The Catalyst Fund makes small grants for ideas that are early-stage, unconventional, and innovative. It favors bold ideas that depart from the status quo, and that look at a problem and its solution in a new light. There are no restrictions by theme or place (and may include the subjects of the Terra Viva Grants Directory). Proposals can take the form of cutting-edge products, experimental programs, new services, inventions, etc. Eligibility for funding extends to anyone in the world, individuals and teams. Grants range from US$2,500 to US$15 thousand. The Fund accepts applications on a continuous basis with no deadlines. Find out more
natural disasters
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). Social projects can be submitted until 24 April 2024. iF Social Impact Prize
InsuResilience Solutions Fund — Climate Risk Insurance Products
InsuResilience Solutions Fund (ISF) seeks projects with a holistic approach to disaster relief and preparedness. The Fund will support the development of new climate risk insurance products or the scaling-up of already existing products to increase the resilience of poor and vulnerable people in developing countries to climate change. The ISF provides grant-based co-funding of up to €2.5 million but requires matching the grant funding (in-kind and/or as a financial contribution). Eligibility extends to private and public organizations located in Asia and the Pacific, Africa, and Latin America. The application deadline is 05 April 2024. More information
World Habitat — World Habitat Awards 2025
The World Habitat Awards (WHA) demonstrate solutions to current housing issues faced by countries worldwide. The WHA takes a broad perspective to include energy, waste management, water conservation, resilience to natural disasters, and other environmental aspects in its definition of habitat. Two winners will each receive £10 thousand. The deadline for applications (English, French, Spanish) is 03 March 2024. World Habitat Awards
United Nations — Local Pathways Fellowship
The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Youth Initiative (SDSN Youth) recruits participants for its 2024 cohort of the Local Pathways Fellows. The 10-months fellowship program provides young leaders with a platform, capacity building, training opportunities and contacts of leading development experts and practitioners. The Local Pathways Fellowship is unpaid. Fellows will benefit from global visibility and exposure. Young candidates (18-30 years) working towards achieving any of the Sustainable Development Goals and representing any city or country in the world are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted until 22 January 2024. Link to Local Pathways
University of Rhode Island — Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists
The University of Rhode Island’s Metcalf Institute for Marine & Environmental Reporting accepts applications for its annual Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists. The workshop provides journalists with access to leading scientists and policymakers and a chance to gain a deeper understanding of science-based stories on natural, social, and engineering research guiding an equitable transition to clean energy. The fellowship is designed for early- to mid-career, full-time journalists worldwide. The 2024 annual workshop will explore the clean energy transition. The application deadline is 12 February 2024. About the workshop and how to apply
Right Livelihood Award — Annual Nominations 2024
The Right Livelihood Awards are annually made to individuals and organizations offering practical and exemplary answers to the most urgent challenges facing us today. The Award is sometimes referred to as the “Alternative Nobel Prize.” Past laureates include several whose work in issues of environment and natural resources advances social justice and grassroots development in the developing world. Normally, the Foundation makes three cash awards and one honorary award each year. Nominations are invited from anyone worldwide (excluding self-nominations, close relatives, and Foundation staff and jury). The deadline for nominations is 01 March 2024. Nominate
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 prize is a fully funded 2-month incubation program within the GCSP’s Creative Spark in Geneva (worth CHF 15 thousand). The deadline for applications is 25 March 2024. Details here
AirAsia Foundation — Improving Communities
The AirAsia Foundation makes grants to social enterprises with projects to empower communities, enable them to build sustainable livelihoods, tackle social problems, or protect the environment. Applicants must be registered and be based in ASEAN. NGOs looking to diversify funding sources through social enterprise are welcomed to submit an application. AirAsia’s priority is to support smaller social enterprises. Applications can be submitted anytime, but the review process may take up to 6 months. Link
New Earth Foundation — Innovative Environmental Initiatives
The New Earth Foundation (NEF) seeks Letter of Inquiries (LOIs) to fund innovative environmental initiatives that are working to help eliminate pollution and to save the planet’s ecosystems, and community projects that create models of social sustainability. Past projects include gardening and building houses in earthquake impacted regions, using solar equipment to provide clean water to poor communities, planting trees for clean air, and many others. NEF only funds 501(c)(3) organizations. Applicants from outside the US may apply through a fiscal sponsor. Letters of Inquiry can be sent at any time during the year. These letters are reviewed twice a year and applicants that fit the requirements will receive the invitation to submit a full grant application. The deadlines for review are 01 February and 01 July each year. More about this opportunity