The National Geographic Society funds individuals working on projects in science, conservation, storytelling, education, and technology that align with one or more of their focus areas: Ocean, Land, Wildlife, Human History & Culture, Human Ingenuity. Level I grants receive funding up to US$20 thousand and offer unique opportunities for training, networking, coaching, and mentorship from fellow National Geographic experts. Level II grants are up to US$100 thousand. Currently, National Geographic Society seeks innovative photography, short film, writing, data visualization and other storytelling proposals to help water users understand the issues around global water sustainability. Applicants may request up to US$20 thousand. Grant proposal submissions are due by 11 April 2024. Exploration Grants
forests
Ford Motor Company — Ford Fund Fellowship
The Ford Fund Fellowship is a virtual program for social entrepreneurs and community leaders building ventures that create impactful and scalable innovations. Each Fellow will learn advanced skills in entrepreneurship and leadership. US$25 thousand in seed funding will be distributed among the 25 Ford Fund Fellows. Applicants from the following countries are welcome to apply: China, Germany, Mexico, Romania, South Africa, United Kingdom. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. The final application deadline is 15 January 2024. Ford Fund Fellowship
Wikimedia — Research Fund
The Wikimedia Research Fund provides support to individuals, groups, and organizations who have limited access to research funding and are proposing work that has a positive impact on their local communities. Requests may range from US$2 thousand to a maximum of US$50 thousand. The application submission deadline is 15 December 2023. Know more
World Wildlife Fund U.S. — Environmental and Social Impact Grant
The Environmental and Social Impact Grant provides financial support to teams and institutions working in Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar focusing on enhancing capacities to address environmental and social impact assessment capacity building needs with an emphasis on local communities. The proposals should focus on WWF key goals including climate, food, forests, freshwater, oceans, and wildlife. Applicants may request up to US$ 15 thousand. Applications must be submitted by 18 December 2023. Environmental and Social Impact Grant
StartupXs — Seed Grant for Social Enterprises
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
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
Land Accelerator — Restoration of Degraded Forests and Farmland
The Land Accelerator is a four-month program for entrepreneurs who wish to learn how to restore degraded forests and farmland. The program offers courses in South Asia and Latin America. The accelerator is designed for companies that are in the testing phase of taking their product to market. Any business model that is recognized as restoring land is eligible, including, but not limited to smart agriculture, water conservation, agroforestry, tree planting, and beekeeping, forest conservation. The program currently accepts rolling applications. Click here
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
The Nature Conservancy — Photo Contest 2023
The Nature Conservancy Photo Contest seeks photographs that bring the natural world to people’s eyes and to their hearts. Participants can submit their pictures into five different categories: Cities and Nature; Landscape; People and Nature; Water; and Wildlife. Winners will receive gift cards and equipment. The contest is open to professional and amateur photographers. Photos can be submitted until 29 September 2023. About the photo contest
Partnership for Forests — Innovative Partnerships in Forestry
Partnership for Forests promotes partnerships among governments, civil society, and private enterprises to address deforestation and improve livelihoods by investing in forests and sustainable land use in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. The program provides a combination of grants and technical assistance to help selected partnerships move towards commercial scale-up. Grants normally range from £10 thousand to £1 million. Applicants should provide matched funding of at least 25%. Applications are welcome from private companies, cooperatives and trade associations, civil society and community-based organizations, NGOs, and research institutes. There is no deadline. Submit your idea