USAID sponsors Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) to identify, develop, test, and scale innovative approaches in development. DIV’s portfolio includes projects across the range of USAID’s program areas – including in agriculture, energy, climate change, water, waste management, and others related to natural resources and the environment. Applicants may apply for any of the three following stages: Proof of Concept (Up to US$200 thousand for up to 3 years), Testing and Positioning for Scale (US$200 thousand to $1.5 million for up to 3 years), and Scaling (US$1.5 million to US$15 million for up to 5 years). Proposals are accepted year-round, from any type of organization (including private businesses, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, foundations, civic groups, regional organizations, and international organizations), in any country. Link
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Conrad Foundation — Spirit of Innovation Challenge 2024-2025
The Spirit of Innovation Challenge is a worldwide competition for youth ages 13-18 to create commercially viable products or services to address issues of global sustainability. Categories include “Energy and Environment”. Ideas are submitted by student teams, which can be international, if desired. There is a fee for team registration (discounted rates may apply for qualified title one schools or special circumstances). The winning teams are offered seed money to continue the development of their ideas. The application deadline for the activation stage (phase 1) is 01 November 2024. Link to the challenge
Earth Prize — Student Environmental Projects
The Earth Prize is an annual, global environmental sustainability competition for students between the ages of 13 and 19. The Earth Prize will reward seven regional winners, each receiving $12,500 to implement their ideas. The regions are Oceania, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North America, and Central & South America. Additionally, The Earth Prize will recognize three mentors and three educators of the year, awarding each $2,500. The registration phase closes on 30 November 2024. Earth Prize
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 2024 and 01 May 2025. Find out how to apply for a grant
iF International Forum Design GmbH — Student Design Award
The iF Student Design Award recognizes students and their future-oriented concepts that aim to solve a global development challenge. The best concepts earn a share of €50 thousand. All winners will be honored with a two-day event in Istanbul. Students and recent graduates of all design-related courses and programs are welcome to register their concepts. The registration deadline for participation is 05 February 2025. iF Student Design Award
Legal Aid Forum — Environmental Journalism Training Program
The Legal Aid Forum Rwanda (LAF) launches the Environmental Journalism Training Program for accredited Rwandan journalists. The program will equip local journalists with essential skills and legal support to effectively report on environmental issues, including environmental crimes, the green economy, climate change, and sustainable adaptation. Up to twelve of the fifteen successful applicants will receive production support to help them produce their stories. Journalists working in any medium or multiple media are welcome to apply. Applications have to be submitted by 12 September 2024. Environmental Journalism Training Program
ChangemakerXchange — Changemakers for the Planet
Changemakers for the Planet supports the work of young changemakers, activists, and innovators from Sub-Saharan Africa who address the planetary crisis, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The program provides young leaders with in-person summits, capacity building, and funding for collaborative efforts. The program is open to applications aged 18-35. The deadline to apply is 16 September 2024. Changemakers for the Planet
Commonwealth Secretariat — Commonwealth Youth Awards 2024
The Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work recognize individuals ages 15 to 29 who lead innovative development projects in themes that include agriculture, small enterprise, skills training, climate change, environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, and poverty reduction. The program selects regional winners from each of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Winners are awarded grants of up to a total of £5 thousand in total to advance their projects. The application deadline is 18 October 2024. Commonwealth Youth Awards
University of Chicago — Air Quality Fund
The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) accepts applications for the Air Quality Fund. The Fund will offer financial support to 10-15 selected groups over 18 months. They expect award amounts to be roughly US$50 thousand. The call for applications is open to governmental and non-governmental organizations of any type, including universities, non-profits, for-profits, corporates, NGOs, and CSOs. (Note: Organizations are required to be legally authorized to receive funds from a US institution.) Applications from all countries may apply. The application deadline is 10 September 2024. Air Quality Fund
Caribbean Biodiversity Fund — Advancing Circular Economy
The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) seeks applications for projects that promote and apply practical circular economy principles to minimize or prevent waste from entering the marine environment. Grant funding amounts range from US$400 thousand to US$2 million and need to be complemented by co-financing. Eligible countries are Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Applications can be submitted until 20 September 2024. Details here