The Tony Elumelu Foundation fosters and supports start-up enterprises in Africa. The TEF Entrepreneurship Program provides mentoring, training, forums, seed capital, and alumni support to individuals in Africa proposing new business ideas or early-stage companies in sectors that include agriculture, among others. Participants receive up to US$5 thousand in seed capital. The program is open to citizens and legal residents ages 18 and older in any African country. The next application deadline (English, French, Portuguese) is 28 February 2025. TEF Entrepreneurship Program
business/enterprise
Global Innovation Fund — Social Innovations for the Developing World
The Global Innovation Fund (GIF) welcomes proposals of innovative and cost-effective solutions that address any major development challenge (including energy, water access, agriculture and fisheries) in any country or in multiple countries of the developing world. The program is open to teams and coalitions from social enterprises, for-profit companies, NGOs, government agencies, international organizations, and researchers anywhere in the world. GIF offers grants, loans, and equity investments ranging from US$230 thousand to US$15 million. Applicants should propose the level and type of funding that is appropriate for their innovation, based on the stage of development. GIF accepts applications on a continuous basis. Information
Earth Journalism Network — Asia-Pacific Media Grants 2025
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) seeks applications from journalist networks, media organizations, civil society organizations, or academic institutions throughout the Asia-Pacific region. With this call, the EJN aims to boost the quantity and quality of environmental and climate coverage in the region. The proposed projects can focus on capacity building activities, networking, or be used as a seed grant to build a new environmental media startup or journalist network. Grants will be given to organizations looking to implement projects with the maximum duration of one year. The grant amount can range between US$15 thousand to US$20 thousand. The application deadline is 30 January 2025. Asia-Pacific Media Grants
Energie AG Oberösterreich — Startup Innovation Challenge
Energie AG Oberösterreich seeks startups in the energy industry. The Startup Innovation Challenge invites solutions to tackle genuine problems in the energy industry that will help the company to operate more efficiently and shape a sustainable future. Energie AG will provide up to €50 thousand for developing a proof of concept. The challenge is not restricted to a particular geographic location. The deadline for submission is 31 January 2025. Energy Startup Innovation Challenge
Global Resilience Partnership — Resilient Agriculture Innovations
The Resilient Agriculture Innovations for Nature (RAIN) challenge aims to convert seed-level innovative agricultural ideas in East Africa and scale them to sustainable business ideas. RAIN seeks new innovative agricultural initiatives to provide customized support. Winners will receive a cash prize of up to US$50 thousand after the initial mentoring period. RAIN is open to non-profit organizations as well as farmers, and entrepreneurs in East Africa (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda). Applications are due on 31 January 2025. RAIN Challenge
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in the Caribbean Islands
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) makes large grants in support of biodiversity conservation in the Caribbean “Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot.” Grants support community-based sustainable small-scale fisheries, protection and conservation of endangered marine species, marine protected areas management, and activities that promote improved marine and coastal ecosystems. Large grants are greater than US$50 thousand. Eligibility for grants extends to NGOs, community groups, private enterprises, universities, and other civil society applicants. The deadline for letters of inquiry is 13 February 2025. Details here
EKOenergy — Solar and Wind Energy Projects
EKOenergy seeks project proposals to provide funding for solar and wind energy projects in low- and middle-income countries. The funding will be made available to renewable electricity projects aimed at alleviating energy poverty. All projects are managed by experienced organizations and are implemented in cooperation with local NGOs. EKOenergy will support 15-20 new projects of €15 thousand to €40 thousand each. The implementing organization must have experience in the field of renewable energy and prove strong involvement of local organizations. The deadline for proposals is 14 February 2025. EKOenergy
Latin America Regional Fund for Agricultural Technologies — Call for Proposals 2025
The Latin America Regional Fund for Agricultural Technology – Fondo Regional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (FONTAGRO) – calls for innovations for the sustainable increase of agricultural productivity in Latin America and the Caribbean in the context of climate change. FONTAGRO member countries are Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Peru, Spain, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Proposals are accepted from multi-country consortia of public and private organizations at national, regional, and international levels. Grants are up to US$200 thousand for projects of up to 36 months. Projects will require counterpart contributions. The closing date for preliminary applications (Spanish) is 11 April 2025. Convocatoria 2025
OceanHub Africa — Acceleration Program
OceanHub Africa supports African for-profit startups focused on preserving and restoring the health of the ocean. The 6-month acceleration program provides mentorship, services, software, fundraising support, and a network of leading ocean experts, mentors (entrepreneurs, investors, innovation experts, impact experts, scientists, lawyers, etc.), impact investors, and potential clients. Eligibility extends to for-profit start-ups operating in Africa and with a clear focus on ocean issues (e.g., climate change, pollution, or overexploitation). The application deadline is 27 December 2025. OceanHub Africa
United Nations Global Marketplace — Climate Finance Transparency
The United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM) launches the development and delivery of a Climate Finance Transparency Program. Partners are expected to provide capacity building to developing countries on climate finance transparency so that they can use what they have learnt to advance the implementation of their climate policies and actions. Financing for this activity ranges from US$40 thousand to US$60 thousand. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations, intergovernmental organizations, for-profit entities, as well as academic and research institutions. The application deadline is 23 December 2024. Climate Finance Transparency Program