F. M. Kirby Impact Prize is an annual global prize of US$150 thousand that amplifies and accelerates the work of enterprises working to scale their impact on social or environmental problems around the world. Applicants must have strong evidence of impact over at least 3 years and a plan for how to use the prize to scale that impact in the next 3-5 years. The prize is open to nonprofit, for-profit, or hybrid organizations working anywhere in the world. The deadline for applications is 04 December 2024. Know more
awards/prizes
Rice University — Business Plan Competition for Early-Stage Startups
The Rice University (Texas, USA) invites student teams to participate in the Rice Business Plan Competition 2025. Entrepreneurs receive the opportunity to pitch their startups to investors, receive mentoring, network with the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and enhance their startup strategy. Typically, startups have a technology component in Energy/Clean Technology; Life Science/Biotechnology; or Digital Services. The competition is open to degree-seeking students currently enrolled at a college or university anywhere in the world. The grand prize winner receives up to $300 thousand in investments. The application deadline is 10 January 2025. Business Plan Competition
Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture — Photo Contest
The SEARCA Photo Contest with the theme “The Future of Farming: Pathways to Carbon-Neutral Agriculture” seeks images from across Southeast Asia that showcase technologies and innovations that are modernizing and transforming agricultural and rural development toward increased food supply and security. The contest is open to all Southeast Asian nationals. Winners receive cash prizes of US$1000 (1st place), US$800 (2nd place), and US$500 (3rd place). All entries must be submitted before 15 January 2025. SEARCA Photo Contest
Action for Nature — International Young Eco-Hero Awards 2025
This program honors the work of young people between the ages of 8 and 16 who have completed successful projects in environmental advocacy, environmental health, research, or protection of the natural world. The selected individuals are awarded a cash prize (US$500) and certificate, as well as public recognition. The annual competition is open internationally. The application deadline is 28 February 2025. Become an Eco-Hero
Fiat Panis Foundation — Prize for Master Thesis in Food Security
The Fiat Panis Foundation makes awards for university thesis and dissertation research in themes of agriculture, ecology and natural resources, with a focus on food security in developing countries. The Hans Hartwig Ruthenberg Graduate Award is €7.5 thousand in support of qualified young scientists by honoring their excellent master thesis in the field of food security. The deadline for submissions (German, English) is 30 April 2025. Ruthenberg Graduate Award
International Society of Tropical Foresters — Innovation Prize
The International Society of Tropical Foresters (ISTF) awards an Innovation Prize to honor outstanding initiatives and ideas related to tropical forest use and conservation. ISTF seeks innovative examples of approaches, experiences, or efforts of individuals, groups, or organizations in line with “Governing Resilient Tropical Forest Systems”. Finalists will receive a cash award contingent on the quality of submissions and ISTF fundraising efforts (usually between US$1,000 and US$3,000). The application deadline is 22 November 2024. ISTF Innovation Prize
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development — Mountain Prize 2024
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) seeks nominations for the 2023 Mountain Prize. The Prize is awarded to an individual or organization that has demonstrated outstanding efforts enabling sustainable and resilient mountain development in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. The prize is currently set at US$ 2,500. Thematic areas include access to water for drinking or/and sanitation, food/nutrition security, climate change adaptation or/and disaster risk reduction, access to clean energy, ecosystems/biodiversity management, and two others. Women and youth are encouraged to apply. Nominations are accepted until 25 November 2024. Mountain Prize
U.S. African Development Foundation — Off-Grid Energy Challenge
The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) requests proposals for the USADF Off-Grid Energy Challenge. Selected African off-grid energy companies will receive funding in the form of grant capital of up to US$250 thousand. Applicants must be 100% African-owned and -managed to be considered for the Challenge. Applicants must submit the completed application before 12 December 2024. Off-Grid Energy
Cisco and Global Citizen — Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award
Cisco and Global Citizen invites applications for the Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award. The Award is made to a young individual (18-30 years) who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending global poverty. Global Citizen accepts applications from individuals who have, or contribute to, a registered legal entity such as a non-profit, for-profit, or social enterprise. The award includes a US$250 thousand prize paid to the organization to which the individual contributes. Submissions will close on 18 December 2024. Youth Leadership Award
Institute of Food Technologists — Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge
The Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge seeks game-changing innovations that will help transform the food system to be more sustainable and empower consumers to make choices that benefit both personal and planetary health. The Challenge will award up to eight US$25 thousand grants, up to three US$100 thousand grants, and up to two US$250 thousand grand prizes. Nonprofits or academic or research institutions located in any country and early-stage U.S.-based for-profit companies are eligible to apply. Individuals are not eligible to apply. However, teams of students or researchers may participate as part of an organization’s submission. Applications are due on 06 January 2025. More information