StartupXs invites applications for the 2024 ChangeMakers Seed Funding competition. The competition is open to startups and social enterprises who want to change their community with their innovative business idea. The winner will receive a US$1500 seed grant. Participation is open to any individual (18 and 35 years) or organization in any country. Priority is given to early-stage startups working on an innovative product or idea. The deadline for the submission is 31 December 2023. ChangeMakers Seed Funding
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UN Global Compact — Young SDG Innovators Program
The Young SDG Innovators Program is an accelerator program for future business leaders and changemakers to develop and drive innovative SDG solutions through new technologies, initiatives, and business models. Participants participate in online and in-person workshops, case studies, company visits and forum discussions. Companies based in Brazil, China, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Ukraine, United Kingdom or the United States have the opportunity to collaborate with their Global Compact Local Networks to nominate young professionals for the program. The nomination deadline is 31 January 2024. Link to UN Global Compact
Hult Prize Foundation — Hult Prize Challenge
The Hult Prize is a start-up accelerator for social entrepreneurship which brings together college and university students to solve the world’s most pressing issues. In 2024, participants can pitch any idea for a social enterprise, as long as it is world-changing and aligned with at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).. The Hult Prize runs regional competitions around the world, campus events, a national competition, and online for the chance to join the Global Accelerator Program. The winning team will be awarded US$1 million in seed capital. Hult Prize
International Fund for Agricultural Development — Grants to Improve Resilience and Food Security
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) will finance the implementation of a project on “Innovative regenerative agriculture approaches to improve resilience and food security”. The goal is to contribute to more productive and nutritious climate resilient and sustainable agricultural production through the application of regenerative agriculture techniques. The overall grant is US$500 thousand. (Note: The recipient’s contribution must be at least 25% for private sector applicants.) Deadline for submission is 13 October 2023. Link to IFAD
The Commonwealth Secretary-General — Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards
Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards recognize ground-breaking innovations from Commonwealth countries that contribute to one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Each winner will receive a trophy, a certificate and a cash prize of £3,000. Nominees can be individuals, organizations, companies, charities or government bodies. Entries must be received by 15 October 2023. Know more
International Development Research Centre — Innovative Veterinary Solutions for Antimicrobial Resistance
Innovative Veterinary Solutions for Antimicrobial Resistance supports research that will identify and develop prophylactic and therapeutic innovative veterinary solutions while reducing the use of antimicrobials in ruminants and aquaculture operations in low- and middle-income countries. These solutions should target the prevention and control of bacterial infectious diseases. A series of grants of up to CA$1.6 million will be issued. Applicants from academia, private and public sector organizations with strong research focus are eligible for this global call. Full proposals must be received no later than 30 October 2023. Details here
Standards and Trade Development Facility — International Sanitary and Phytosanitary Requirements
The Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) aims to increase the capacity of farmers, processors and traders in developing countries to implement international SPS standards to gain and maintain market access. The STDF seeks applications to improve its food safety, animal and plant health capacity. Grants are expected to help address particular challenges or issues that affect trade to international markets. Projects should have a maximum duration of three years, or less. The STDF offers grants of up to US$1 million for projects that promote compliance with international SPS requirements. Public and private sector entities as well as non-profit non-governmental organizations are eligible to apply. The deadlines to apply for funding in 2024 are 22 March and 09 August 2024. Details here
Nordic Africa Institute — African Scholar Program
The Nordic Africa Scholar Program supports researchers based in Africa who need time and a conducive environment for finishing and writing up their ongoing research. The Senior Researcher position is offered at the Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) for the duration of 12 months. NAI especially welcomes research with relevance to energy, energy transition and resource politics, among others. Salary is negotiable within the Institute’s current salary levels and remuneration packages. The closing date for applications is 19 November 2023. NAI African Scholar Program
Save Our Seas Foundation — Ocean Storytelling Photography Grant
The Save Our Seas Foundation (SOS) seeks photographers who tell conservation stories about the oceans. The call is not limited underwater photography. Story topics can range from the animals themselves, to fisheries to the communities whose lives are intertwined with marine life. Four successful grantees will receive a fully-funded assignment to shoot a conservation photo story on location, under direct mentorship from professional photographers from National Geographic. Award includes US$2 thousand cash prize, day rate for 3 to 4-week shoot, a year of mentorship, and logistical costs for shoot covered. SOS seeks to support early-career storytellers, therefore, applicants must have no more than 5 years of professional experience in any photography related discipline. The deadline to apply is 13 October 2023. Ocean Storytelling Photography Grant
United Nations Development Programme — Accelerated Blue Economy
The Ocean Innovation Challenge (OIC) seeks proposals that will stimulate socio-economic growth while restoring and conserving the coastal and marine ecosystems. The call invites approaches that create new and additional blue economy opportunities, such as innovations to improve fisheries and aquaculture management, ecotourism opportunities, or sustainable uses of marine resources empowering local coastal communities. Selected innovators will receive up to US$40 thousand to pilot their innovation within a period of maximum six months. Eligibility extends to entities in the least developed countries and/or small island developing states. The application deadline is 28 August 2023. Link