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
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Global Innovation Fund — Social Innovations for the Developing World
The Global Innovation Fund (GIF) welcomes proposals of innovative and cost-effective solutions that address any major development challenge (including energy, water access, agriculture and fisheries) in any country or in multiple countries of the developing world. The program is open to teams and coalitions from social enterprises, for-profit companies, NGOs, government agencies, international organizations, and researchers anywhere in the world. GIF offers grants, loans, and equity investments ranging from US$230 thousand to US$15 million. Applicants should propose the level and type of funding that is appropriate for their innovation, based on the stage of development. GIF accepts applications on a continuous basis. Information
Marisla Foundation — Marine Resources and Toxic Chemicals
The Marisla Foundation makes grants to projects that promote the conservation of biological diversity and advance sustainable ecosystem management in North America, Mexico, Hawaii, Chile, and the Western Pacific. The Foundation also supports the search for solutions to health and environmental threats caused by toxic chemicals. Eligibility for grants extends to charitable organizations and governmental entities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed four times each year. Link
OceanX Education — Young Explorers
OceanX Education offers students and early-career professionals with a passion for ocean science, media storytelling, and exploration the opportunity to participate in a multi-day experience to acquire foundational knowledge and skills in ocean science, marine operations, and digital media storytelling alongside world-class experts. Applications for transit programs on board the R/V OceanXplorer in 2025 are open. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Details
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change — Adaptation Fund
The Adaptation Fund makes grants for projects and programs that address the adverse impacts of climate change. Eligibility for grants extends to countries that are Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, with emphasis on developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Grants are primarily to government organizations such as national ministries, development institutes, local government authorities, and others — sometimes in partnership with civil society organizations. Project proposals are submitted through any of the Fund’s national, regional, or multilateral implementing entities. The Adaptation Fund accepts project and program proposals on a rolling basis. About the Adaptation Fund
Coca-Cola Foundation — Water Projects for Communities
The Coca-Cola Foundation’s priority areas for grant-making are women, well-being, and water. Past projects include grants for access to clean water and sanitation; watershed management in water-stressed areas; multiple-use systems for water; and education and awareness in water conservation. Grants are generally made to tax-exempt nonprofit charitable organizations. Grant seekers apply for cash grants or fund-raising sponsorships. Coca-Cola’s regional and country foundations share these global priorities and add others — mainly in areas of education, health, and environment. Applications can be submitted at any time. Link
Government of Switzerland — Renewable Energy Promotion in Developing Countries
The independent platform Renewable Energy, Energy and Resource Efficiency Promotion in Developing and Transition Countries (REPIC) supports projects in the field of renewable energies and/or energy efficiency and/or resource efficiency (waste, wastewater, and industrial processes). The project applicant has to be a Swiss organization (companies, NGOs, institutes, etc.) but the project target country must be a developing country. The maximum amount per project is CHF 150 thousand. Applications can be submitted at any time. Application procedure
Marsh Christian Trust — Support for Environmental Causes and Animal Welfare
The Marsh Christian Trust offers long-term core funding to small registered charities. It supports a few hundred different charities per annum across fields, including environmental causes and animal welfare, among other subjects. Since its inception, the Trust has been a supporter of organizations devoted to nature conservation and the well-being of wildlife, both within the UK and internationally. Grants range from £300 to £2,000. The applicant must be a UK-registered charity. Applications are sent to the Trust’s postal address in London, where they are reviewed on a continuous basis. About the Marsh Christian Trust
U.S. Agency for International Development — Development Innovation Ventures
USAID sponsors Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) to identify, develop, test, and scale innovative approaches in development. DIV’s portfolio includes projects across the range of USAID’s program areas – including in agriculture, energy, climate change, water, waste management, and others related to natural resources and the environment. Applicants may apply for any of the three following stages: Proof of Concept (Up to US$200 thousand for up to 3 years), Testing and Positioning for Scale (US$200 thousand to $1.5 million for up to 3 years), and Scaling (US$1.5 million to US$15 million for up to 5 years). Proposals are accepted year-round, from any type of organization (including private businesses, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, foundations, civic groups, regional organizations, and international organizations), in any country. Link
UNESCO — Young Professionals Program
UNESCO invites applications for the UNESCO Young Professionals Program as a starting point for a career at UNESCO. The program is designed for university graduates and young professionals from non- and under-represented Member States. Applicants should have an advanced university degree; be fluent in English or French; and meet other criteria relevant to experience, skills, and age. Every year, around 20 applicants are accepted into the program. UNESCO Young Professionals Program