The Fonds Pierre Castel invites applications for the Pierre Castel Prize to support agricultural entrepreneurship in Africa. The program targets entrepreneurs between 18 and 45 years old who lead businesses in the agriculture, agrifood, or circular economy sectors. Applicants must be residents and nationals of Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, or the Democratic Republic of Congo. The prize offers €15 thousand for the first-place winner and €10 thousand for the second-place winner in each country, along with mentorship and professional coaching. Applications must be submitted by 30 May 2026. Pierre Castel Prize
business/enterprise
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Small Grants for the Cerrado
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites civil society organizations to submit letters of inquiry (LOIs) for small grants to support biodiversity conservation in the Cerrado hotspot in Brazil. This call targets projects that align with the investment priorities detailed in the regional ecosystem profile. Grants are available for amounts of up to US$50 thousand. The deadline for letters of inquiry is 03 June 2026. Small Grants for the Cerrado
Digital Energy Facility — Digital Energy Challenge for Startups
The Digital Energy Facility invites applications for the Digital Energy Challenge to support innovative projects in the energy sector across Africa. Start-ups must be in the early stages of development and propose digital solutions that address energy access, grid management, or the integration of renewable energy. Eligible applicants must be registered in an African country or collaborate with local partners. Winners receive a financial award of up to €150 thousand, along with technical assistance and visibility within the digital energy ecosystem. The deadline for applications is 17 June 2026. Digital Energy Challenge
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change — AI for Climate Action Award
The AI for Climate Action Award is a global competition that celebrates the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in tackling climate change. Anyone above the age of 18 years, with an open-source, AI-powered climate solution developed in or for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) or Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is encouraged to apply. Applications are welcome from individuals, teams, start-ups, organizations, or any other type of entity. The submission deadline is 30 June 2026. AI for Climate Action Award
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites letters of inquiry for large grants to support biodiversity conservation in the Madagascar and Indian Ocean Islands Hotspot. Non-governmental organizations, community groups, private enterprises, and other civil society entities are eligible to apply for projects that strengthen the protection of priority sites and ecosystems. Grants are available for amounts over US$50 thousand to support conservation actions in Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and the Seychelles. The deadline for submission is 07 July 2026. Visit the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund
RELX Group — Environmental Challenge 2026
The RELX Group sponsors the RELX Group Environmental Challenge to recognize projects worldwide that best demonstrate sustainable access to safe water and/or access to improved sanitation. The challenge is open to individuals and organizations (profit and non-profit). Projects must advance sustainable access to safe water where it is presently at risk, and/or access to improved sanitation. Two prizes are available, with one winner in the clean water and sanitation category and one winner in the ocean category each receiving a grant of US$75 thousand. The submission deadline is 12 July 2026. About the RELX Group Environmental Challenge
European Commission — Alleviating Household Energy Poverty
The European Commission invites proposals for the LIFE program to address energy poverty and protect vulnerable consumers in Europe. The initiative supports projects that implement practical solutions, such as small-scale energy efficiency renovations, improved access to renewable energy, and the establishment of local advisory services for energy-poor households. Eligible applicants include legal entities such as non-profit organizations, public authorities, and private companies established in EU member states or associated countries. Funding is provided as a co-financing grant covering up to 95% of eligible project costs, with individual project budgets typically ranging from US$1 million to US$2 million. The deadline for applications is 16 September 2026. Link
European Commission — Technical Assistance for Strategic Integrated Projects (Climate)
The European Commission provides technical assistance grants to support the preparation of Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) under the LIFE Programme. These grants are available to public bodies, private non-commercial organizations, and for-profit entities based in EU Member States or countries associated with the LIFE Programme. The funding is intended to help applicants develop full SIP proposals that implement regional, multi-regional, or national climate action plans. Each project can receive up to €70 thousand in co-funding. The deadline for applications is 16 September 2026. Details here
Common Fund for Commodities — Support for Commodity Development
The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) provides financial and technical instruments to support projects proposed by enterprises, cooperatives, and institutions. Funding is targeted mainly to for-profit organizations and social enterprises. Projects focused on the sustainable use and conservation of forest resources in the Congo Basin region (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo) are eligible. The maximum amount is US$ 2 million for regular projects, and up to US$ 300 thousand under the Fast-Track procedure. The 29th call for proposals has a deadline of 01 October 2026. Link to the Call for Proposals
Visegrad Fund — Western Balkans Grant Program
The International Visegrad Fund calls for grant projects that will facilitate the transfer of know-how between non-governmental and civil society organizations in Visegrad countries (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary) and the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia). Thematic areas include environment and sustainable development, among others. The program is open to any legal entity or natural person worldwide, with preference for projects submitted by non-profit and non-governmental organizations; public educational, cultural, and research institutions; and municipalities and local governments. Applicants can apply by 01 June 2026. Visegrad+ Grants