4Revs Innovation Challenge is a global call for solutions in food, water, resources, climate change and energy that will help humanity solve survival challenges in one generation (2020-2050). Innovators are invited to submit solutions that are already in the market and contribute to at least one of the 4 Revolutions: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Supply; Water Conservation and Management; Ecosystem Restoration; Climate Change and Sustainable Energy. Six solutions will be selected as potential case studies and compete for additional financial rewards of up to US$1,500. The Challenge closes 19 November 2020. Link to Socialab
social enterprise
New Zealand Embassy Fund — Call for Proposals 2020-2021
The New Zealand Embassy Fund supports community projects in small scale that contribute to increase the wellbeing of a community in Argentina or Paraguay. The Embassy will support activities and projects in the areas of climate change and resilience, economic inclusion, gender equality, and health issues related to COVID-19 pandemic. The maximum amount per project will be up to NZD $25 thousand. Recipients will be non-governmental organizations and community groups committed to non-profit development activities. The deadline to submit the projects is 24 November 2020. Click here
The Commonwealth — Innovation for Sustainable Development
The Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards recognizes projects and contributions in advancing the sustainable development goals in Commonwealth countries. The Award has five categories: (1) Well-being (i.e. health, education, human rights etc.); (2) Prosperity (i.e. economic development, trade, etc.); (3) Peace; (4) Planet and the natural environment; and (5) Partnerships for sustainable development. 15 winners will each receive a trophy, a certificate and prize money of £3 thousand. Eligibility extends to individuals, governments, social enterprises, and businesses in Commonwealth countries. The deadline for nominations is 31 January 2021. Innovation for Sustainable Development Award 2021
Flame Tree Initiative — AgriBusiness Development Entrepreneurship Lab
Flame Tree Initiative (FTI) provides training, partnerships, and resources to promising African entrepreneurs seeking to create enterprises that address local development challenges. DELab is a development entrepreneur training program for aspiring social entrepreneurs and individuals who want to launch or scale their agricultural enterprise. DElab is a free virtual workshop for 20-25 participants. Applicants must propose an idea for a social enterprise focused on the agricultural sector. Submissions will be accepted until 06 November 2020. AgriBusiness DElab
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
Kingdom of Bahrain — King Hamad Award for Sustainable Development
The Kingdom of Bahrain seeks youth contribution and projects that enable youth participation for the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The first category of the King Hamad Award is open to individuals (under the age of 30) or a youth-focused entity that develop initiatives to end poverty and hunger, protect the planet’s natural resources and climate, and promote peace. Five winners will receive US$20 thousand each. The second category is open to governmental, private sector, media, and nonprofit entities. Three winners will receive US$25 thousand each. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2020. More information
OpenIDEO — Reimagine Charitable Giving Challenge
The Reimagine Charitable Giving Challenge seeks innovative digital ideas on how we might reinforce a culture of generosity by creating charitable giving solutions that are more accessible, inclusive, and effective. Ideas, concepts, startups and organizations at any stage of development are invited to participate and may be submitted to the challenge. Up to 10 concepts will be selected as finalists and receive a share of up to US$100 thousand in prize funding. Submissions are accepted until 06 November 2020. Click for details
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
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 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$15 million for up to 5 years). Proposals are accepted year-round, from any type of organization (including private businesses, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, foundations, civic groups, regional organizations, and international organizations), in any country. Link
EnAccess Foundation — Open Source Innovations for Energy Access
The EnAccess Foundation invites proposals for open source innovations focusing on providing energy access with livelihood focus in Tanzania. The idea is to provide households, businesses, and institutions with access to electricity and reduce energy poverty. Each project may request a grant of up to US$ 150 thousand. Eligibility extends to start-ups, companies, non-profits, individual innovators, investors, and researchers. Organizations should have a minimum of 1-2 years of business operations. The final submission deadline is 30 October 2020. Projects are selected for funding on a rolling basis, therefore, earlier submissions are highly recommended. Energy Access