The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) makes grants to develop new climate-smart livestock technologies and business models to improve animal productivity, promote climate adaptation and lower emission intensity for smallholder livestock farmers in climatic hotspots in Africa. IDRC intends to provide grant funding for up to six research projects of up to a maximum of CA$1.5 million each for 36 months. The lead applicant organization should be an African institution (public or private). The application deadline is 25 January 2024. Details here
business/enterprise
U.S. African Development Foundation — Off-Grid Energy in Africa
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. To be considered for the Challenge, applicants must be 100% African-owned and -managed. Applicants must submit the completed application before 31 January 2024. Off-Grid Energy Africa
ygap — Poverty Solutions for Kenya
The ygap accelerator provides support to Kenyan leaders with solutions to poverty. Entrepreneurs and startups with project ideas and solutions for their local community are invited to apply for the training program. The program offers a three-day accelerator followed by twelve months of tailored support including business skills development, strategy insights, mentor support, and more. Participants will gain access to professionals (designers, lawyers, coaches, etc.) and have the opportunity to apply for small grants. Eligibility extends to social entrepreneurs operating in Kenya, who are dedicated to creating a positive change in the lives of people living in poverty. Applications close 03 February 2024. ygap Kenya
ClimateCare — Emission Reduction and Removal Projects
ClimateCare finances available to scale work in nature-based projects and energy projects. Partnership applications are open to proposals for carbon projects at all stages of development seeking finance and development support to deliver emissions reductions and improve lives. ClimateCare offers access to finance, technical expertise and access to key market insights. Partners receive support for running on-the-ground project activities that deliver impacts on biodiversity, health and livelihoods. Only partners with projects of a certain size qualify for partnership. Interested applicants can submit a proposal for consideration anytime. Further information here
U.S. Agency for International Development — Power Africa
The program Power Africa aims to expand electric energy across Sub-Saharan Africa. Power Africa has more than 100 private-sector partners, and it invites others to join. The US Government has a variety of tools and resources available to assist Power Africa partners and their projects. The partners include companies that focus on small-scale solutions for rural areas, including off-grid and mini-grid projects. Expressions of interest can be submitted at any time. Find out more
Siemens — Tech for Sustainability
Tech for Sustainability Campaign is a global initiative for students, researchers, startups and innovative individuals to leverage technology to solve real-world sustainability challenges. Challenges include climate resilience, and global energy. Every challenge listed needs a feasible and technologically viable solution to implement it commercially. Siemens offers €60 thousand total prize money. The deadline for applications is 05 December 2023. Link
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research — Food Systems Accelerator
The CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator aims to support agribusiness with eco-friendly agricultural practices. The four priority innovation themes are: Mechanization and irrigation; Conservation agriculture; Nutrition-sensitive climate smart agriculture; and Agricultural Risk Management. Supported innovations should be designed to benefit smallholder farmers in East and Southern Africa. The program provides technical assistance and access to investors and corporate partners. Four companies will receive US$20 thousand. Applicants must be a for-profit company operating in Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe. The application deadline is 08 January 2024. CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator
Earth Journalism Network — Media Grants to Strengthen Media Coverage of Environmental Crimes in the Amazon
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers organizational grants of US$5 thousand to US$12 thousand to media outlets, NGOs, and academic institutions to support media and journalism activities related to environmental crimes in the Amazon Region in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. EJN aims to strengthen the capacities of civil society actors and their regional networks to conserve biodiversity and prevent environmental crimes in the Amazon. Interested applicants should propose training activities for journalists, communicators and media professionals through workshops, webinars, or online courses, and/or support the production of investigative stories on environmental crimes that expand reporting in regional languages. The application deadline is 08 January 2024. Visit EJN
Startup Wise Guys — Climate Change Warriors Program
The Climate Change Warriors Program offers training, networking opportunities and funding to creative minds that fight climate change. The 4-months program provides intensive training and personal development opportunities. Participants can get up to €120 thousand convertible investment. The program is designed for early-stage B2B sustainability startups working in climate-smart agriculture, regenerative agriculture, circular economy, circular waste management, or sustainable land management. The deadline to apply is 18 January 2024. Climate Change Warriors Program
Food 4 Future — Food Tech Innovation Awards
The Food Tech Innovation Awards 2024 recognize the most innovative proposals that offer a disruptive approach to Customer Experience or Management. The award has 6 categories: digitalization award for the food and beverage industry; best sustainability project; healthy food; the best innovation project for the packaging industry; the most innovative food tech startup; and the best automation and robotics solution. The FoodTech Innovation Awards are open to all companies, universities, business schools, researchers, journalists, and start-ups from all over the world. The proposal entry deadline is 15 March 2024. Food Tech Innovation Awards