The Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer (JWO) Research Grant supports early-career scientists who conduct impactful research that will provide solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing problems. The proposed research should be focused on the intersection between biodiversity and the economy; environmental tipping points; pollution and impact on the environment; or the impact of basic sciences on sustainable development. A grant of US$150 thousand will support a research project or program for up to three years. Applicants must have strong links to an African academic institution, research institution, government institution, NGO, or for-profit organization. The application deadline is 02 May 2025. JWO Research Grant
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Savvy — Fellowship for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs
The Savvy Fellowship is a 12-week online learning program for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. Savvy seeks early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs from across Africa working on solving the most pressing problems through innovation. Fellows will receive support, mentorship, and access to a lifelong community in support of their innovative business ideas. Fellows have to be no older than 40 years. The Savvy Fellowship program is open year-round and accepts applications on a rolling basis. More
Government of Luxembourg — Business Partnership Facility
The Government of Luxembourg provides financial support to the private sector in Europe to set up sustainable commercial projects in partnership with private or public organizations in developing countries. Project proposals should focus on one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and may not exceed €200 thousand. Applications can be submitted before 30 April 2025. Details here
Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation — Start-up Support for Social Enterprises
The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation supports early-stage, high-impact social enterprises and seeks projects and innovations that dramatically improve the lives of people and the world. Eligibility extends to non-profit, for-profit, and hybrid organizations in the early stages of their development that have scaling potential. The DRK investments are distributed twice a year over a three-year term, totaling $300 thousand. The Foundation has a rolling online application process throughout the year; there is no deadline. Click here
French-African Foundation — Young Leaders 2025
The French-African Foundation invites applications for Young Leaders 2025. The program recognizes and supports young leaders to become true agents of change in relation to global challenges. Candidates must be between 28 and 40 years old and have French nationality or the nationality of an African country. Successful candidates will spend five days in France, five days in Africa, engage in high-level meetings and receive training and mentorship. Flights and accommodation will be provided. The deadline for applications is 30 March 2025. About the program
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 03 June 2025. iF Social Impact Prize
OceanHub Africa — Acceleration Program
OceanHub Africa supports African for-profit startups focused on preserving and restoring the health of the ocean. The 6-month acceleration program provides mentorship, services, software, fundraising support, and a network of leading ocean experts, mentors (entrepreneurs, investors, innovation experts, impact experts, scientists, lawyers, etc.), impact investors, and potential clients. Eligibility extends to for-profit start-ups operating in Africa and with a clear focus on ocean issues (e.g., climate change, pollution, or overexploitation). The application deadline is 30 June 2025. OceanHub Africa
Clif Family Foundation — Support for Non-Profit Organizations
The Clif Family Foundation offers grants to support Organic Farming, Climate Justice and other thematic areas. The Foundation covers operating expenses or specific projects for organizations aligned with the Foundation’s strategic priorities. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or have a fiscal sponsor with this status. Grants range from US$5,000 to US$50 thousand for a one-year period. The foundation does not fund capital projects, individuals, government agencies, or faith-based organizations. Application deadlines are 01 March and 01 August 2025. Link to the grant
Swedish Institute — Scholarships for Global Professionals
The Swedish Institute (SI) provides fully-funded international scholarships for master’s studies in Sweden. The scholarship for global professionals aims to develop future global leaders who will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and contribute to positive and sustainable development in their home countries. The scholarship is intended for full-time one-year or two-year master’s programs. SI fully covers tuition fees and makes regular payments of SEK12 thousand to cover living expenses throughout the scholarship. The application portal will close on 26 February 2025. SI Scholarships for Global Professionals
Alstom Foundation — Project Support for NGOs
The Alstom Foundation invites project proposals from NGOs in eligible countries in the Asia-Pacific region, South Asia, Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa (a full list of eligible countries is provided in the call for proposals). The Foundation supports a range of activities, including support for water supply and sanitation; renewable energy; reforestation; waste management; ecotourism; and environmental awareness campaigns. All projects must be submitted together with an Alstom employee acting in the role of the Project Promoter. (Note: The Secretariat of the Alstom Foundation may offer support in finding a promoter. In this case, projects have to be submitted no later than 20 March 2025.) The regular submission deadline is 10 April 2025. Click here