The Fondation SUEZ supports access to essential services such as water, sanitation and waste for underprivileged populations in developing countries. One reward goes to an unregistered, royalty-free innovation developed by a non-profit organization. The other recognizes and encourages an initiative led by a social entrepreneur. The two winning projects receive €50 thousand each. Applications have to be submitted by 30 October 2023. Visit Fondation SUEZ
social enterprise
Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance — Blue Planet Fund
The Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA) invites proposals for financial support to accelerate research and modeling on ocean risk and resilience. The Blue Planet Fund supports developing countries to protect the marine environment and reduce poverty. Pilot grants (US$50 thousand – US$150 thousand) are tailored for organizations to test and pilot innovative solutions. Project grants (US$150 thousand – US$500 thousand) are tailored for organizations to pilot innovative solutions and scale up and replicate proven ideas in new contexts. Projects should either be located or deployed in coastal countries. Applications close 02 July 2023. Blue Planet Fund
Fishbowl Challenge — Competition for Social Entrepreneurs
The Fishbowl Challenge brings college students from around the world together to solve the world’s most complex social and environmental problems. Students from all around the world are invited to apply and join a team of 4 peers to form a Fishbowl Team, come up with an approach to solve an important global issue chosen from 5 focus areas (including Environmental Protection and Renewable Energy) and develop a business plan. The winning team will receive up to US$50 thousand in prize money to develop their ideas further. Undergraduate and graduate (Master’s) university students from all countries are eligible to apply. Applications have to be submitted until 01 August 2023. Link to the Fishbowl Challenge
Banyan Tree Global Foundation — Greater Good Grants
Bayan Tree Global Foundation accepts applications for the “2024 Greater Good Grants,” which aim to impactful initiatives that benefit local communities and environments in Mexico, Cuba, Morocco, Islands in Eastern Africa and Southeast Asia. The main focus areas for projects include freshwater access, alternative livelihood development that protects the environment, management of food waste and humanitarian themes. Grants may request up to US$10 thousand. The application deadline is 30 September 2023. Greater Good Grants
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education — Water and Development Partnerships
The Water and Development Partnership Program supports transformations to ecologically sustainable water management practices. The Program launches a call for proposals open to applicants from non-European low-and middle-income countries. Ten projects with budgets up to €400 thousand will be selected. The call is open for projects that aim to redress issues related to inequities and ecological degradation in water-related developments. Submission of preliminary ideas closes on 22 May 2023. Water and Development Partnership Program
Hello Tomorrow — Asia Pacific Challenge
The Hello Tomorrow Challenge gives deep-tech and science-based entrepreneurs a platform for their projects, providing opportunities and connections with key players. Hello Tomorrow seeks early-stage startups in Asia Pacific that use advanced technology to answer societal or industrial challenges. The challenge includes one category for startups that focus on energy, food, agriculture & environment, among 10 others. The grand prize is S$30 thousand for the best early-stage startup. The application process closes on 24 July 2023. Asia Pacific Challenge
Greenovations — Incubation and Mentorship Program Africa
Greenovations Africa offers incubation and mentorship support for green entrepreneurs. The program is open to young innovators and entrepreneurs from African nationalities, aged below 35 years old, with an innovative business in an early stage in the following green sectors: Agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, water management and climate action. Participants receive tailor-made support, mentorship, as well as a seed grant funding of €3,300 to bring their innovation to market and scale. The deadline for application is 23 April 2023. Greenovations Africa
Global Counsel — Social Impact Program
Global Counsel helps organizations in different sectors to understand how politics, policy and regulation affect them in practice. The Global Counsel Social Impact Program aims to support non-profit organizations, as well as small for-profits with strong values-based aims, on a pro bono basis. Successful applicants will benefit from a tailored fixed-term consultancy engagement. Not-for-profit organizations and small for-profit organizations worldwide, such as social enterprises, can apply. Applications close on 28 April 2023. Visit Global Counsel
GrowthAfrica — Accelerator for African Entrepreneurs
GrowthAfrica supports African businesses and entrepreneurs through an annual accelerator program. Participants of the program receive individualized and tailored in-company support, access to potential investors, leadership training and mentorship. Entrepreneurs in the fields of Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, and Water & Sanitation are especially welcome. The program is open to entrepreneurs from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Ghana. The application process is open and ongoing. GrowthAfrica
Biomimicry Institute — Nature-Inspired Solutions for a Healthy Planet
The Biomimicry Institute seeks applications for the Ray of Hope Prize which celebrates nature-inspired solutions addressing the world’s biggest environmental and sustainability challenges. The challenge is open to innovative ideas from a variety of topics, such as agriculture, water, clean energy, biotechnology, and many more. Up to 10 startups will be selected as finalists to pitch their business idea for US$100 thousand in prize money which can be used to develop their ideas into market-ready products. The competition is open to entrepreneurs and inventors worldwide. The application deadline for the 2023 prize is 28 April 2023. Ray of Hope Prize