The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) seeks applications for the Sustainable Solid Waste Management Research Program in North America. Pre-proposals must relate to sustainable solid waste management practices in the topic areas of waste conversion to energy, biological conversion technologies, and recycling, among others. Previously awarded grants have ranged from $15 thousand to over $500 thousand with an average grant size of about $160 thousand for 2 years. There are no restrictions in regard to geographic location. EREF has two deadlines per year with pre-proposals being accepted 15 days prior to the deadline date. The next application deadlines are 01 December 2026 and 01 March 2027. Find out how to apply for a grant
business/enterprise
Welthungerhilfe — Global Food System Challenge
Welthungerhilfe and the Seeding The Future Foundation invite nonprofits, academic institutions, and early-stage for-profit or social enterprises worldwide to submit food-system innovations to the 6th Annual Global Food System Challenge, particularly addressing challenges in the Global South. Three award tiers are available: Seed Grants (US$25,000, up to eight awarded, for early prototypes), Growth Grants (US$100,000, up to three awarded), and Grand Prizes (US$250,000, up to two awarded). Eligible applicants are organizations, not individuals, from any country. Applications open 1 January 2027; the deadline is 15 February 2027. Global Food System Challenge
World Food Programme — Climate Adaptation
The WFP Innovation Accelerator, in partnership with the Adaptation Fund, aims to identify, support, and scale high-impact innovations that enhance climate adaptation across Latin America and the Caribbean. The World Food Programme invites applications from innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers with solutions that strengthen resilience, improve food security, and help vulnerable communities adapt to climate-related shocks such as droughts, floods, storms, and rising temperatures. Selected applicants will be invited to a January 2027 innovation bootcamp, with bootcamp teams then eligible to apply for a funded sprint program. The application deadline is 06 September 2026. Climate Adaptation Innovation Accelerator Program
Next Einstein Forum — Africa Energy Innovation Challenge
The Africa Energy Innovation Challenge (AEIC) invites young African energy entrepreneurs to submit early-stage prototypes that address energy needs across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, transport, or AI-powered energy management. Applicants (aged between 18 and 35) form teams to co-develop and pitch their innovations, competing for support that may include funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Proposals have to be submitted by 10 September 2026. Link to AEIC
U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — Sea Turtle Conservation in the Western Hemisphere
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) invites proposals under its Sea Turtles Program 2027 Request for Proposals. The program funds conservation work benefiting four sea turtle populations in the Western Hemisphere — leatherbacks and loggerheads in the Northwest Atlantic, and leatherbacks and hawksbills in the Eastern Pacific — with priority given to populations dependent on or migrating through U.S. waters. Funding priorities include stranding response and rehabilitation capacity, reducing bycatch through turtle-friendly fishing gear, restoring and protecting nesting beach habitat in Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, and building regional conservation networks. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, government agencies at all levels, tribal governments, educational institutions, international organisations, and for-profit organisations. Most funded projects take place along U.S. beaches, facilities, or coastal waters; other projects elsewhere in the Western Hemisphere will be considered but at lower priority. Most awards range from US$50 thousand to US$400 thousand, and beach and bycatch projects require a one-to-one non-federal match in cash or in-kind services. Pre-proposals are due 19 August 2026. Sea Turtle Conservation
Nigeria Energy Forum — Africa Energy Innovation Challenge for Youth-Led Energy Solutions
The Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF) invites proposals for the Africa Energy Innovation Challenge (AEIC), themed “Accelerating Value Addition, Youth Innovation & Community Action.” The competition mobilises young, early-stage energy entrepreneurs across Africa to develop, prototype, and scale innovative devices, equipment, and digital solutions across four tracks: youth employment and green jobs, agribusiness and waste-to-energy, local manufacturing and value addition, and AI and connectivity. Applicants must be aged 18 to 35 and apply as teams of at least three people, with each team required to include at least one woman and one man. Up to twenty or more shortlisted teams receive complimentary passes to the 11th Nigeria Energy Forum (November 2026). Winners share cash prizes of up to US$10 thousand, present their prototype at the Forum, and receive business development mentorship and incubator support valued at over US$15 thousand. The deadline for initial proposal submissions is 10 September 2026. Africa Energy Innovation Challenge
Donors’ Initiative for Mediterranean Freshwater Ecosystems — Freshwater Conservation Projects in the Mediterranean Basin
The Donors’ Initiative for Mediterranean Freshwater Ecosystems (DIMFE) launches a call for projects to fund work on the conservation and restoration of freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity, the sustainable use and management of water resources, and the development of sustainable financing mechanisms for freshwater conservation. Grants range from €100 thousand to €500 thousand (with 25% co-financing required for requests over €300 thousand). The call is open to NGOs, scientific institutions, local authorities, and small private enterprises in the region. The deadline for submission is 15 October 2026. Link to DIMFE
EPIC Deploy — Sustainable Cooling Pilot Projects in Africa and Brazil
EPIC Deploy (Enabling Pledge Implementation for Cooling) invites pilot projects that deliver bankable, climate-resilient sustainable cooling solutions. The initiative targets two sectors: the tertiary sector, including hospitals, universities, and public buildings, and industrial and cold-chain applications such as ports and food-chain logistics. EPIC Deploy is open to international consortia composed of at least one public, private, or research entity, with at least one partner based in one of the eligible countries: Kenya, Morocco, Tunisia, Ethiopia, or Brazil. The minimum grant request is US$200 thousand, applicants must secure co-funding of at least twenty per cent, and the total project budget may not exceed US$1.2 million. The deadline is 31 October 2026. Link
Forward Fooding — FoodTech 500
FoodTech 500 showcases the latest developments from international startup and scaleup companies across the food supply chain. FoodTech companies gain recognition in the AgriFoodTech industry and get the opportunity to be a speaker or exhibitor at international gatherings, conferences, and meetups. All companies from the Food Tech (or ‘AgriFoodTech’) sector can apply. The application deadline is 15 November 2026. About FoodTech 500
Climate Intervention Environmental Impact Fund — Climate Intervention
The Climate Intervention Environmental Impact Fund (CIEIF) supports innovative projects worldwide working to reverse climate change. The fund supports EIA, predictive impact modeling, and engagement efforts with potentially impacted stakeholders for innovative climate intervention technologies that are on the verge of field testing. Applicants should write a grant request that demonstrates how they would spend US$75 thousand. Applications are due by 01 December 2026. Details here