The French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) and the French Development Agency (AFD) seek French companies or NGOs with innovations for access to energy for people not connected to energy networks. The involvement of local African actors (local companies, NGOs, local authorities) is desirable. Environmental criteria of each project (use of renewable energies, environmental management of water; impact on biodiversity, climate change, etc.) are an important evaluation factor. Funding of €250 thousand per project is available for up to 12 projects. The application deadline is 16 December 2019. Link
nonprofit orgs
Inter-American Development Bank — Rethink Plastics Challenge
The Inter-American Development Bank seeks innovative solutions that reduce or eliminate the production of single-use plastic and plastic waste in Latin America and the Caribbean. The challenge offers US$60 thousand in cash prizes. In addition, the winning submissions could be considered for a pilot project and receive a financial contribution of up to US$250 thousand. Individuals, teams and organizations are eligible to submit projects. The deadline to submit a solution is 14 January 2020. Find more information
German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety — International Climate Initiative (Country Specific Call: India)
Germany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI) supports projects on climate change mitigation and adaptation, and biodiversity projects that have climate relevance. Currently, IKI seeks to support programs in India. Thematic priorities are (1) Forest landscape restoration and piloting new models in forestry (including in urban areas); and (2) Storage technology for renewable energy. The IKI will support two bilateral programs with a funding volume of €15 million each, and a duration of five to seven years. Application is open to NGOs, business enterprises, universities, research institutes, and international and multinational organisations worldwide. Close cooperation with a relevant partner institution in India is a prerequisite. Proposals have to be submitted by 04 November 2019. Details
French Agency for Development — Digital Project for Sustainable Cities in Africa
The French Agency for Development (AFD) Digital Challenge seeks digital solutions for sustainable cities, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG). Solutions should focus on the basic needs of the urban population (e.g., access to water), foster local economic development (e.g., urban agri-food sector), or support the most vulnerable (e.g., alert systems in the context of an environmental disaster). The call is open to startups, associations, and research centers in Africa. The winner will receive €20 thousand. The deadline for application is 18 November 2019. More about the AFD Digital Challenge
United States Agency for International Development — School Water Integrated Solutions in Senegal
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks community-based solutions that will increase access to water in schools. USAID intends to provide up to US$2 million, to be allocated over a three-year period. Eligibility extends to local non-governmental, non-profit organizations. The closing date for applications is 09 December 2019. Find the call
European Commission — Removal of Marine Plastics and Litter
The European Commission seeks proposals for approaches or technologies to improve marine spatial planning and conservation (or restoration) of coastal ecosystems. This call focuses on the demonstration of technologies to clean the seafloor and the surface of nearshore waters from historically accumulated plastics and microplastics as well as from other accumulated marine litter. The Commission considers proposals of up to €6 million. International cooperations and legal entities established in EU Member States, Overseas Countries and Territories (full list in the call document) are eligible to apply. The deadline is 22 January 2020. Find the call
Asian Development Bank — Grants for Pilot and Demonstration Activities
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) makes small grants for pilot and demonstration activities (PDAs) to test and validate approaches to improve water resources management. PDAs are implemented in less than one year, and for funding of less than US$50 thousand. Eligibility extends to government agencies; international and national NGOs; and academic and research institutions. Applicants fill out a PDA request form, which is submitted by email to the program manager. Proposals can be submitted anytime. About the application process
Earth Journalism Network — East Africa Wildlife Journalism Media Grants
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) invites environmental, conservation or science-based journalism organizations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to apply for grants to work with African journalists to improve and increase wildlife and conservation coverage in the media. The proposed activities should include capacity building; issuing travel/reporting grants to journalists; and media roundtables/workshops. The grant will cover activities over the course of one year for a maximum of US$10 thousand. The application deadline is 25 October 2019. Details
Earth Journalism Network — Bay of Bengal Media Grants 2020
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) makes grants to media organizations in the Bay of Bengal region, that aim to improve the quantity and quality of information about climate change. Particular attention should be given to the adaptation needs, challenges, efforts and success stories of vulnerable and marginalized communities. Preference will be given to applications from or affiliated with professional journalists, media organizations, journalism schools, and the like. However, EJN will also consider applications by NGOs or environmental groups looking to build the capacity of journalists to cover conservation issues. The average grant will be about US$20 thousand for one year. The application deadline is 31 October 2019. More info
Smogathon — Technology to Fight Air Pollution
Smogathon aims to fight air pollution through technology. Start-ups will compete for $15 thousand in cash and a contract to implement their innovation in Krakow, Poland. Smogathon welcomes participation from any group worldwide that works as a registered company, start-up, foundation, or research group with a legal entity. The finalists will compete in Krakow during the Global Clean Air Summit. The deadline for applications is 10 November 2019. Link