UN Environment in collaboration with Think Beyond Plastic invites university students from all over the globe to take part in the 2017 Marine Plastic Innovation Challenge. The challenge seeks solution-oriented engineering, research and communication projects that can help solve the global marine litter problem. The innovation challenge is organized around four themes: (1) Design and Engineering, (2) Communication, (3) Prediction and Recovery, and (4) Economics. The winners will be invited to the Sixth International Marine Debris Conference in San Diego, USA, on 12 – 16 March 2018 and receive professional mentoring. Deadline for submissions is 20 November 2017. More about the Challenge
awards/prizes
African Innovation Fund — Innovation Prize for Africa 2018
The Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) honors and encourages innovative achievements that contribute toward developing new products, increasing efficiency, or saving cost in Africa. Priority areas for the IPA include agriculture and agribusiness; environment, energy, and water; and others. The competition is open to African entrepreneurs, academics, and inventors — and to Africans in the Diaspora if their innovations are of significance for Africa. Prizes are US$100 thousand for the winner, plus two other prizes of US$25 thousand each. Additionally, finalists will receive a voucher for US$5 thousand in post-prize technical support to assist in moving their innovations to the next step. The deadline for applications is 10 January 2018. Link
International Plant Nutrition Institute — Scholar Awards for Agricultural Graduate Students 2018
The IPNI Scholar Awards are open to applicants who are graduate students attending a degree-granting institution located in any country with an IPNI program. Applicants in Africa can apply if their research connects with international programs, even if their countries are not in IPNI (see the special criteria for Africans). Awards of US$2 thousand are available to students in the disciplines of agronomy, horticulture, ecology, soil fertility, soil chemistry, crop physiology, and other areas related to plant nutrition. The deadline for applications is 01 May 2018. More
Euromena Consulting — Awards for African Start-ups
Euromena Consulting launches the first edition of its Euromena Awards. The awards are intended for companies or innovative projects with social, economic, environmental and/or societal impact. Proposed projects should be related to Africa and/or be established in the region. The three winners will receive coaching and support for 6 months and share a €10 thousand financial reward. Applications must be sent before 22 October 2017. Find out more
Connect4Climate — Climate Communications Campaign
In collaboration with partner organizations, the World Bank Group’s program Connect for Climate is sponsoring the #Uniting4Climate communications campaign. In the lead up and during COP 23, partners in the campaign will share messages, host events, and showcase climate solutions under the #Uniting4Climate hashtag. The campaign especially invites proposals for a virtual reality (VR) production in the form of a short description and short sample video that uses VR to illustrate and explain climate solutions and action. The winner or winners will be presented in November at the COP23 in Bonn, and they will be eligible for other publicity and possible prizes. The deadline for entries is 15 October 2017. Read more
Her Network — Woman of the Year Award 2018
The Woman of the Year Award is for an outstanding woman who is positively affecting lives through her work. The award categories include agriculture and 20 others. Applicants must be under 50 years old and can be from all over the world. The deadline for nominations is 18 October 2017. More about the awards
Islamic Development Bank — Prize for Women’s Contribution to Development
The IDB Prize for Women’s Contribution to Development draws international attention to the vital role women play in developing their communities and the world. The theme for the 1439H – 2018 Prize is “Women’s Contribution to Promoting Peace and Stability.” (Note: This could possibly include thematic areas important in the Terra Viva Grants Directory.) The Prize consists of two cash awards: US$50 thousand for a woman or a group of women; and US$100 thousand for an organization. Eligibility extends to women engaged in activities and /or residing in one of the IDB member countries, or in a Muslim community in non-member countries. The deadline for nominations is 30 November 2017. Learn about the prize
Blue Earth Alliance — Photography Projects
Blue Earth sponsors photography projects that educate the public about threatened cultures, endangered environments, and other social concerns. Blue Earth provides assistance with fund raising, publishing, and publicity. However, it does not make direct grants to sponsored projects. The deadlines for proposals are 20 January and 20 July of each year. Find submission guidelines
National Cheng Kung University — Gro Bruntland Awards 2018
Taiwan’s Cheng Kung University will host Gro Bruntland Week in in March 2018 to honor Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway and Director-General of the World Health Organization. Five young female scientists, one from Taiwan and four from developing countries, will be invited to present their research related to public health and sustainable development. TVG Note: This can possibly include research related to food production and nutrition, water supply, or other environmental influences on health. Candidates should be female, less than 40 years old, and hold a research doctorate. The deadline to apply is 24 November 2017. Find out about the awards
Rise Fund — Under 30 Impact Challenge
The Rise Fund is partnering with Forbes and Echoing Green to sponsor the “Under 30 Impact Challenge.” The challenge is designed to celebrate entrepreneurs around the world, under the age of 30, who are building successful for-profit enterprises that drive positive social and environmental impact. The eligible sectors include energy, food and agriculture, and five others. Applicants must be under age 30, and their businesses must be in a growth phase. There are no restrictions by nationality or residence. The winner will qualify for an investment of US$250 thousand by The Rise Fund, plus an in-kind media grant by Forbes. The submission deadline is 06 September 2017.