FAO and the Federal Government of Switzerland invite applications for the International Innovation Award for Sustainable Agriculture on the theme ‘Innovation to transform food systems’. Individuals, private companies and institutions worldwide may submit agricultural innovations (digital innovation, products, or practices) that contribute to the environmental, economic and social dimensions of sustainable development. The innovation award is divided in two categories: Category A (US$ 30 thousand) for excellence in digitization and innovation for sustainable food systems; Category B (US$ 30 thousand) recognizes an innovation that specifically empowers youth (under 35) in sustainable food systems. The call closes on 19 March 2021. Innovation Awards
business/enterprise
SEED — Low Carbon Award 2021
SEED supports small-scale eco-enterprises in the developing world which integrate social and environmental benefits into their business models. Applicants should be able to explain how the enterprise will be financially viable in the long term and be in the set-up phase and in the early stages of implementation. The eligible countries are Indonesia, India, Ghana, Thailand, Uganda, and South Africa. Each award recipient is granted capacity building and networking opportunities. The call for applications is open until 22 March 2021. More
SEED — Climate Adaptation Award 2021
SEED supports small-scale eco-enterprises in the developing world which integrate social and environmental benefits into their business models. Applicants should be able to explain how the enterprise will be financially viable in the long term and be in the set-up phase and in the early stages of implementation. The eligible countries are Zambia, Malawi, and Botswana. Each award recipient is granted capacity building and networking opportunities. The call for applications is open until 22 March 2021. More
European Commission — WASH Services for All
The EU-WOP program funds sanitation-focused Water Operators’ Partnerships (WOPs) – nonprofit partnerships between at least two water/sanitation service providers aiming to increase access and to improve drinking water sources and/or sanitation in vulnerable communities. The overall objective is to contribute to SDG 6: Improved availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Up to 30 projects of 36 months’ duration will receive grant funding of between US$250 thousand and US$ 450 thousand (in addition to cash or in-kind counterpart contributions). To be eligible, the Lead Partner must be a water/sanitation service provider registered and operating in a European or DCI-approved country. The application deadline to submit project proposals is 15 April 2021. Access the EU-WOP program
UAE Water Aid — Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award
UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia) invites nominations for the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award. The award supports research and development of new and innovative technologies that produce, distribute, and purify water using renewable energy to support poverty- and disaster-stricken communities worldwide. Prizes vary according to category from US$20 thousand to US$150 thousand. Suqia invites corporations, research centers, institutions, innovators and youth from around the world, whose novel technologies provide solutions to the challenges of water scarcity, to participate in the awards. The deadline for nominations is 30 April 2021. Visit Suqia
LEAP-RE — Joint Europe-Africa Call on Renewable Energy
The Long-term Europe-Africa Partnership on Renewable Energy (LEAP-RE) program aims to increase the use of renewable energy via research, demonstration, and technology transfer projects in both continents. LEAP-RE funds joint basic research, applied research and experimental development projects with a duration of 12-36 months. The call for proposals is aimed at actors in the renewable energy value chain (including universities, research institutes, companies, private sector, NGOs and public authorities). The maximum funding for each project is €1 million. Pre-proposals must be submitted no later than 01 April 2021. Link
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit — Investing for Employment in Côte d’Ivoire
Investing for Employment (IFE) supports the creation of decent employment opportunities in Africa by offering co-financing grants for new investment projects with a high job creation impact. This opportunity is suitable for companies in the agriculture, fisheries or energy sectors. The IFE provides grants between €1 million and €10 million. Entities and Consortia registered in Côte d’Ivoire are eligible to apply. Concept notes have to be submitted by 22 January 2021. Click here for details
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit — Investing for Employment in Tunisia
Investing for Employment (IFE) supports the creation of decent employment opportunities in Africa by offering co-financing grants for new investment projects with a high job creation impact. This opportunity is suitable for companies in the agriculture, fisheries or energy sectors. The IFE provides grants between €1 million and €10 million. Entities and Consortia registered in Tunisia are eligible to apply. Concept notes have to be submitted by 22 January 2021. Click here for details
United Nations Capital Development Fund — Women’s Empowerment in Bangladesh
The Women’s Empowerment for Inclusive Growth (WING) program supports women-led small businesses and social enterprises in Bangladesh who are working on real economic empowerment of women and girls. Interested enterprises are invited to submit their gender-responsive business proposal application for funding. WING provides technical assistance and financial support such as development grants, credit enhancements, and guarantees. The deadline for submission of investment proposals is 31 January 2021. Link to the call
Turkish Government — SDG Impact Accelerator
SDG Impact Accelerator (SDGia) is a global accelerator for entrepreneurs and startups working on products and services in the field of financial inclusion in Bangladesh or digital agriculture in Uganda. SDGia Digital Agriculture and Financial Inclusion calls are open for teams from all around the world. Selected teams will receive equity-free grants of up to US$15 thousand and, in the event that their product or service is selected for implementation in Bangladesh or Uganda, teams may also receive impact investment. The application deadline is 22 January 2021. SDG Impact Accelerator