The Lead 2030 Challenge for SDG 7 aims to identify and support youth-led enterprises that are tackling the energy divide in the worst affected countries and regions. The challenge welcomes innovations for addressing energy needs, for example, providing affordable energy to communities with limited access or clean alternative cooking fuels. The winner will receive a US$50 thousand project grant and 12 months of mentorship from a team of CEZ Group professionals. The initiative must be youth-led (founded by a person aged 18 – 30). The application deadline is 14 July 2023. About the SDG 7 challenge
social enterprise
Dubai Municipality — Dubai International Award for Best Practices
The Dubai Municipality, in collaboration with UN Habitat, offers Best Practices Awards for outstanding contributions that demonstrate valuable contributions to sustainable urban development. The five award categories include one on urban food systems, and one on addressing climate change and reducing pollution. The competition is open to governments, nonprofits, companies, universities and individuals. Total award prizes sum up to US$1 million. Winners will be announced at the awarding ceremony of the 13th cycle in Dubai. The deadline to receive submissions is 31 August 2023. Link to the award
Teach A Man To Fish — Trash To Cash Challenge
The Trash To Cash Challenge seeks young innovators who want to launch a business which has a positive impact on the environment. The Challenge is to collect materials normally thought of as ‘trash’ or waste and create a new product with them. Then, participants have one day to sell their product and make as much cash as possible. Prizes are awarded to our most inspiring Ecopreneurs. Young people under 25 are invited to take part in the challenge. The application deadline is 24 July 2023. Trash To Cash Challenge
Jewish Helping Hands — Grant Program
Jewish Helping Hands (JHH) supports vulnerable populations through a variety of programs focused on economic development and social empowerment through financial and hands-on support. JHH considers making grants to individuals or organizations that provide the basic necessities for a decent life, including water, food and womens’ empowerment. Projects are ordinarily eligible for awards up to $5 thousand. JHH seeks to partner with grassroots organizations in East Africa, Central America, North America, any impoverished Jewish Communities, and Israel. Submissions for projects will be accepted until 13 September 2023. JHH Grant Program
European Union — Clean Cooking Solutions in Tanzania
The CookFund program seeks to reduce climate change impact in Tanzania by increasing the share of the population with access to sustainable cooking solutions. The CookFund targets suppliers of clean cooking technologies in urban areas. The program provides technical and financial support to eligible enterprises and companies. The size of individual awards will range from €10 thousand to €300 thousand. The deadline for submissions is 30 September 2023. Clean Cooking Solutions
Fondation SUEZ — Access to Water and Sanitation
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
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