United Nations, in collaboration with Global Innovation Exchange, seeks applications for the 2021 Call for Innovations for a chance to be featured at the UN’s virtual STI Forum (May 2021). Innovations should address COVID-19-associated disruptions that will remain relevant beyond the pandemic to help accelerate progress towards one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The call is open to innovators, scientists, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Applications will be accepted until 26 March 2021. Click here
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Volkswagen Foundation — Funding for Young Researchers
Through its program ‘Freigeist’ the Volkswagen Foundation seeks open-minded, strong and resistant young researchers with innovative ideas from all around the world. The ‘Freigeist’ scheme is open to all disciplines and research topics and offers the opportunity to establish a career within a scientific research organization or university in Germany. Eligibility extends to junior researchers (up to 4 years of postdoctoral experience). Depending on the field of research and career experience, projects in a total amount of up to €2.2 million for up to 5 years may be granted. The deadline for applications is 01 April 2021. Detailed information here
Net Zero Challenge — Open Data to Advance Climate Action
The Net Zero Challenge is a global competition to answer the question “How can we advance climate action using open data?” Individuals, groups and organizations are invited to submit projects in progress or concepts/ideas. The first stage of the Net Zero Challenge is a ‘Virtual Pitch Contest’. The winner receives US$1,000 to support further development of their idea. All applications must be received by 12 March 2021. Net Zero Challenge
Earth Journalism Network — Indigenous Environmental Journalism Story Grants
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers reporting grants to Indigenous journalists to support the production of in-depth stories that will call attention to climate justice, biodiversity, sustainable ecosystems. ENJ welcomes any story ideas that will explore how environmental and climate change issues are linked to the rights and well-being of Indigenous peoples and communities. EJN expects to award around 10 grants averaging US$1.250 thousand each. Applicants must self-identify as Indigenous and provide the name of their Indigenous community. Applicants can be from any country in the world. Deadline for applications is 12 March 2021. More info
Agropolis Foundation — Award for Transformative Agroecological Research
The Biovision Foundation, in partnership with the Agropolis Foundation, awards the SHIFT Prize to recognize collaborative and transdisciplinary research for development projects and initiatives that have made exemplary contributions to the agroecological transformation of food systems. The winning project will receive €20 thousand unrestricted funding to support its further development and strengthen its impacts. Eligibility extends to projects and initiatives contributing to an evidence-based food system transformation anywhere in the world. The application deadline is 15 March 2021. SHIFT Prize
University of East Anglia — Online Course: Environmental Justice
The University of East Anglia (UEA) offers a 5 week free online course on environmental justice and environmental problems featuring topics like deforestation, biodiversity loss, climate change and other environmental issues. The course is designed for people who are already working on environmental problems and seeks to address environmentalists from all around the world. The course starts on 15 March 2021. Enroll now
National Geographic Society — Covid-19 Science Fund
The National Geographic Society provides funding for projects focused on how humanity and the natural world have reacted to and are living through the unparalleled circumstances created by COVID-19. The fund invites research, conservation, and technology projects on the following two topics: (1) Community-based and inclusive conservation, and (2) Impacts of tourism changes on cultural heritage sites and wildlife. Funding requests of up to US$50 thousand will be accepted for review. All application materials must be in English, and applicants must be at least 18 years old. The deadline is 31 March 2021. Covid-19 Science Fund
What Design Can Do — No Waste Challenge
The No Waste Challenge is a global competition by What Design Can Do (WDCD) in partnership with the IKEA Foundation. WDCD invites creative thinkers to submit innovative solutions to reduce waste and to rethink the entire production and consumption cycle. The winner receives €10 thousand in funding and a tailor-made development program to turn their project into a reality. The deadline for submissions is 01 April 2021. No Waste Challenge
Hilden Charitable Trust — Community Projects in Developing Countries
The Hilden Charitable Fund makes grants in the UK and developing countries in defined thematic areas. Projects in developing countries focus on community development, education, and health. (Note: Projects related to food security, community water supply, local energy, etc., may be relevant.) Hilden particularly welcomes projects addressing the needs and potential of girls and women. Hilden will consider funding for charitable organizations based in any developing country that have been active for at least five years and meet its criteria on financial income. Hilden only accepts applications from UK charities for overseas projects. Projects may be for more than one year. Average grants are £5 thousand. Applications can be submitted anytime but the closing date for the next meeting is 16 April 2021. Link
J.M. Kaplan Fund — J.M.K. Innovation Prize
The J.M. Kaplan Fund supports innovation in the fields of environment, heritage conservation, and social justice. The J.M.K. Innovation Prize is particularly designed for early-stage ideas in pilot and prototype phases. The prize provides up to three years of support at US$50 thousand per year, as well as US$25 thousand for technical assistance or project expenses. The Fund makes grants to non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organizations in the USA and to organizations in other countries that have equivalent charitable status. Applications have to be submitted by 30 April 2021. About the Prize