The UN SDG Action Awards aim to support action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mobilizers, storytellers, campaigners, connectors, visualizers, and creatives fighting for sustainable development can apply. The Awards are open to individuals, organizations, governments, foundations, or private sector leaders worldwide. The winners will be announced at a special UN SDG Action Awards Ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York City, USA. Applications have to be submitted before 07 May 2025. UN SDG Action Awards
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International Water Association — Water and Development Awards
The International Water Association (IWA) seeks nominations for the Water and Development Awards to recognize leadership, innovation, and excellence in advancing water and sanitation solutions for low- and middle-income countries. Winners will be honored at the IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition in Bangkok. Eligibility extends to individuals and organizations active in the water sector across practice, academia, consultancy, NGOs, and government. Nominations close on 11 May 2025. IWA Water and Development Awards
Nature — Awards for Mentoring in Science
The Nature Awards for Mentoring in Science recognizes those who support early-career researchers in their career development. This year’s award focuses on mentors in the United Kingdom and invites former mentees to nominate a mentor who has significantly contributed to their careers. Each award comes with a cash prize of US$10 thousand. Applications close on 18 May 2025. Nature Awards for Mentoring in Science
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission — Distance Learning for Masters Courses in the UK
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships support distance learning Master’s degree courses offered in partnership with local providers in developing countries, as well as courses delivered directly by UK universities. The available offerings include agriculture; tropical forestry; veterinary medicine; environmental management; conservation and wildlife management; risk and disaster management; and others. Eligibility for support extends to Commonwealth citizens of developing Commonwealth countries, refugees, and British-protected persons. Applicants must be permanent residents of a developing Commonwealth country and meet the entry educational requirements. The application deadline is 20 May 2025. Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
L’Oreal and UNESCO — Young Women in Science South Africa
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program supports the involvement of young women in scientific research. This program rewards young female researchers in life and environmental sciences, material sciences, mathematics, computer and information sciences, engineering sciences, and technology. Researchers will receive $8 thousand to support their doctoral or postdoctoral research studies. The doctoral candidates must work in a research laboratory, institute, or university in South Africa. Applications have to be submitted by 20 May 2025. Women in Science
Seeding Labs — Scientific Equipment for Research and Education
Seeding Labs welcomes applications to participate in Instrumental Access. The program makes high-quality laboratory equipment and supplies more affordable to university departments in low- and middle-income countries. Seeding Labs receives donated equipment from a variety of sources, including research institutions and manufacturers. Applicants submit online requests for items included in the Seeding Labs equipment inventory. Items are mainly for biology and chemistry. The average value of the items included in a shipment, based on the secondary (used) market, is generally in the range of US$100 thousand. The recipient organizations are charged a fee (based on their country’s income level) for program administration, equipment warehousing, equipment packing, and ocean freight. The deadline for submissions is 23 May 2025. About Instrumental Access
Fondation Yves Rocher — Photography Award, Environment and the Planet 2025
The Yves Rocher Foundation’s Photography Award is awarded to a professional photographer who wishes to make a journalistic study of issues relating to the environment, humanity’s relationship with the planet, or the core challenges to sustainability. Eligibility extends to professional photojournalists who can write and speak in French or English. The winner will receive an award of €8 thousand. The closing date for applications is 25 May 2025. Prix Photo
European Environment Agency — Photo Competition
The European Environment Agency (EEA) invites nature and photography enthusiasts to showcase their photographic talent in the 2025 edition of our annual photo competition. This year’s competition “Environment&Me” provides a unique opportunity to showcase your take on our planet’s journey toward a sustainable future. 3 winners receive €1000 for “best photo” in each category. The competition is open to the citizens of the EU 27 Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Türkiye, North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Photos must be submitted by 30 May 2025. EEA Photo Competition
D-Prize — Funding Entrepreneurs to Alleviate Poverty
The D-Prize funds pilot projects that more widely distribute relatively low-cost products and services in the fight against poverty. The current challenges include social enterprises for innovations in specified themes of agriculture; energy; WASH; and several other categories. The D-Prize will award 30 teams with up to US$20 thousand each to launch nonprofits or social ventures that can distribute proven poverty interventions to people in need. Eligibility to compete extends to entrepreneurs anywhere in the world and of any age or background. The D-Prize invites concept notes before 18 May (early deadline); 08 June (regular deadline); or 29 June 2025 (limited extension). Link to D-Prize
Village Capital — Greentech Asia
Village Capital launches an investment readiness program that supports startups with innovative solutions to accelerate sustainable development. The program currently accepts startups from Malaysia and Vietnam, addressing underestimated communities in the region. The program will run for twelve weeks. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, through 09 May 2025. Greentech Asia