The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) supports young individuals and youth-led/based organizations making positive impacts against desertification, land degradation, and drought. Participants are invited to share transformative journeys through social media, videos, blogs, and the dedicated website, amplifying their contributions and recognizing both young men and women as critical forces for positive change. The contest is open to youth (15-35 years old) worldwide. Top finalists in each category receive a grant of US$1,000. The submission deadline is 15 October 2023. Link to contest rules
agriculture
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit — Investment in African Agribusiness
The GIZ ‘Scaling Digital Agriculture Innovations through Start-ups’ (SAIS) Investment Readiness Program seeks to scale digital innovations developed by African start-ups that enable their users in the agricultural or food sector to increase their income. Participating start-ups will receive virtual coaching and training sessions, in-person workshops, and access to service providers. This opportunity is aimed at start-ups (for-profit businesses) registered in Africa with scalable digital solutions with a clear positive impact on income in the agricultural and/or food sector. Applications have to be received online by 20 October 2023. Find the GIZ-SAIS Investment Readiness Program
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
Water and Energy for Food — Regional Innovations Southern and Central Africa
Water and Energy for Food (WE4F) seeks business owners and entrepreneurs in Southern and Central Africa who have innovative water-food, energy-food, and water-energy-food solutions. Individual awards for innovators are expected to range from US$40 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 Southern and Central Africa. Participants will receive tailored support to help scale and grow their businesses. The submission deadline is 31 December 2023. WE4F Southern and Central Africa
U.S. African Development Foundation — Agricultural Cooperatives in Uganda
The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) , invites applications for grant financing and local support from enterprises, cooperatives, and producer groups. Proposals will be accepted from registered agricultural cooperatives, producer groups, youth-led enterprises, and small- and medium-sized enterprises in Uganda. Grant awards are up to US$40 thousand. Organizations must be 100% African-owned and led. Applications have to be submitted by 08 September 2023. USADF Uganda
MDPI — Remote Sensing Young Investigator Award 2024
MDPI, a publisher of peer-reviewed, open access journals, invites nominations for the Remote Sensing 2024 Young Investigator Award. The winner will receive CHF2000. This prize will be given to one young investigator in recognition of their contribution to the advancement of remote sensing science or applications. Candidates must be under 35 years and be nominated by senior researchers. The deadline for nominations is 31 December 2023. Remote Sensing Awards
Acumen Fund — Regional Fellows in Malaysia
The Acumen Fund seeks to harness the power of social innovation to create solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. The Fund administers regional programs in different world regions. In each region, 20 fellows are selected for a leadership development program of five one-week seminars while remaining in their jobs. Acumen covers all program expenses related to travel and accommodations, but it does not offer scholarships, stipends, or other funding. Past fellows have included several in smallholder agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, fair trade, and other subject areas. The current deadline for applications in Malaysia is 16 August 2023. Acumen Malaysia Fellowship
SEED — Replicator Workshop for Eco-Enterprises in Uganda
The SEED Replicator program offers incubation workshops to identify opportunities for enterprise creation and to guide aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners looking for partnerships to build an eco-inclusive business model. Successful alumni can apply for a SEED Grant which pays for your immediate necessary activities, measures or machinery required to establish the new enterprise. SEED Replicator Program currently invites applications from entrepreneurs in Uganda. Participation is free, although participants need to cover their transportation costs and accommodation. The application deadline is 31 August 2023. SEED Replicator Uganda
UK Government — Research and Innovation for Development in ASEAN
The UK Government accepts applications for short-term innovative projects that address important development issues in Southeast Asia. Funding will support collaboration between researchers and innovators to address regional priorities such as health, climate adaptation, resilience, energy transition and agriculture to progress development impact. Funding ranges from £10 thousand to £100 thousand. Applications have to be submitted by 08 September 2023. Know more