefits. All participants have the chance to win an additional €10 thousand if chosen as the overall Copernicus winner. The competition is open to participants worldwide. Submissions are open until 11 July 2022. Find the Blue Challenge
Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation Indonesia (Large Grants)
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) makes large grants in support of biodiversity conservation in Indonesia with focus on the “Wallacea Biodiversity Hotspot.” Grants are in support of community-based sustainable small-scale fisheries, protection and conservation of endangered marine species, marine protected areas management, and activities that promote improved marine and coastal ecosystems. This call is for large grants of up to US$75 thousand. Eligibility for grants extends to NGOs, community groups, private enterprises, universities, and other civil society applicants. Call details are available in Indonesian. The closing date for letters of inquiry is 11 April 2022. Wallacea Biodiversity Hotspot
Earth Journalism Network — Pacific Islands Story Grants
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers 12 reporting grants to support the production of in-depth stories that will call attention to critical environmental issues in the Pacific region. ENJ expects at least six stories with focus on ocean issues, such as efforts and solutions to protect the ocean, ways to increase ocean’s resilience to climate change and regulate sustainable use of its resources. ENJ expects to award 12 grants of up to US$1000 each. Journalists from the Pacific Islands are welcome to apply. Deadline for applications is 01 May 2022. Pacific Islands Story Grants