Within the framework of Danish development cooperation, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls for research proposals between Denmark and researchers in partner countries. In 2025, the following countries are eligible for research applications: Algeria, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Palestine, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia (incl. Somaliland), South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Vietnam. Eligible research themes include climate change and the environment. The expected duration of research projects is up to 5 years with a maximum grant of DKK 10 million for each project. Only universities or research-based institutions registered in Denmark and with the capacity to (co-)supervise Ph.D. students are eligible to submit an application. The application deadline (Phase 1) is 29 January 2025. More about this opportunity
pollution
Acumen — West Africa Fellowship
The Acumen Fellows Program supports social innovators from West Africa who are tackling issues of poverty and injustice within their community. The Fellowship consists of a fully-funded leadership program, where Fellows remain in their role while taking part in a series of immersive seminars, workshops, and group practice. Past fellows have included several in smallholder agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, fair trade, and other subject areas. Applications have to be received by 25 November 2024. Acumen West Africa Fellowship
Earthshot Prize — Nominations 2025
The Earthshot Prize searches the globe for game-changing innovations that will help repair our planet. The best five solutions receive £1 million to scale their work. The categories are: Protect and Restore Nature; Clean our Air; Revive our Oceans; Build a Waste-Free World; and Fix our Climate. The Earthshot Prize has a network of official nominators. Some nominators are happy to accept proposals from the public for consideration. Nominations for the 2025 prize year will close on 11 December 2024. View Official Nominators
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
Conrad Foundation — Spirit of Innovation Challenge 2024-2025
The Spirit of Innovation Challenge is a worldwide competition for youth ages 13-18 to create commercially viable products or services to address issues of global sustainability. Categories include “Energy and Environment”. Ideas are submitted by student teams, which can be international, if desired. There is a fee for team registration (discounted rates may apply for qualified title one schools or special circumstances). The winning teams are offered seed money to continue the development of their ideas. The application deadline for the activation stage (phase 1) is 01 November 2024. Link to the challenge
Legal Aid Forum — Environmental Journalism Training Program
The Legal Aid Forum Rwanda (LAF) launches the Environmental Journalism Training Program for accredited Rwandan journalists. The program will equip local journalists with essential skills and legal support to effectively report on environmental issues, including environmental crimes, the green economy, climate change, and sustainable adaptation. Up to twelve of the fifteen successful applicants will receive production support to help them produce their stories. Journalists working in any medium or multiple media are welcome to apply. Applications have to be submitted by 12 September 2024. Environmental Journalism Training Program
ChangemakerXchange — Changemakers for the Planet
Changemakers for the Planet supports the work of young changemakers, activists, and innovators from Sub-Saharan Africa who address the planetary crisis, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The program provides young leaders with in-person summits, capacity building, and funding for collaborative efforts. The program is open to applications aged 18-35. The deadline to apply is 16 September 2024. Changemakers for the Planet
University of Chicago — Air Quality Fund
The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) accepts applications for the Air Quality Fund. The Fund will offer financial support to 10-15 selected groups over 18 months. They expect award amounts to be roughly US$50 thousand. The call for applications is open to governmental and non-governmental organizations of any type, including universities, non-profits, for-profits, corporates, NGOs, and CSOs. (Note: Organizations are required to be legally authorized to receive funds from a US institution.) Applications from all countries may apply. The application deadline is 10 September 2024. Air Quality Fund
UNESCO — Global Youth Grant Scheme
UNESCO announces the launch of a grant scheme to support youth projects across all regions. UNESCO will support youth-led projects that address challenges affecting the well-being and development of young people and their communities. Grants between US$5,000 and US$10 thousand will be awarded to young leaders, entrepreneurs, and youth organizations to help them create and implement solutions for social impact. The Grant Scheme will support project leaders aged from 18 to 30 years old. The deadline to submit project proposals is 30 September 2024. Global Youth Grant Scheme
Wilson Center — International Fellowship Program
The Woodrow Wilson Center offers a 9-month residential fellowship to scholars, practitioners, journalists, and public intellectuals. Fellows conduct research in their areas of interest while interacting with policymakers in Washington and Wilson Center staff and other scholars in residence. The Center accepts proposals that address key challenges confronting the United States and the world. The Center offers a stipend of US$90 thousand. Fellows are responsible for their own health insurance and travel expenses. The application deadline is 01 October 2024. Link to guidelines