The Digital Energy Facility invites applications for the Digital Energy Challenge to support innovative projects in the energy sector across Africa. Start-ups must be in the early stages of development and propose digital solutions that address energy access, grid management, or the integration of renewable energy. Eligible applicants must be registered in an African country or collaborate with local partners. Winners receive a financial award of up to €150 thousand, along with technical assistance and visibility within the digital energy ecosystem. The deadline for applications is 17 June 2026. Digital Energy Challenge
partnerships/collaboration
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Publishing DNA-derived Data
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) invites proposals for projects that facilitate the publication of DNA-derived biodiversity data through its network. This program is open to institutions and organizations worldwide that aim to develop or improve technical pipelines for sharing molecular data, such as metabarcoding or environmental DNA results. The initiative offers grants of up to €20 thousand to support technical developments, documentation, and training that enhance the flow of genetic information into the GBIF platform. Applications must be submitted by 03 August 2026. Publishing DNA-derived Data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — DNA Reference Libraries for Biodiversity Research
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) invites proposals for projects that support the creation and integration of DNA reference libraries to enhance biodiversity monitoring. This program is open to research institutions, universities, and non-governmental organizations worldwide that aim to bridge gaps in taxonomic coverage by linking genetic sequences to voucher specimens and publishing the resulting data through the GBIF network. The initiative provides grants of up to €10 thousand to cover costs related to specimen sequencing, data curation, and technical workflows. The deadline for applications is 03 August 2026. More information
European Commission — Technical Assistance for Strategic Integrated Projects (Climate)
The European Commission provides technical assistance grants to support the preparation of Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) under the LIFE Programme. These grants are available to public bodies, private non-commercial organizations, and for-profit entities based in EU Member States or countries associated with the LIFE Programme. The funding is intended to help applicants develop full SIP proposals that implement regional, multi-regional, or national climate action plans. Each project can receive up to €70 thousand in co-funding. The deadline for applications is 16 September 2026. Details here
RES4Africa Foundation — Renewable Energy
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
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