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
social enterprise
U.S. Agency for International Development — Water Resources Management for WASH in Nigeria
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) accepts concept papers with focus on reducing water borne diseases. USAID intends to provide direct awards to new and underutilized local organizations in Nigeria or locally established partners. Projects should address the priority area of water and sanitation, behavior change related to WASH practices, or WASH institutional development and watershed management. USAID intends to provide up to US$10 million in total funding to be allocated over five years. The closing date for applications is 02 November 2020. Link
Business Partnerships Platform — COVID-19 Recovery
The Australian Government calls for partnerships to help support COVID-19 recovery in Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines, Timor-Leste and Tonga. The program seeks projects which create social impact in the following areas: green recovery (including tourism), economic opportunities (including agriculture, renewable energy), capacity building, and digitalisation. Selected projects will receive from A$100 thousand to A$500 thousand in funding to scale a business initiative for social impact. Businesses, social enterprises, investors, and organizations are eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is 04 November 2020. Details here
United Nations Institute for Training and Research — Social Entrepreneurship Training Program for Women
The UNITAR Social Entrepreneurship Training Program for Women aims to empower women with the knowledge and skills of entrepreneurship to address socio-economic challenges in Africa. The training will be delivered in English and consists of mentoring, pitching, planning, and outcome evaluation. This program is open for women, including members of small and medium enterprises, government agencies and academic institutions, from Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Sudan. Applications will be received until 06 September 2020. Link to Women Entrepreneurship
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
United States Agency for International Development — Equal Access to Natural Resources
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announces the Resilient, Inclusive, & Sustainable Environments (RISE) Challenge. USAID seeks innovative interventions that prevent and respond to gender-based violence across programs that address the access, use and management of natural resources. The challenge aims to fund organizations to innovatively adapt and implement promising or proven interventions that enhanced environmental action and women’s empowerment. USAID will award up to three awards in the amount of up to US$300 thousand. Eligibility extends to all organizations regardless of type (e.g., NGO; for profit; not-for-profit; community organizations, etc.) with local presence where USAID is currently operational. Submissions are due on 05 August 2020. Rise Challenge
Japan Water Forum — Darvish Yu Water Fund
The Darvish Yu Water Fund supports projects that provide safe drinking water and sanitation facilities at the grass-roots level in developing countries. Grants are up to US$4 thousand per project. Any organization working at the grass-roots level aiming at addressing water-related issues in developing countries is eligible to apply. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Details here
The Spindle — Digital Innovations for Africa, Asia and Latin America
The Spindle seeks the 30 most inspiring Digital Innovations from all over the world and from all types of organizations who are working towards a sustainable, just and inclusive world. The digital innovation or technology should contribute to closer cooperation between organisations working on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The 30 selected participants have the chance to record a pitch video with a professional filmmaker and will present their product during the Partos Innovation Festival (October 2020) to potential partners and investors. Applications can be submitted until 10 July 2020. Note: This opportunity is “first-come, first-served!” (the first 100 applications will be taken into account). About
Copernicus Masters — Multi-Data Challenge
Copernicus Masters is an international innovation competition that honors the best solutions using earth observation data and applications to solve global challenges. The Multi-Data Challenge, sponsored by Airbus Defense and Space and sobloo, seeks new services and/or applications that provide insight and have impact on areas like Natural Resources Consumption, Agriculture, Forestry, Maritime, Defense & Security and Smart Cities. The winner receives business development support, an Airbus Satellite data voucher for the OneAtlas Platform, and the opportunity to present their solution to potential business partners. All participants have the chance to win an additional €10 thousand if chosen as the overall Copernicus winner. The competition is open to participants worldwide. Submissions are open until 30 June 2020. Find the Multi-Data Challenge
Proposals for NGOs — #Togetherwecan Photo Contest
The Photo Contest is open to professional and non-professional photographers worldwide. Participants are invited to submit real pictures showing their development project and progress in local communities around the world. The two images that get the most “likes” and “shares” by 15 August will win US$100 each. Photos have to be submitted by 15 July 2020. Link to the #Togetherwecan photo challenge