Rare’s Center for Behavior & the Environment and partners seek existing solutions that are changing behaviors to help solve the world’s most challenging environmental problems. For this year’s contest, Solutions Search looks for promising approaches that are shifting people’s behavior toward cleaner, healthier water ecosystems. Contest entrants get access to capacity building, workshops, and networking opportunities to further refine and scale their solution. The overall winner will receive US$25 thousand, among numerous other prizes, including a US$5 thousand prize awarded to the best early entrant (for submissions prior to 30 November). Any organization or institution worldwide is eligible (e.g., city government, business, non-profit, university, etc.). Individuals are not eligible to enter. The regular submission deadline is 10 January 2021. Access Solution Search
pollution
European Commission — SWITCH-Asia for Sustainable Production and Consumption in Asia
SWITCH-Asia makes grants to promote sustainable production and consumption in Asia. Grants support small and medium enterprises in Asia to use processes, products, and services that reduce pollution and mitigate climate change. The program also supports a network facility for communications with stakeholders, and a policy component to promote measures that advance the switch to sustainable consumption patterns and behavior among Asian consumers. Applications are accepted from nonprofit organizations in eligible European and Asian countries, as well as in OECD member countries in the case of least-developed and highly-indebted ODA countries. Grants range from €1 million to €2.5 million, subject to cost shares. The deadline for concept notes is 18 December 2020. Find the call
European Commission — Improving Local Government Services in Macedonia
The European Union seeks to strengthen the capacity of local self-government in Macedonia by involving citizens, civil society organizations, and businesses in problem solving. The EU makes grants ranging from €300 thousand to €800 thousand to projects with focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable use of natural resources (such as energy and water), pollution prevention, and the protection and restoration of ecosystems. Eligibility extends to local government units (municipalities) in the Republic of North Macedonia. The application deadline is 30 December 2020. More here
United Nations Development Program — Arab States Youth Futures Fellowship
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) invites youth from the Arab States region to submit creative solutions on the future of climate change and/or civic engagement. Ideas can be submitted through poetry, an article, a story, a monologue, a piece of art, videos, objects from the future (that exist in 2030), dance, music, or any medium of the participant’s choosing. Up to 30 young people will be selected to take part in the Youth Futures Fellowship, a five-week capacity building opportunity. Participants must be between 19 and 20 years old and be from a country in the Arab States region. The deadline for submissions is 25 October 2020. Details
University of Waterloo — Online Workshop: Green Entrepreneurship
The University of Waterloo, in partnership with the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) and the EcoInnovation Network, invites students and aspiring entrepreneurs to register in a six-part series of free online workshops on green entrepreneurship. The workshop targets researchers, youth, aspiring environmental and social entrepreneurs from across North America (including Mexico). The workshop provides practical knowledge and resources for those interested in launching green startups. Sessions start on 27 October 2020 with simultaneous translation in three languages (English, French and Spanish). Link to more information
King Baudouin Foundation — Subsidies in Support of Sustainable Development
The Business Partnership Facility awards subsidies to support and develop private sector involvement in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing countries. The project must contribute to achieving at least one clearly identified SDG. Funding of up to €200 thousand is available. Partnerships must comprise actors from the private sector, civil society, academia and/or the public sector, with at least one organization from the for-profit private sector. The application deadline is 11 February 2021. Find details here
Nestlé — Creating Shared Value Prize for a Waste-Free Future
Nestlé and Ashoka welcome applications to the Nestlé “Creating Shared Value” Prize. The 2020 Prize seeks innovative solutions to address global pollution challenges and supports initiatives that work towards a waste-free future. Social enterprises, for-profit businesses and NGOs worldwide are eligible to apply. Applications from local grassroots organizations are preferred over applications from international large-scale organizations. Up to five winners will share a cash prize of CHF250 thousand. The deadline for applications is 06 December 2020. Guidelines
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association — Marine Litter and Microplastic
The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) invites expressions of interest from senior experts to prepare a report on different aspects of marine litter in the Western Indian Ocean region. The reports should focus on the status of marine litter and microplastics knowledge in the region, their ecological, human health and economic impacts, and the effectiveness of measures undertaken to address the challenge. The deadline for submission of the expression of interest is 16 October 2020. Link
Television for the Environment — Global Sustainability Awards
Television for the Environment (tve) seeks entries for the Global Sustainability Awards (GSFA). The tve Global Sustainability Film Awards recognizes outstanding films that inspire audiences with real-world solutions for a more sustainable future. Films need to address a relevant sustainable development goal and cogently explain its importance or show a relevant solution. To be eligible for GSFA 2020 all entered films must be made between the period July 2018 and July 2020. The competition is open to any company, organization or individual in any country. Entries for the GSFA 2020 close on 28 September 2020. Find out how to submit your film
World Tourism Organization — SDGs Global Startup Competition
The UNWTO Sustainable Development Goals Global Startup Competition seeks innovative startups that directly contribute to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The competition features 17 categories, each one representing a Sustainable Development Goal. Startups from all over the world and all economic sectors are invited to participate. The winning startups receive a pitch at a UNWTO Demo Day, capacity and business development training, access to technological support, and connection to the UNWTO Innovation Network. The deadline for candidatures is 20 September 2020. Link to the competition