The RES4Africa Foundation invites applications for the 2026 edition of RAISEAfrica, a program supporting renewable energy startups and entrepreneurs in Africa. The call is open to African citizens between 18 and 35 years old, or startups registered in Africa, who are developing innovative renewable energy solutions for the African market. Up to six selected participants will receive an initial entry contribution of €3,000, along with mentoring, coaching, and fundraising support. Additionally, participants can compete for the “Young Talent of the Year Award,” which offers a final prize between €5,000 and €10,000. The deadline for applications is 17 May 2026. Link to RES4Africa
partnerships/collaboration
Visegrad Fund — Western Balkans Grant Program
The International Visegrad Fund calls for grant projects that will facilitate the transfer of know-how between non-governmental and civil society organizations in Visegrad countries (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary) and the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia). Thematic areas include environment and sustainable development, among others. The program is open to any legal entity or natural person worldwide, with preference for projects submitted by non-profit and non-governmental organizations; public educational, cultural, and research institutions; and municipalities and local governments. Applicants can apply by 01 June 2026. Visegrad+ Grants
European Commission — Support for Nature & Biodiversity Projects
The European Commission launches a call for proposals for EU action grants in the fields of Environment under the Programme for Environment and Climate Action (LIFE). The program supports demonstration, best practices, coordination and support actions, capacity building, and governance projects. The LIFE programs aim to facilitate the shift towards a sustainable, renewable energy-based economy; protect, restore, and improve the quality of the environment; halt and reverse biodiversity loss; and tackle the degradation of ecosystems. The project requested grant amount is not more than €60 thousand. In order to be eligible, the applicant must be a legal public or private entity, and be established in an EU Member State or a country associated with the LIFE Program. The deadline for applications is 22 September 2026. About LIFE
Thrive Philanthropy — Alternatives to Industrial Animal Agriculture
Thrive Philanthropy provides grants to support non-profit organizations outside the United States that are working to transition food systems away from industrial animal agriculture. The program funds initiatives that promote plant-rich diets, increase access to nutritious plant-based foods, and raise awareness about sustainable alternatives to factory farming. Mid-sized or larger organizations with a proven track record of success are eligible to apply. Grant amounts range from US$10 thousand to US$30 thousand. Deadlines for applications are 01 June, 01 September, and 01 December each year. Know more
Forest Conservation Fund — Project Grants
The Forest Conservation Fund (FCF) provides financial support to protect and restore natural forest ecosystems worldwide. The fund targets diverse applicants including community-based organizations, NGOs, indigenous groups, research institutions, and private companies that manage or own forest land. To be eligible, projects must cover at least 500 contiguous hectares of native forest and be located in areas where commodity production, such as palm oil, timber, or soy, threatens the landscape. While FCF does not specify a rigid maximum grant amount, it offers five-year grants to support field activities, ranger training, and community livelihoods. Deadlines for quarterly reviews occur during the third week of March, June, September, and December. More information
African Development Bank — Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa
The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) provides catalytic finance to unlock private-sector investments in renewable energy. SEFA offers technical assistance and concessional finance instruments. Funding requests must be aligned with three strategic priorities: (1) Green Baseload; (2) Green Mini-Grids; and (3) Energy Efficiency. Technical assistance grants are available to public and private sector entities. Applications can be submitted anytime. Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa
Rainforest Trust — Creating New Protected Areas
The Rainforest Trust partners with local conservation organizations to create new protected areas and expand existing ones for Critically Endangered and Endangered species. The Initiative invites applications for conservation partnerships from nonprofit entities and NGOs for projects in tropical Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Applying organizations may submit proposals for either a land purchase or a protected area designation. Applications to create new protected areas are reviewed three times per year. The application deadlines are 01 July and 01 October 2026. Applications for less than US$250 thousand may be submitted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Link
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Implementation Team for the Mountains of Central Asia
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites proposals to establish a Regional Implementation Team (RIT) to lead biodiversity conservation efforts in the Mountains of Central Asia. The selected organization will coordinate grant-making and provide strategic leadership for projects across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Eligibility is restricted to 16 pre-identified organizations that submitted a prior expression of interest, though these entities may form partnerships with other civil society groups. The program provides up to US$8 million over a five-year period to manage a portfolio of approximately 100 projects. The deadline for full proposals is 17 April 2026. Find the call
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Indonesia and Timor-Leste
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale, high-impact projects in Indonesia and Timor-Leste that are designed and implemented by local partners. The program funds initiatives aligned with Global Affairs Canada’s thematic priorities, including inclusive governance, gender equality, human dignity, and climate action. Eligible applicants include local non-governmental organizations, community groups, academic institutions, and municipal or national government agencies. The average grant ranges from CAN$30 thousand to CAN$60 thousand, with a maximum allocation of CAN$100 thousand per project. The deadline for applications is 27 April 2026. Details here
NewGen — Renewable Energy Accelerator
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) invites applications for the fourth cohort of its NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator, a program designed to support young entrepreneurs driving the global energy transition. The initiative provides youth-led start-ups and growth-stage businesses with four months of technical mentorship, business model consolidation, and access to investment matchmaking. Eligible applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and working on innovative solutions in renewable energy, climate adaptation, or climate mitigation. While the program does not provide a direct cash grant, participants compete for the IRENA Rising Stars Award and gain access to IRENA-backed financing platforms such as the Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF) facility. The deadline for applications is 03 May 2026. Renewable Energy Accelerator