Techstars provides funding and mentorship programs for entrepreneurs. Techstars Impact Accelerator is for for-profit founders building tech to solve social & environmental problems. Programs include Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator focusing on the tech/digital side of food and agriculture, and Techstars Sustainability Accelerator for entrepreneurs with commercially viable technologies that can rapidly scale to help sustainably provide food and water and address global issues like climate change, among many others. Applications open six times a year, and stay open typically for 12 weeks (please check application deadlines carefully). Explore
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European Commission — WASH Services for All
The EU-WOP program funds sanitation-focused Water Operators’ Partnerships (WOPs) – nonprofit partnerships between at least two water/sanitation service providers aiming to increase access and to improve drinking water sources and/or sanitation in vulnerable communities. The overall objective is to contribute to SDG 6: Improved availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Up to 30 projects of 36 months’ duration will receive grant funding of between US$250 thousand and US$ 450 thousand (in addition to cash or in-kind counterpart contributions). To be eligible, the Lead Partner must be a water/sanitation service provider registered and operating in a European or DCI-approved country. The application deadline to submit project proposals is 15 April 2021. Access the EU-WOP program
UAE Water Aid — Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award
UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia) invites nominations for the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award. The award supports research and development of new and innovative technologies that produce, distribute, and purify water using renewable energy to support poverty- and disaster-stricken communities worldwide. Prizes vary according to category from US$20 thousand to US$150 thousand. Suqia invites corporations, research centers, institutions, innovators and youth from around the world, whose novel technologies provide solutions to the challenges of water scarcity, to participate in the awards. The deadline for nominations is 30 April 2021. Visit Suqia
Violet Jabara Charitable Trust — Grants for Projects in the Middle East
The Violet Jabara Trust supports organizations working in the developing countries of the Middle East to promote sustainable economic development, as well as reproductive health and women’s welfare. The Trust’s thematic interests include environmental issues, among others. Priority countries are Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Palestine (Occupied Territories), Yemen, Egypt and North Africa. Countries further afield (such as the Gulf countries, Sudan, or Afghanistan) may be considered, but will not be given priority. Eligibility for grants extends to nonprofit groups in the USA and internationally, with preference for small local organizations. There is no deadline for submitting letters of inquiry. Guidelines
Lemelson Foundation — International Entrepreneurship
The Lemelson Foundation supports programs to empower local inventors and entrepreneurs in India and East Africa to address social and economic challenges to improve the lives of the poor. Supported solutions include access to clean water and sanitation, agricultural productivity, and access to clean and affordable energy. The Foundation funds very few unsolicited applications. However, it accepts short concept notes on a rolling basis. Learn more about International Entrepreneurship
Ford Foundation — Community Rights over Natural Resources
In its theme Equitable Development, the Ford Foundation makes grants to challenge inequality. The sub-theme “Natural Resources and Climate Change” seeks to ensure that indigenous and other communities have secure access to and control over natural resources, and can benefit from them fully. The Foundation’s regional offices represent most of the developing world. The Foundation accepts project ideas at any time. Link
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Environment and Climate Action: Asia-Pacific Islands
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu. CFLI provides funding to projects that implement environment and climate action projects focusing on adaptation and mitigation, water management, and other thematic priorities. The average contribution is C$15 thousand to C$30 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to not-for-profit local, national or community-based organizations. The deadline for submission is 14 February 2021. Details here
Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education — Nuffic Scholarships for Short Courses
Nuffic, a Dutch non-profit organization for internationalization in education, offers scholarships for training courses in The Netherlands. Subject areas include climate adaptation, water governance, and many others. The Nuffic Scholarships at The Hague Academy (OKP, MSP and StuNed) will cover the tuition fee, flights, insurance, accommodation and a small daily allowance. Potentially interested individuals review the courses and dates offered by the participating Dutch higher education institutions, and information about how to apply. The next deadlines to apply for Nuffic scholarships is 11 March 2021. Click here
European Commission — Food and Nutritional Security Support to Chad
The European Commission (EC) seeks to promote the socio-economic development of Chad through a reduction in malnutrition. The call aims to increase access to irrigated land and the sustainable optimization of the use of water resources, and promotes the diversification of food systems and agricultural production to support rural producers and families. Funding of up to €3 million is available, depending on target region and focus area. Projects need to have a duration of between 46 and 48 months. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations. The deadline for submitting applications is 15 April 2021. Know more
U.S. Department of State — YSEALI Marine Accelerator Program
The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Marine Accelerator Program (MAP) seeks emerging conservation leaders and influencers that address marine and inland waterway issues in Southeast Asia. Selected youth leaders will receive capacity training and participate in workshops to scale their initiative. Participants will also get a chance to receive up to US$2 thousand in project grants. Eligibility extends to citizens and residents of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. Applicants may apply as individuals or represent private entities (including startups and social enterprises), civil society organizations, or academic institutions. The application deadline is 31 January 2021. Visit YSEALI MAP to know more