Each year, the Lipman Family Prize awards cash to three social impact organizations – US$250 thousand for the winning organization and US$125 thousand for each of the two other honorees. The award recognizes and amplifies the work of organizations devoted to positive social impact and creating sustainable solutions to significant social and economic challenges. Past winners include projects in the field of improved sanitation, energy innovations, and micro-forestry. Eligibility extends to organizations from all around the world addressing social and economic issues. Applications close on 31 July 2025. Find details
natural disasters
Geneva Centre for Security Policy — Prize for Innovation in Global Security
The Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) offers a prize to recognize groundbreaking concepts by any individual, group of individuals, or organization, that offer exceptional potential in addressing peace and security challenges. All disciplines and fields are relevant (including climate change and environmental security). The winner will receive CHF10 thousand and a certificate. The deadline for applications is 25 September 2025. Details here
Japan Science and Technology Agency — Research Partnership 2026
The Japan Science and Technology Agency, in collaboration with the Japan International Collaboration Agency, calls for proposals for the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS). Proposals are invited in the following research fields: environment/energy; bio-resources; and disaster prevention and mitigation. The SATREPS program provides funding of approx. ¥ 100 million per project per year. Researchers external to Japan should consult their national government agency responsible for ODA technical cooperation, the Embassy of Japan, or JICA offices in their resident countries. The deadline for proposals is 14 October 2025. Science and Technology Research Partnership
Belmont Forum — Resilience Collaborative Research Action
The Resilience Collaborative Research Action (CRA) call focuses on transdisciplinary research about vulnerability and resilience management for socio-environmental systems in exposed territories. Funding will support research consortia composed of international partners from various disciplines. The project duration is 36 months. All projects should include 3 funding agencies from 3 different countries. The deadline for proposals is 17 October 2025. Know more
Japan Water Forum — Small Grants for Water Projects
The Japan Water Forum makes small grants to grassroots organizations in least-developed countries. Funding is made to projects addressing local water-related issues, including innovative solutions for water and sanitation, risk reduction for water-related disasters, and WASH projects. Grants are up to US$1,500. The application deadline is 30 June 2025. Details here
Stiftung Entrepreneurship — Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition 2025
The Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition (CEC) invites entrepreneurs from all around the world to submit innovative answers and ideas to solve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Young entrepreneurs (age 15-35) submit their ideas and projects in the Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship category. Entrepreneurs over 30 years apply to the Adult Citizen Entrepreneurship category. The winners receive a certificate and international recognition. The deadline for entries is 12 August 2025. About the competition
SEAMEO — Education for Sustainable Development
The SEAMEO-Japan Education for Sustainable Development Award invites public and private schools across Southeast Asia to showcase initiatives that enhance community resilience through local wisdom in disaster risk reduction. The first prize includes US$1,000 and a study tour to Japan for selected students and teachers. Second and third prizes are US$600 and US$400, respectively. Eligible schools include kindergartens, elementary, secondary, and vocational institutions. The submission deadline is 15 August 2025. Details here
Posterheroes — International Contest about Social and Environmental Issues
Submissions are open for the Posterheroes contest that calls for posters about social and environmental issues. Posterheroes invites students, professional designers, and everyone who is into graphic design to create a poster. Participants can win a cash prize of up to US$2,500. The submission deadline is 22 August 2025. Link to the contest
United Nations University — MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
The United Nations University (UNU) and the University of Bonn welcome applicants for the international joint MSc program, “Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security.” The ideal candidate has a strong interest or experience in human-nature relations and risk governance in the Global South. Women and applicants from developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships to financially support successful applicants from developing countries. The application deadline is 15 December 2025. More
iF International Forum Design GmbH — Social Impact Prize
The iF Social Impact Prize aims to publish and support design projects that contribute to solving urgent challenges and help to improve living conditions in the developing world. Solutions should already be established and help to solve well-known issues in any category of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The best projects will share a cash prize of €100 thousand in total. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations, companies, and foundations (student concepts will not be accepted). The application deadline is 01 September 2025. iF Social Impact Prize