The Global Makers Challenge invites innovative start-ups, entrepreneurs and businesses to submit solutions to solve real-world problems. The current Climate Change challenge seeks solutions that will empower communities, especially those in developing countries, to eliminate waste and use existing resources through low-carbon, circular approaches. Applications are invited from innovators around the world without any geographical limitations. The winner receives prizes, including cash and mentorship. The deadline is 31 January 2020. Find the Challenges
all regions
World Bank Group — Supporting Women Micro-Entrepreneurs
The World Bank Group invites applications for the “Sustainable Development Goals and Her Competition.” SDGs & Her is an online competition for women micro-entrepreneurs to showcase how they are supporting the SDGs through their business operations. Winners will receive leadership training, mentoring and will be flown to Washington DC, for an event at the World Bank Group-IMF Spring Meetings (April 2020). The competition is open to women who own micro and small enterprises. The deadline for the competition is 10 January 2020. About the competition
Wild Planet Trust — Threatened Invertebrates
The Wild Planet Trust awards grants to individuals undertaking nature conservation projects. Projects may involve practical habitat or species management, research, training, education, awareness raising or campaigning. The Trust seeks conservation projects with focus on threatened invertebrates. Wild Planet Trust awards grants to both UK and overseas projects. Awards typically range from £500 to £1,500. The application deadline is 31 October 2020. Details
UK Royal Society — Newton Advanced Fellowships
Newton Advanced Fellowships provide established international researchers with an opportunity to develop the research strengths and capabilities of their research group through training, collaboration, and reciprocal visits with a partner in the UK. Research must be within the remit of natural sciences, which includes but is not limited to biological research, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics. Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent research experience, and hold a permanent or fixed-term contract in an eligible university or research institute for the duration of the project. The scheme provides up to £37 thousand per year for up to two years covering salary, research costs, travel, and training costs. The application deadline is 12 November 2019. About the Newton Advanced Fellowships
Field Museum — Visiting Scholarships for Student Research
The Field Museum (Chicago, USA) supports basic research on its collections by interested students and scholars throughout the world. The Museum offers a modest number of grants and fellowships, including funding for short-term visits of up to three months for collection-based research studies. Grants to examine specimens in the Museum’s collections are open on a competitive basis to all individuals in the national and international scholarly community working on problems related to natural history. The deadline to apply for the visiting scholarships is 15 November 2019. Link
British Council — Global Innovation Challenge
The British Council seeks creative digital ideas that has the potential to change the world and improve the lives of the world’s most disadvantaged people. Ideas have to focus on one of three Global Goals for Sustainable Development, including “Decent Work and Economic Growth” (which fits the category Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry). The winning pitch will get £20 thousand to invest in their idea and mentorship for a full year. The competition is open to anyone and everyone across the world. Applicants can choose to apply as an individual or an organisation. Applications have to be submitted by 10 January 2020. #IdeasChangeLives
European Commission — Removal of Marine Plastics and Litter
The European Commission seeks proposals for approaches or technologies to improve marine spatial planning and conservation (or restoration) of coastal ecosystems. This call focuses on the demonstration of technologies to clean the seafloor and the surface of nearshore waters from historically accumulated plastics and microplastics as well as from other accumulated marine litter. The Commission considers proposals of up to €6 million. International cooperations and legal entities established in EU Member States, Overseas Countries and Territories (full list in the call document) are eligible to apply. The deadline is 22 January 2020. Find the call
Association of Avian Veterinarians — Student Externship Scholarship 2020
The AAV makes grants to veterinary students entering their clinical year who intend to complete an externship at a veterinary facility that evaluates at least 10 avian cases per week. Grants are up to $150/week for up to 4 weeks ($600 US). There are no restrictions on nationality or country of residence. The deadline for pre-proposals is 31 January 2020. About
Smogathon — Technology to Fight Air Pollution
Smogathon aims to fight air pollution through technology. Start-ups will compete for $15 thousand in cash and a contract to implement their innovation in Krakow, Poland. Smogathon welcomes participation from any group worldwide that works as a registered company, start-up, foundation, or research group with a legal entity. The finalists will compete in Krakow during the Global Clean Air Summit. The deadline for applications is 10 November 2019. Link
Coady International Institute — Climate Basics for Community Resilience
The Coady International Institute offers a seven-week online course that gives participants a basic overview of the science behind climate change. The course will focus on particular areas that climate change will impact, including water resources, human rights, and severe weather events. Bursaries of CAD300 are available for select candidates. The application deadline is 13 December 2019. More about the course