The Samira Omar Innovation for Sustainability Prize recognizes woman scientists from least-developed countries with scientific achievements in clean and renewable energy; sustainable agriculture and agro-biodiversity; plastic pollution and microplastics, water purification and sanitation, climate change, waste management, biodiversity conservation, and other themes related to sustainability. The winner will receive a cash award of US$4 thousand. Candidates should be working and living in an LDC country for at least two years prior to nomination. The deadline for nominations is 14 March 2025. Innovation for Sustainability Award
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UNESCO — International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences
The UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences rewards projects and activities of individuals, institutions, and NGOs for scientific research in the life sciences leading to improving the quality of human life. Projects in life sciences contribute to poverty eradication, improved health, food and water security. Nominations are submitted by governments of UNESCO’s member states, and by NGOs maintaining official relations with UNESCO that are active in the fields covered by the Prize. The Prize amount of US$350 thousand may be equally divided among a maximum of three laureates. The closing date for submissions (English, French) is 31 March 2025. Prize for Research in the Life Sciences
Global Innovation Fund — Social Innovations for the Developing World
The Global Innovation Fund (GIF) welcomes proposals of innovative and cost-effective solutions that address any major development challenge (including energy, water access, agriculture and fisheries) in any country or in multiple countries of the developing world. The program is open to teams and coalitions from social enterprises, for-profit companies, NGOs, government agencies, international organizations, and researchers anywhere in the world. GIF offers grants, loans, and equity investments ranging from US$230 thousand to US$15 million. Applicants should propose the level and type of funding that is appropriate for their innovation, based on the stage of development. GIF accepts applications on a continuous basis. Information
Earth Journalism Network — UN Ocean Conference 2025 Fellowships
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) announces an in-person fellowship program that will support selected journalists to attend and report from the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). Fellows will travel to Nice, France to attend the entire duration of the UN Ocean Conference negotiations. EJN will cover economy-class airfare, accommodation, meals, travel medical insurance and ground transportation costs related to fellowship participation. To be eligible for the fellowship, the applicant must be a professional journalist from or representing an established media house and reporting from any country with a coast. Applications for conference fellowships will be accepted until 15 January 2025. UN Ocean Conference Fellowships
Earth Journalism Network — Asia-Pacific Media Grants 2025
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) seeks applications from journalist networks, media organizations, civil society organizations, or academic institutions throughout the Asia-Pacific region. With this call, the EJN aims to boost the quantity and quality of environmental and climate coverage in the region. The proposed projects can focus on capacity building activities, networking, or be used as a seed grant to build a new environmental media startup or journalist network. Grants will be given to organizations looking to implement projects with the maximum duration of one year. The grant amount can range between US$15 thousand to US$20 thousand. The application deadline is 30 January 2025. Asia-Pacific Media Grants
Acumen Fund — East Africa Fellowship
The Acumen East Africa Fellows Program is a 6-month program comprising 5 seminars that gives individuals from East Africa the training they need to accelerate their social impact and leadership potential. Eligible countries are Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan & Ethiopia. Past fellows have included several in smallholder agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, fair trade, and other areas. Acumen covers all program expenses related to travel and accommodations, but it does not offer scholarships, stipends, or other funding. The application deadline is 07 February 2025. About this fellowship
King Baudouin Foundation — KBF Africa Prize 2025-2026
The KBF Africa Prize is awarded to Africans or African organizations who are making an outstanding contribution to development in Africa. There are no restrictions as to the chosen themes. The Selection Committee favors community approaches that deal with actual and current challenges in Africa. The winners receive financial support of up to €250 thousand. Self-nomination is not permitted. The deadline for nominations is 03 March 2025. Find out how to nominate a candidate
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Rwanda and Burundi
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Rwanda and Burundi. CFLI provides funding to projects that focus on environment and climate action, as well as on water sanitation management. The average contribution is C$20 thousand to C$35 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to not-for-profit local, national, or community-based organizations. The deadline for submission is 10 January 2025. CFLI Rwanda and Burundi
Industrial Development Cooperation — Green Tourism Incentive Program
The Industrial Development Cooperation (IDC) seeks applications for the Green Tourism Incentive Program (GTIP). The key objective is to encourage privately owned tourism enterprises in South Africa to adopt responsible tourism practices by installing solutions to reduce their energy and water consumption and costs. The GTIP offers grant funding from 50% to 90% of the total cost of approved energy and water efficiency solutions. The application deadline is 28 February 2025. Green Tourism Incentive Program
Union for the Mediterranean — Mediterranean Youth Water Hackathon
The Mediterranean Youth Water Hackathon invites young innovators aged 18 to 35 to collaborate and create game-changing solutions addressing the challenges and opportunities within the Water, Energy, Food, and Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus. The first-place team will be awarded €3,000, and the two runner-up teams will receive €1,000 each. Teams of 2-3 members can apply. Applications have to be submitted by 13 December 2024. Water Hackathon