The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks applications for a cooperative agreement to implement the Just and Secure Energy Transition (J-SET) activity. J-SET supports utilities, regulatory agencies, and energy sector stakeholders in the Europe and Eurasia region in progressing through the clean energy transition. USAID intends to provide US$20 million in total funding over a five year period. USAID welcomes applications from non-profit as well as for-profit organizations. The submission closing date is 18 May 2022. Know more
business/enterprise
United Nations World Tourism Organization — Award for Sustainable Tourism
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) seeks to find the most innovative startups that are working to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The UNWTO Awards acknowledge the contribution of institutions to competitive and sustainable tourism development. Tourism startups should contribute to one of six goals: Local community involvement; Green and blue economies; Ecological and Sustainable Capital Creation; Tourism Tech for Good; Tourism Education; Women Empowerment. There is no cash award. The winners will receive a trophy and a certificate. Applications have to be submitted by 30 June 2022. Link to UNWTO
Mitsubishi Corporation — Decarbonize
Mitsubishi Corporation and NYK Line seek startups for a startup bootcamp with focus on the clean energy transition and sustainability through decarbonization. The program aims to scout and support promising startups with disruptive technologies and business ideas to solve problems in the energy and resource sectors. During the 3-month accelerator program, selected startups receive hands-on mentorship, seed funding and access to a global network of investors with the ultimate goal of scaling their businesses. The application deadline is 10 July 2022. Decarbonize
World Ocean Initiative — Ocean Changemakers Challenge
The Ocean Changemakers Challenge seeks business solutions to ocean-related sustainability challenges. The challenge is aimed at early-career researchers and professionals, entrepreneurs and innovators with solutions to ocean challenges, e.g. marine pollution, overfishing and overexploitation of marine resources, unsustainable aquaculture, or destruction of ocean habitats. Three finalists will receive guidance from renowned ocean leaders as part of a 12-month mentorship program and present their business idea for a blue economy at the World Ocean Tech and Innovation Summit in Canada (October 2022). Entries close on 19 August 2022. Next steps
United States Agency for International Development — Environmental and Economic Reactivation Partnerships
The Ecuador New Environmental and Economic Reactivation Partnerships Initiative is designed to increase seascape conservation, combat illegal fishing, reduce ocean plastic pollution, achieve sustainable forests management, and support forest carbon sequestration and economic reactivation. USAID/Ecuador seeks implementing partners from the private sector and civil society. This includes private businesses, foundations, non-profit NGOs, and private educational institutions. USAID/Ecuador is prepared to make 4-6 individual awards of up to US$10 million each. The closing date for applications is 20 October 2022. Details here
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit — Climate Innovation Contest 2022
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) launches the Climate Innovation Fund to award innovative ideas that will help improve the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in Ethiopia. Projects should increase the sustainable use of natural resources, create job opportunities through the use of biodiversity, and help restore degraded landscapes. GIZ will contribute up to €50 thousand worth of investments. GIZ invites start-ups and small businesses in the sectors of technology (app developers), food production, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and timber to apply. Project ideas have to be submitted by 25 April 2022. Climate Innovation Contest
Safe Seaweed Coalition — Funding
The Safe Seaweed Coalition (SSC) calls for proposals to support the safety and sustainability of the seaweed industry. SSC will support workshops, working groups, training, staff exchanges, technology platforms, pilot demonstration, prototypes, capacity building, and educational programs. Grants of €50 thousand will help the development of food, environmental, and occupational safety in the seaweed sector. The SSC will take into consideration a suitable geographical balance in its selection of projects across all continents. The submission deadline is 29 April 2022. Safe Seaweed Coalition
U.S. Department of State — Accelerating Clean Energy Transitions
The U.S. Department of State announces a funding opportunity for “Accelerating Clean Energy Transitions Technology Needs Assessment” under the Clean Technology and Trade Partnership Initiative. The purpose of this project is to accelerate affordable clean energy transitions in select developing and emerging countries in support of national decarbonization needs in these critical markets. A total of US$684 thousand of funding will be made available under this call. Eligibility is limited to U.S. and foreign non-profit organizations; for-profit organizations, and educational institutions. The application deadline is 20 May 2022. Find details
U.S. Department of State — Indigenous People’s Finance Access Facility
The U.S. Department of State announces a funding opportunity for the Indigenous People’s Finance Access Facility (IPFAF). The purpose of this project is to support Indigenous Peoples’ increased access to results-based finance for the conservation, restoration, and improved management of forests. The project will support Indigenous Peoples’ in the Amazon basin, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia with up to US$1,9 million. Eligibility is limited to U.S. and foreign non-profit organizations; for-profit organizations, and educational institutions. The application deadline is 30 May 2022. Know more
U.S. Department of State — Enabling Forest Investment
The U.S. Department of State announces a funding opportunity for “Enabling Forest Investment Development Facility (ForInvest).” The overall goal is to facilitate investment in natural climate solutions in developing countries, especially in high-deforestation areas, by developing investment pipelines and connecting those opportunities with potential investors. The project should encompass all three of the key geographies to Conserve Global Forests: the Amazon basin, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia. A total of US$5.1 million will be made available. Eligibility is limited to U.S. and foreign non-profit organizations; for-profit organizations, and educational institutions. The application deadline is 30 May 2022. Link