Ideas for Action is a knowledge platform of the World Bank Group and the Zicklin Center for Business Ethics Research at the Wharton School. The annual Ideas for Action competition seeks innovative ideas and actionable projects to support the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Past winners include water solutions for better fish farm yields, women-led business models to improve sustainable access to energy, web based solutions for agriculture processes, and many more. Teams must consist of two to six members and may be formed across different schools, institutions, companies, or countries. Students and young professionals between the ages of 18-35 years from around the world are invited to participate. The winners of the competition present their ideas at the annual meeting of the World Bank Group, receive support from a project incubator and coaching. The deadline for submissions is 29 February 2020. Ideas for Action
natural disasters
U.S. National Science Foundation — Geography and Spatial Sciences Program 2020
The NSF funds an annual competition for research on the geographic distributions and interactions of human, physical, and biotic systems on the Earth’s surface. Projects on a variety of topics U.S. and international (through subawards) qualify for support if they offer promise of enhancing geographical knowledge, concepts, theories, methods, and their application to societal problems and concerns. Past projects include several in the world’s developing countries related to environmental disasters, waste management, marine spatial planning, wildlife conservation, and others. The deadline for regular proposals is 03 September 2020. Link
Mostra Ecofalante de Cinema Ambiental — Latin-American Film Competition 2020
The 9th ‘Mostra Ecofalante de Cinema Ambiental’ invites entries to the Latin-American Competition in Environmental Cinema. Socio-environmental categories include energy, water, climate change, consumption, people and places, environmental activism, accumulated waste, contamination or export, socio-environmental resources, green spaces, urban areas, food, green economy, globalization, wildlife, and sustainability, among others. Selected films compete in the categories Best Long Film by the Jury (over 60 minutes), with a prize of R$15 thousand; Best Short Film by Jury (up to 59 minutes), with a prize of R$5 thousand; and Best Film by the Public. The deadline for submission is 15 January 2020. (Note: Information in Portuguese) Find out more
U.S. Department of State — Young Pacific Leaders Conference 2020
The US Department of State, in partnership with Cultural Vistas, accepts applications from emerging leaders (ages 25-35) across the Pacific to attend the Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) Conference in Papua New Guinea (April 2020). The Conference will include informational sessions, skills workshops, cultural activities, and site visits to deepen participants’ capacity to address regional issues related to Education; Environment and Resource Management; Civic Leadership; and Economic and Social Development. All travel, lodging and meals will be provided to selected participants. After the YPL Conference, all YPL alumni will be eligible to compete for small grant funding to support projects in their countries. Applications are due by 03 February 2020. Find out more
French Agency for Development — Digital Project for Sustainable Cities in Africa
The French Agency for Development (AFD) Digital Challenge seeks digital solutions for sustainable cities, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG). Solutions should focus on the basic needs of the urban population (e.g., access to water), foster local economic development (e.g., urban agri-food sector), or support the most vulnerable (e.g., alert systems in the context of an environmental disaster). The call is open to startups, associations, and research centers in Africa. The winner will receive €20 thousand. The deadline for application is 18 November 2019. More about the AFD Digital Challenge
Swedish International Development Agency — Disaster Risk Management in Asia
Sida funds short-term training in selected development topics for participants from developing countries. Sida seeks applications for the Advanced International Training Programme “Disaster Risk Management.” The overall objective of this program is to strengthen capacity of individuals and their organisations to manage disaster risk. The total duration of the program is 12 months (phase 1–3). Technical experts and middle management staff members employed by public authorities, civil society, and academia involved in disaster risk management from Nepal, Bangladesh, the Philippines and Cambodia are invited to apply. Sida will cover costs related to all program phases except personal expenses, visa fees or any local airport taxes and departure fees. The closing date for applications is 28 October 2019. Find the program catalog
Earth Journalism Network — Bay of Bengal Media Grants 2020
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) makes grants to media organizations in the Bay of Bengal region, that aim to improve the quantity and quality of information about climate change. Particular attention should be given to the adaptation needs, challenges, efforts and success stories of vulnerable and marginalized communities. Preference will be given to applications from or affiliated with professional journalists, media organizations, journalism schools, and the like. However, EJN will also consider applications by NGOs or environmental groups looking to build the capacity of journalists to cover conservation issues. The average grant will be about US$20 thousand for one year. The application deadline is 31 October 2019. More info
German Embassy — Small-Scale Project Funding for Bangladesh
Germany provides direct financial assistance to NGOs, local communities and religious institutions for the implementation of a small project for the benefit of disadvantaged groups of society in Bangladesh. Organizations may apply for up to €25 thousand. Project proposals may be submitted to the Embassy as hard copy by 30 November 2019. Small-Scale Project Funding 2020
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis — Science Communication Fellowship 2020
IIASA is an international scientific institute that conducts research into the critical issues of global environmental, economic, technological, and social change. The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) accepts applications for its summer 2020 Science Communication Fellowship. The science communication fellow will gain experience in communicating complex systems science for a general audience through a variety of platforms. Program areas include energy, ecology, water, greenhouse gases, risk and resilience, among others.The stipend is €4 thousand for three months. The application deadline is 11 January 2020. Link
United States Agency for International Development — Small Grants for Disaster Risk Reduction in Latin America
The Regional Disaster Assistance Program (RDAP) accepts applications for its Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Small Grants Program. The goal of the program is to increase the capacity of local and national authorities in the region to prepare for and respond to disasters. For that reason, RDAP intends to award projects valued between US$15 thousand and US$ 50 thousand. Organizations eligible to apply include local non-governmental organizations and local universities. Concept papers have to be submitted by 30 September 2019. Link