The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) does not fund the implementation of the projects but it assists project development, the search for financial resources, and the search for political and technical support needed for project implementation. UfM promotes a wide range of projects in the Mediterranean region in subject areas that include energy and climate, water, environment, blue economy, and several others. Proposals are accepted continuously; there is no calendar deadline. Details
energy
Giving Joy — Micro-Grants for Women Entrepreneurs
Giving Joy makes micro-grants to women who seek to establish or improve their businesses for the benefit of their communities. Applicants can propose activities in any field, trade, occupation, or craft (e.g., agriculture, fisheries, energy, WASH, etc.). Proposed grant activities must have a social benefit to the community. Grants range from US$250 to US$500. Grants support women entrepreneurs worldwide. Giving Joy offers different grant cycles per year. The deadlines are 30 April (Europe and the Middle East), 31 July (Asia and the Pacific), and 31 October (Africa). Giving Joy Grants
European Commission — Young Energy Ambassadors Program 2025
The Young Energy Ambassadors (YEA) program offers individuals aged 18 to 35 the opportunity to engage in EU energy policy making and promote a clean, fair energy transition. Ambassadors will participate in the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) from June 10-12, 2025, and contribute to the European Youth Energy Day. The year-long mandate includes mentorship, workshops, policy dialogues, and media features. Eligible applicants are young professionals, students, activists, and researchers committed to sustainable energy. Applications are open until 01 March 2025. Link to the program
Earth Journalism Network — Text Reports on Renewable Energy in India
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) supports communicators in the production of in-depth reports on various aspects of the transition to renewable energy in India. EJN welcomes pitches on the progress of the transition towards clean energy, the challenges ahead and how to overcome them, and scalable and replicable solutions that empower communities through decentralized renewable energy initiatives. Communicators based in India are eligible to apply. Selected applicants will be provided support of up to Rs 1 lakh each. The application deadline is 17 February 2025. Link
Swedish Institute — Scholarships for Global Professionals
The Swedish Institute (SI) provides fully-funded international scholarships for master’s studies in Sweden. The scholarship for global professionals aims to develop future global leaders who will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and contribute to positive and sustainable development in their home countries. The scholarship is intended for full-time one-year or two-year master’s programs. SI fully covers tuition fees and makes regular payments of SEK12 thousand to cover living expenses throughout the scholarship. The application portal will close on 26 February 2025. SI Scholarships for Global Professionals
Bicester Collection — Award for Women Social Entrepreneurs
The Bicester Collection announces the 2025 Unlock Her Future Prize, targeting women social entrepreneurs from South Asia. This initiative seeks innovative, not-for-profit business ideas or early-stage ventures that align with at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Eligible applicants must be women over 18 years old, citizens and residents of South Asian countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). Winners will receive up to US$100 thousand in financial capital, university support, mentorship from global experts, and increased visibility through global exposure. Applications close on 10 March 2025. Unlock Her Future Prize
RAISEAfrica — Renewable Energy
RAISEAfrica invites African entrepreneurs aged 18-35 to apply for its 2025 edition, focusing on innovative solutions in the renewable energy sector. The program offers both pre-acceleration and acceleration tracks, providing mentoring, coaching, networking, visibility, and fundraising support. Eligible applicants should have solutions addressing the African market and either possess African citizenship or have a startup registered in Africa. The deadline for applications is 14 March 2025. More information
German Government — Microgrants Africa
The German Embassy seeks to support NGOs and other civil society actors which support marginalized, and impoverished communities in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. The micro-project scheme contributes to poverty alleviation and improvement of living standards, to cover the basic needs, especially in rural areas. A maximum amount of €25 thousand can be granted per project. Project examples to be funded are boreholes, garden projects, shelters for vulnerable children, construction/renovation of school classes, and income-generating articles. The application deadline is 31 March 2025. Microprojects
Alstom Foundation — Project Support for NGOs
The Alstom Foundation invites project proposals from NGOs in eligible countries in the Asia-Pacific region, South Asia, Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa (a full list of eligible countries is provided in the call for proposals). The Foundation supports a range of activities, including support for water supply and sanitation; renewable energy; reforestation; waste management; ecotourism; and environmental awareness campaigns. All projects must be submitted together with an Alstom employee acting in the role of the Project Promoter. (Note: The Secretariat of the Alstom Foundation may offer support in finding a promoter. In this case, projects have to be submitted no later than 20 March 2025.) The regular submission deadline is 10 April 2025. Click here
Environmental Research and Education Foundation — Research on Solid Waste
The Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF) offers research grants on the management of solid wastes. Topics include waste minimization; recycling; waste conversion to energy, biofuels, chemicals, and other products; waste diversion to other uses; and landfills. There are no geographical restrictions on institutions that can apply. Previously awarded grants have ranged from US$15 thousand to over US$500 thousand (with an average grant amount of US$160 thousand). The deadlines for pre-proposals are 01 May and 01 December 2025. Research on Solid Waste