The Young SDG Innovators Program is an accelerator program for future business leaders and changemakers to develop and drive innovative SDG solutions through new technologies, initiatives, and business models. Participants participate in online and in-person workshops, case studies, company visits and forum discussions. Companies based in Brazil, China, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Ukraine, United Kingdom or the United States have the opportunity to collaborate with their Global Compact Local Networks to nominate young professionals for the program. The nomination deadline is 31 January 2024. Link to UN Global Compact
water
Ramsar Regional Center – East Asia — Wetland Fund 2024
The Ramsar Regional Center – East Asia (RRC-EA) accepts project proposals for funding support under the RRC-EA Wetland Fund 2024. Wetland advocates from the region are invited to apply for small grants in line with the following thematic areas: (1) Wetland Conservation; and (2) Celebration of World Wetlands Day. RRC-EA will support up to 4 projects under Thematic Area 1 with a budget of US$10 thousand each, and up to 3 projects under Thematic Area 2 with a budget of US$5 thousand each. Applicants can be practitioners, policy makers, researchers, local community leaders, media, or NGOs based in East, Southeast, and South Asia. Applications have to be submitted by 10 November 2023. Details here
Land Accelerator — Restoration of Degraded Forests and Farmland
The Land Accelerator is a four-month program for entrepreneurs who wish to learn how to restore degraded forests and farmland. The program offers courses in South Asia and Latin America. The accelerator is designed for companies that are in the testing phase of taking their product to market. Any business model that is recognized as restoring land is eligible, including, but not limited to smart agriculture, water conservation, agroforestry, tree planting, and beekeeping, forest conservation. The program currently accepts rolling applications. Click here
The Commonwealth Secretary-General — Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards
Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards recognize ground-breaking innovations from Commonwealth countries that contribute to one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Each winner will receive a trophy, a certificate and a cash prize of £3,000. Nominees can be individuals, organizations, companies, charities or government bodies. Entries must be received by 15 October 2023. Know more
The Nature Conservancy — Photo Contest 2023
The Nature Conservancy Photo Contest seeks photographs that bring the natural world to people’s eyes and to their hearts. Participants can submit their pictures into five different categories: Cities and Nature; Landscape; People and Nature; Water; and Wildlife. Winners will receive gift cards and equipment. The contest is open to professional and amateur photographers. Photos can be submitted until 29 September 2023. About the photo contest
EUTOPIA European University — Science and Innovation Fellowships Program
The EUTOPIA Science and Innovation Fellowship Program (EUTOPIA-SIF) aims to enhance the research potential and career perspectives of young researchers from around the world. EUTOPIA-SIF will select 16 post-doctoral fellows on the basis of an individual research project for a 24-month post-doctoral contract at one of the EUTOPIA universities. Candidates are invited to submit research projects in one of the five key research areas, including sustainability (energy, circular economy, mobility, urban planning, material heritage, water management). Fellows receive a monthly salary, a supplementary budget for research and travel expenses. The deadline for submissions of proposals is 14 December 2023. EUTOPIA-SIF
Azimuth World Foundation — Funding for Indigenous Peoples Grassroots Projects
The Azimuth World Foundation funds projects by grassroots Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities-led organizations aiming to improve access to health and to save water. The maximum grant amount is US$25 thousand. To be eligible for funding, organizations must have a USA tax-exempt status (501 (c)(3)) or a Fiscal Sponsor. The Foundations offers two grant cycles per year: Spring and Fall. More here
One Day’s Wages — Matching Grants
One Day’s Wages is a grassroots movement to alleviate extreme global poverty. Matching grants require partners to raise a portion of the grant funds, which are then matched by One Day’s Wages dollar for dollar. Matching grant requests from first-time partners is US$5,000 – US$30 thousand. Projects must fit within one or more of ODW’s focus areas, which include Climate Impact, and Water & Sanitation, among others. Applicants must be a registered non-governmental nonprofit organization. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Matching Grants
Water and Energy for Food — Regional Innovations MENA
Water and Energy for Food (WE4F) seeks business owners and entrepreneurs in the Middle East and Northern Africa region who have innovative water-food, energy-food, and water-energy-food solutions. Individual awards for innovators are expected to range from US$25 thousand to US$250 thousand, depending on the type of funding requested. The call is open to mid- to late-stage enterprises, nonprofits with a for-profit program, and other organizations based in the Middle East and North Africa. Participants will receive tailored support to help scale and grow their businesses. The submission deadline is 31 December 2023. WE4F MENA
Water and Energy for Food — Regional Innovations South and Southeast Asia
Water and Energy for Food (WE4F) seeks business owners and entrepreneurs in South and Southeast Asia who have innovative water-food, energy-food, and water-energy-food solutions. Individual awards for innovators are expected to range from US$25 thousand to US$200 thousand, depending on the type of funding requested. The call is open to mid- to late-stage enterprises, nonprofits with a for-profit program, and other organizations based in South and Southeast Asia. Participants will receive tailored support to help scale and grow their businesses. The submission deadline is 31 December 2023. WE4F South and Southeast Asia