The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) seek innovative projects run by young people in the 16–35 age group which aim to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged communities in developing countries. The ‘Together we’re better’ competition sponsors current and planned initiatives run by young people that help advance global sustainable development and fight poverty. Prizes in five categories range from CHF 4 to 10 thousand. Eligibility extends to Swiss citizens or residents but submitted projects have to be relevant for and/or be implemented in developing countries. Deadline for submissions is 31 March 2019. Together we’re better
community projects
European Commission — Disaster Prevention and Preparedness
The European Commission seeks to identify and finance projects aimed at strengthening cooperation within Europe on disaster prevention and preparedness. Prevention projects may be any actions aimed at reducing risks or mitigating adverse consequences of disasters for people, the environment and property, including cultural heritage. Preparedness projects focus on strengthening preparedness for responding to emergencies, environment and marine pollution. The EU co-funding rate amounts to 85 % of total eligible costs, with a maximum EU contribution of EUR 1 million for grants awarded under the internal budget (EU countries) and EUR 400 thousand for grants awarded under the external budget (neighboring countries). Eligibility extends to private entities, public entities, and international organisations established in the European Union or Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine and Tunisia. The deadline for submission is 04 April 2019. Find the call document
ygap — Support for Female Entrepreneurs in Africa
The yher accelerator provides support to female entrepreneurs and female-led impact ventures across Africa. The aim of the program is to provide solutions to poverty by empowering women. The program provides access to mentors, training and a week-long intensive training workshop. Winners of the peer review will receive US$25 thousand in funding and the chance to apply for an additional AU$10 thousand to AU$50 thousand to help scale their venture. Application deadline is 15 August 2019. Find the yher Accelerator Africa
European Commission — Promoting Sustainable Consumption and Production in Asia
The European Commission aims to promote sustainable growth in Asia and Central Asia and to support the development of a green economy and the transition towards a low-carbon economy. Proposals should fall under the following sustainable consumption and production sectors: agri-food processing, renewable energy, sustainable tourism, waste management, among others. Any grant requested under this call for proposals must fall between €1-3 million. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations and business. Eligible countries are listed in the call for proposals. The deadline for submissions is 28 February 2019. Link
European Commission — Sustainable Management of Protected Areas and Corridors
The European Commission seeks proposals to achieve sustainable and integrated management of protected areas, riparian territories and corridors of the complex formed by PoNaSi (Burkina Faso), Comoé (Côte d’Ivoire) and Mole (Ghana). The overall goal is to promote endogenous, sustainable and inclusive economic development that responds to the challenges of climate change. Requested grants should fall within the amounts of €750 thousand to €2 million. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations. The deadline is 5 March 2019. Find the call for proposals
European Commission — Promotion of Agribusiness and Innovative Farming
The European Commission seeks proposals for projects to reduce poverty and food insecurity in Sierra Leone through better governance and increased agricultural productivity and diversification. Lot 1 (up to €600 thousand) will support short value chains including micro enterprises that currently produce with artisanal methods. Lot 2 (up to €5 million) will support large-scale and already well-established SMEs in the agribusiness sector, which process agricultural products at a large scale. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, private sector organizations, farmer organizations & community based organizations, private legal entities and international (inter-governmental) organizations. The deadline is 15 March 2019. Find the call for proposals
National Geographic Society — Reducing Marine Plastic Pollution
The National Geographic Society seeks proposals for its program “Reducing Marine Plastic Pollution” from all around the world. The aim is to explore solutions to reduce marine plastic pollution (including behavior change). Projects may be focused around conservation, education, research, storytelling, or technology. Preference will be given to applicants who are residents or citizens of the country of fieldwork as well as to projects with strong local capacity development components. Applicants may request up to US$100 thousand, though grants are typically funded for less than US$30 thousand. The current grant cycle closes 10 April 2019. Click here
National Geographic Society — Himalayan Climate Change
The National Geographic Society seeks research, conservation, and storytelling proposals to advance understanding of environmental and societal changes measured in the Himalayas. NatGeo is especially interested in projects that directly monitor or examine changing temperatures, ice volume or extent, and water pathways, or that examine impacts on at-risk downstream populations. Typical proposal requests should be less than $50 thousand, but applicants may request up to $100 thousand. The current grant cycle closes 10 April 2019. Find infos
Bestseller Foundation — Enterprises in Agriculture and Environment
The Bestseller Foundation provides financial support for sustainable agriculture, sustainable jobs and entrepreneurship, and environment and nature conservation in China, Africa and India. The foundation invests mainly with commercial actors in for-profit projects by means of loans and equity. Nonprofit organizations and projects may sometimes be eligible if they have clear and commercially viable objectives. In some cases, the Foundation may consider grants or donations. Potential partners in the eligible regions contact the Foundation by telephone or email, and present a short concept note. Find details
Civil Society Academy — Zero Hunger and Social Justice
Civil Society Academy, in collaboration with Welthungerhilfe and Impact Hub, seeks zero hunger and social justice projects from Africa and Asia. The submitted projects should focus on (1) rural women and their families or (2) support social activists combating hunger and injustice. Selected projects will receive up to €40 thousand to develop and implement their project ideas. The deadline for submissions is 25 January 2019. Social Innovation Challenge