The Spindle seeks the 30 most inspiring Digital Innovations from all over the world and from all types of organizations who are working towards a sustainable, just and inclusive world. The digital innovation or technology should contribute to closer cooperation between organisations working on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The 30 selected participants have the chance to record a pitch video with a professional filmmaker and will present their product during the Partos Innovation Festival (October 2020) to potential partners and investors. Applications can be submitted until 10 July 2020. Note: This opportunity is “first-come, first-served!” (the first 100 applications will be taken into account). About
marine/coastal
European Commission — Food from the Oceans
The European Commission funds projects that explore new and sustainable aquatic and marine sources for human food with focus in under-used species and/or side streams from: (i) marine and aquatic sources; or (ii) the fisheries industry. Proposals for the cultivation of aquatic and/or marine biomass must include innovative and sustainable production and harvesting systems. The Commission will provide funding of up to a maximum of €16 million to address this specific challenge. The application has to be submitted as joint project proposal from at least three legal entities, each of which must be established in a different EU Member State or Horizon 2020 associated country. The application deadline is 03 September 2020. Link to details
European Commission — Supporting Fishing Communities in Cambodia
The European Commission (EC) aims to support socio-economic development of Cambodia fishing communities in the coastal regions and promote integrated and sustainable wetland management and rehabilitation of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve. Applicants may request up to €4 million to implement projects that meet the criteria of the European Commission for the region. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations established in the European Union or Cambodia. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 15 September 2020. Find details
Copernicus Masters — Blue Economy Challenge
Copernicus Masters is an international innovation competition that honors the best solutions using earth observation data and applications to solve global challenges. The Space data for “Blue Economy” Challenge, sponsored by the European Commission, seeks solutions that have the potential to stimulate new markets related to the Blue Economy and to contribute to environmental protection of marine resources. The winner of the Blue Economy challenge receives €10 thousand. All participants have the chance to win an additional €10 thousand if chosen as the overall Copernicus winner. The competition is open to participants worldwide. Submissions are open until 30 June 2020. Find the Blue Economy Challenge
U.S. Department of State — Technology to Safeguard Ocean Ecosystems and Resources
The U.S. Department of State provides financial assistance to ocean conservation projects in developing countries. A grant for up to US$200 thousand will be awarded for work that will support effective management of Marine Protected Areas in selected countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. The proposed program could include at least one technological solution to improve MPA surveillance. Eligibility is limited to U.S. and foreign non-profit organizations and academic institutions, as well as public international organizations. The closing date for applications is 15 July 2020. Link
Proposals for NGOs — #Togetherwecan Photo Contest
The Photo Contest is open to professional and non-professional photographers worldwide. Participants are invited to submit real pictures showing their development project and progress in local communities around the world. The two images that get the most “likes” and “shares” by 15 August will win US$100 each. Photos have to be submitted by 15 July 2020. Link to the #Togetherwecan photo challenge
U.S. Department of State — Reducing Ocean Pollution in West Africa
The U.S. Department of State announces funding for capacity building with the aim to support the environmentally sound management of plastic waste in West Africa to reduce ocean pollution. A grant for up to US$179 thousand for work that will support a developing country in West Africa (Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal, Sierra Leone, or Togo) to combat plastic waste leakage in the environment through improving waste. Eligibility is limited to U.S. and foreign non-profit organizations and academic institutions, as well as public international organizations. The closing date for applications is 31 July 2020. Link
U.S. Department of State — Support for Environmental Cooperation
The U.S. Department of State announces funding for logistics, meetings coordination, and digital communications to support environmental cooperation between all the U.S. Free Trade Agreement countries. Funding of up to US$197 thousand will be awarded to be used for logistics and meeting coordination support for in-person and virtual meetings, as well as digital communications to promote environmental cooperation programs. Eligibility is limited to U.S. and foreign non-profit organizations and academic institutions, as well as public international organizations. The closing date for applications is 31 July 2020. Click here for more information
ENI CBC Med — Call for Capitalization Projects
The Mediterranean Sea Basin Program is a cross-border cooperation initiative implemented by the EU and neighboring coastal territories. The ENI CBC Med finances cooperation projects with focus on biodiversity conservation, climate change, and pollution for a more sustainable Mediterranean area. ENI CBC Med accepts applications for capitalization projects in the following priority areas: Water Management, Waste Treatment and Recycling, Renewable Energy, Integrated Coastal Zone Management. The maximum EU contribution is 90% of the total eligible costs with a total maximum of €1 million per project. The deadline for the submission of project proposals is 28 July 2020. Click here
European Commission — Global and Environmental Health
The European Commission (EC) aims to strengthen and stimulate the dialogue between civil society organizations in the EU and the ASEAN region in areas of global health, environment challenges, sustainable growth, and fundamental rights. The EC provides financial assistance to local projects and think tanks that mitigate the negative impacts on public health (air, water and soil pollution), research zoonotic diseases, and rethink urban living spaces, among other priorities detailed in the call for proposals. Applicants may request up to €300 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations and academic institutions established in the European Union, Indonesia, Thailand, New Zealand or the ASEAN region. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 25 August 2020. Find the call