The Africa Energy Innovation Challenge (AEIC) invites young African energy entrepreneurs to submit early-stage prototypes that address energy needs across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, transport, or AI-powered energy management. Applicants (aged between 18 and 35) form teams to co-develop and pitch their innovations, competing for support that may include funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Proposals have to be submitted by 15 September 2025. Link to AEIC
partnerships/collaboration
European Energy Communities Facility — Support for Energy Communities
The European Energy Communities Facility offers emerging or evolving energy communities across 31 European countries a grant of €45 thousand to develop a solid business plan, along with access to a tailored capacity-building program and peer-to-peer exchanges. Eligible applicants are legally registered energy companies that are based in eligible countries (EU-27, Iceland, Moldova, North Macedonia, or Ukraine). All materials must be submitted before the deadline on 30 September 2025. Details here
Donors’ Initiative for Mediterranean Freshwater Ecosystems — Freshwater Restoration across the Mediterranean Basin
The Donors’ Initiative for Mediterranean Freshwater Ecosystems (DIMFE) launches a call for projects to fund on-the-ground freshwater restoration and conservation actions across the Mediterranean basin. Eligible field-based initiatives must aim to restore or conserve freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity, promote sustainable and equitable water resource management, or develop long-term financing mechanisms. Grants range from €100 thousand to €500 thousand (with 25% co-financing required for requests over €300 thousand). The call is open to NGOs, scientific institutions, local authorities, and small private enterprises in the region. The deadline for submission is 15 October 2025. Link to DIMFE
Thomson Reuters Foundation — Free Legal Services for NGOs
TrustLaw is the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s global pro bono legal program. The pro bono network works with legal teams and lawyers who provide free legal support to NGOs and social enterprises. Interested organizations apply for a free membership, explain their project and specific needs and lawyers can volunteer to work on projects that interest them. New applications are accepted on a continuous basis. More about TrustLaw
Food and Agriculture Organization — Data for Farm Value Global Challenge
The UN FAO Data for Farm Value Global Challenge 2025 invites early-stage startups worldwide to propose scalable, data-driven solutions that empower smallholder farmers. Eligible startups must be registered companies with at least two team members. Selected participants will receive workshops, one‑on‑one mentoring, and the winner earns a €5,000 cash prize. Applications close on 25 August 2025. Know more
Global Resilience Partnership — TECH4Resilience Challenge
The Global Resilience Partnership launches the TECH4Resilience Challenge to accelerate seed‑level AI innovations that bolster climate-related emergency preparedness—focusing on solutions for low- and middle-income countries. Both not-for-profit and for-profit innovators are eligible, and selected projects will receive tailored leadership mentoring, communications support, investor pitch preparation, and funding of up to US$50 thousand to further develop and scale their solutions. The challenge closes on 31 August 2025. TECH4Resilience Challenge
British Council — Environments Collaboration Grants
The British Council’s Research Environments Collaboration Grants support joint research initiatives between a UK lead institution and a partner institution in Brazil, Morocco, Pakistan, or Peru. Funding ranges from £25 thousand to £40 thousand per project to establish new or significantly enhance existing collaborations that strengthen research capacity and foster sustainable, long-term academic links. Projects run for 12 months, starting January 2026, and applications must be submitted by the UK lead institution by 09 September 2025. Know more
European Union — Europe–Africa Partnerships
The Joint Innovation Facility provides funding of €100 thousand to €250 thousand to consortia led by African organizations from 14 target countries—including Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and others. Eligible proposals must leverage digital technologies to scale climate‑focused innovations in areas like climate mitigation, adaptation, blue tech, smart cities, energy, or mobility. Applicants must form cross‑border consortia (Africa–EU or intra‑Africa). The deadline for submission is 15 September 2025. Joint Innovation Facility
African Union Commission — Africa Think Tank Platform
The Africa Think Tank Platform (ATTP) invites consortia of three to five legally registered African think tanks—with representation from at least two African sub‑regions—to submit proposals for multi‑year funding (~US $10 million per consortium over up to 2½ years). The call supports policy‑relevant, collaborative research addressing at least four of the six priority themes: (economic transformation and governance; climate change; regional trade; food security; human capital; digitalization. Applications must be submitted no later than 24 September 2025. Africa Think Tank Platform
Environmental Research & Education Foundation — Sustainable Solid Waste Management Research Program
The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) seeks applications for the Sustainable Solid Waste Management Research Program in North America. Pre-proposals must relate to sustainable solid waste management practices in the topic areas of waste conversion to energy, biological conversion technologies, and recycling, among others. Previously awarded grants have ranged from $15 thousand to over $500 thousand with an average grant size of about $160 thousand for 2 years. There are no restrictions in regard to geographic location. EREF has two deadlines per year with pre-proposals being accepted 15 days prior to the deadline date. The next application deadlines are 01 December 2025 and 02 March 2026. Find out how to apply for a grant