STEAM Future Makers seeks ideas and creative solutions for clean, sustainable, and accessible energy. This competition is open to anyone above 18 years of age from anywhere in the world. Individual contestants are encouraged, however teams of up to three people are allowed to participate via one submission. Ten finalists will be selected and awarded US$1,000 each. Select contestants may receive additional funding for prototype development, if required. Ideas have to be submitted by 31 May 2021. Clean Energy Competition
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French Development Agency — Digital Project for Climate Protection and Biodiversity in Africa
The AFD Digital Challenge supports the development of innovative solutions that help solve challenges of the digital transition with those of climate protection and biodiversity, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG). Solutions should focus on reducing the digital footprint (e.g., reduced energy consumption or eco-construction), building a sustainable economy (e.g., environmental and climate practices or agro-ecology), or preserving natural resources (e.g., preventing natural disasters or preservation of ecosystems). The call is open to startups, associations, and research centers in Africa. The winner will receive €20 thousand. The deadline for application is 26 May 2021. More about the AFD Digital Challenge
Climate Investment Platform — Clean Energy Investments
The Climate Investment Platform (CIP) launches a call for proposals to invest in projects that advance climate action and energy security in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). CIP will award Technical Assistance for US$30 thousand to US$80 thousand to support development of a project concept. Projects must be assisting clean energy transition and/or energy access, including waste and water management and be deployed in Small Island Developing States. The closing date for applications is 27 May 2021. Details here
Colas Group — Responsible Infrastructures
The Colas Group seeks innovative yet pragmatic and achievable ideas for responsible infrastructures that address the need for the local area’s socio-economic development while taking climate and social challenges into account. Winners receive small cash awards and product prizes. Topics include creating solutions to adapt infrastructure to climate change. Eligibility to apply to this challenge extends to students currently enrolled at a post-secondary institution or who recently graduated less than 2 years before the current scholar year. The challenge closes 30 May 2021. Colas CSR Challenge
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association — Marine Research Grants
The Marine Research Grant (MARG I) provides young and upcoming scientists with funding to turn their ideas into research projects. The MARG-I Research Grant of US$10 thousand is awarded for a duration of 1 year. Early-career scientists and resource managers involved in research in the marine sciences in the Western Indian Ocean region are eligible to apply. The deadline for submission of applications is 30 May 2021. MARG I
African ChangeMakers — Initiative Awards for Africa
The African ChangeMakers Initiative Awards (ACiAwards) celebrates entrepreneurial ingenuity of social entrepreneurs, businesses, and social innovators across Africa and the world. African ChangeMakers seeks to identify people or organizations turning problems into solutions on a large scale, defender of humanity, peace & freedom, and planet protection. Awardees will be honored during African ChangeMakers Leadership Summit. Entries for applications close 31 May 2021. African ChangeMakers
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Bhutan
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Bhutan. The priorities under this call include one on environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management. The average contribution is C$25 thousand to C$50 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The deadline for submission is 10 May 2021. CFLI Bhutan
UN-Habitat — Innovate4Cities Conference
UN-Habitat seeks regional curator teams comprised of local governments, research institutions and innovation partners to support the delivery of program segments that feature tangible on-the-ground outcomes on the nexus between science and practice for ambitious delivery of climate goals. The Innovate4Cities Conference Regional Curatorial teams will be recognized as supporters of the event and gain significant organizational and brand visibility. The submission period ends 10 May 2021. Call for Regional Curators
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Biodiversity Information for Development: Caribbean
The Biodiversity Information for Development program aims to enhance capacity for effective mobilization and use of biodiversity data in support of decision- and policymaking for sustainable development in the Caribbean. GBIF offers support for four types of projects: (1) Regional biodiversity data mobilization to establish or strengthen international collaborations (maximum funding: €120 thousand for projects involving three or more countries); (2) National biodiversity data mobilization to respond to national priorities (maximum funding: €40 thousand); (3) Institution-level biodiversity data mobilization to mobilize biodiversity data relevant for sustainable development (maximum funding: €20 thousand); and (4) Data-use grants that build on existing relationships to provide data solutions that respond to a specific policy need (maximum funding: €60 thousand). Applicants must be legal entities such as government agencies, natural history museums, research institutes, universities, or NGOs located in the Caribbean. Concept notes must be submitted by 12 May 2021. Details here
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Biodiversity Information for Development: Sub-Saharan Africa
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) invites proposals for project funding from Sub-Saharan Africa under the “Biodiversity Information for Development” program. GBIF offers support for four types of projects: (1) Regional biodiversity data mobilization to establish or strengthen international collaborations (maximum funding: €120 thousand for projects involving three or more countries); (2) National biodiversity data mobilization to respond to national priorities (maximum funding: €40 thousand); (3) Institution-level biodiversity data mobilization to mobilize biodiversity data relevant for sustainable development (maximum funding: €20 thousand); and (4) Data-use grants that build on existing relationships to provide data solutions that respond to a specific policy need (maximum funding: €60 thousand). Applicants must be legal entities such as government agencies, natural history museums, research institutes, universities, or NGOs located in an eligible African country. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 12 May 2021. BID Africa