The Net Zero Challenge is a global competition to answer the question “How can we advance climate action using open data?” Individuals, groups and organizations are invited to submit projects in progress or concepts/ideas. The first stage of the Net Zero Challenge is a ‘Virtual Pitch Contest’. The winner receives US$1,000 to support further development of their idea. All applications must be received by 12 March 2021. Net Zero Challenge
nonprofit orgs
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in the Mediterranean Basin (Lebanon)
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for small grants (up to US$20 thousand) for projects that support the sustainable management of water catchments through integrated approaches for the conservation of threatened freshwater biodiversity in Lebanon. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, community groups, universities and private enterprises. The ecosystem profile technical summary is available in English and French. LOIs must be submitted by 12 March 2021. Link to CEPF
Agropolis Foundation — Award for Transformative Agroecological Research
The Biovision Foundation, in partnership with the Agropolis Foundation, awards the SHIFT Prize to recognize collaborative and transdisciplinary research for development projects and initiatives that have made exemplary contributions to the agroecological transformation of food systems. The winning project will receive €20 thousand unrestricted funding to support its further development and strengthen its impacts. Eligibility extends to projects and initiatives contributing to an evidence-based food system transformation anywhere in the world. The application deadline is 15 March 2021. SHIFT Prize
European Union — Climate Resilience in Senegal
The European Union (EU) announces a call for proposals for climate change and integrated management of coastal zones in Senegal, focusing on climate resilience at the local level. The objective is to sustainably improve the living conditions of coastal populations affected by climate change. The overall amount made available under this call for proposals is € 2.6 million. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, public sector operators, local authorities that have an operational base and are legally registered in Senegal. The application deadline is 19 March 2021. Link
European Commission — Climate for Cities
The European Union aims to support Southern Neighborhood cities in their energy and climate transition. Therefore, the European Commission calls for proposals that foster local integrated approaches that ultimately improve societal cohesion locally. Proposals should include a coherent package of activities that encompasses a combination of environmentally sound infrastructure components as well as capacity building and awareness raising activities. Grant funding ranges from €2,5 million to €3,5 million. Please be aware that the EU will not cover more than 30% of the infrastructure component of the project. In order to be eligible for a grant, the lead applicant must be a nonprofit making local authority, local public education, academic or research organization in Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, or Tunisia. The application deadline is 31 March 2021. Climate for Cities
French Agency for Ecological Transition — Mediterranean Climate Change Adaptation Awards
Mediterranean Climate Change Adaptation Awards reward exemplary and concrete actions to adapt to climate change in the Mediterranean. The competition is aimed at local authorities, universities, companies and NGOs (in partnership with a local public stakeholder) which take action and develop solutions to adapt the Mediterranean regions to the changing climate. Selected partners receive tailored support (study tour, meetings with technical and financial partners), invitations to an international workshop (ECCA 2021), and international promotion. Applications close 15 April 2021. More about the competition
European Commission — Family Farming for Climate Change Adaptation
The European Union intends to boost innovation in agriculture and food systems transformation of partner countries with a view to be more resilient to the effects of climate change. The European Commission calls for applied research projects to address climate change adaptation and resilience of family farming in Angola. The priority of this call is to find options for the improvement of family farming, test them, and assess their contribution to resilience. Grant funding ranges from €800 thousand to €1 million. Eligibility extends to universities, agriculture research institutions, and international organizations. Applicants must have proven experience in conducting operational research projects in developing countries in the following areas: agriculture, livestock, climate change/environment, community development, agroforestry and food security. The application deadline is 16 April 2021. Find details
Dutch Research Council — Local Energy Systems
Samenwerking China (NSFC) and Dutch Research Council (NWO) invite researchers from knowledge institutions from The Netherlands and China to submit proposals for research on the transition towards sustainable and social local energy districts. The call focuses on sustainable urbanisation and the transition to sustainable energy at the local level. Eligibility extends to research consortia composed of researchers based in The Netherlands and in China. Consortia can apply for a maximum of €700 thousand from NWO and a maximum of ¥4 million from NSFC. The deadline for this call for proposals is 11 May 2021. Link
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in the Mediterranean Basin (Balkans)
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for small grants (up to US$30 thousand) in support of biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean Basin. Funding will be provided in support of sustainable management of water catchments/freshwater biodiversity and cultural landscapes in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, community groups, universities and private enterprises. The ecosystem profile technical summary is available in English and French. LOIs must be submitted by 26 February 2021. Find details
Global Environment Facility — Small Grants Program: Jordan
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) invites proposals from non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations to submit project proposals on territories and areas protected by local communities. GEF makes COVID-19 relief grants to local communities in conserved areas in Jordan. Grants are up to US$50 thousand for a total duration of 24 months. Concept papers should be submitted no later than 28 February 2021. Know more