The New Earth Foundation (NEF) seeks Letter of Inquiries (LOIs) to fund innovative environmental initiatives that are working to help eliminate pollution and save the planet’s ecosystems, and community projects that create models of social sustainability. Past projects include gardening and building houses in earthquake-impacted regions, using solar equipment to provide clean water to poor communities, planting trees for clean air, and many others. NEF only funds 501(c)(3) organizations. Applicants from outside the US may apply through a fiscal sponsor. Letters of Inquiry can be sent at any time during the year. These letters are reviewed twice a year and applicants that fit the requirements will receive the invitation to submit a full grant application. The deadlines for review are 01 February and 01 July each year. More about this opportunity
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Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Research Collaboration 2025
Within the framework of Danish development cooperation, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls for research proposals between Denmark and researchers in partner countries. In 2025, the following countries are eligible for research applications: Algeria, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Palestine, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia (incl. Somaliland), South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Vietnam. Eligible research themes include climate change and the environment. The expected duration of research projects is up to 5 years with a maximum grant of DKK 10 million for each project. Only universities or research-based institutions registered in Denmark and with the capacity to (co-)supervise Ph.D. students are eligible to submit an application. The application deadline (Phase 1) is 29 January 2025. More about this opportunity
Enterprise Singapore — Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge 2024
The Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge invites industry partners and creative innovators to co-develop sustainable solutions in key areas such as sustainable materials, packaging, zero-waste, and more. Participants have the chance to collaborate with major partners and access funding to develop their solutions. Prizes include potential grant support (US$75 thousand from Hexagon Group), as well as funding and real-world testing facilitated by industry pioneers. The challenge is open to startups, small to medium enterprises, institutes of higher learning, and research institutes across the world. The application deadline is 27 January 2025. Details here
Acumen — West Africa Fellowship
The Acumen Fellows Program supports social innovators from West Africa who are tackling issues of poverty and injustice within their community. The Fellowship consists of a fully-funded leadership program, where Fellows remain in their role while taking part in a series of immersive seminars, workshops, and group practice. Past fellows have included several in smallholder agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, fair trade, and other subject areas. Applications have to be received by 25 November 2024. Acumen West Africa Fellowship
Paul M. Angell Family Foundation — Marine and Ocean Conservation 2025
The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation makes grants in thematic areas that include marine and ocean conservation. The Foundation is interested in marine protected areas; sustainable fisheries; conserving sharks and rays; conservation of coral reefs; and limiting plastics pollution. Eligibility extends to U.S. nonprofit organizations that have 501(c)3 registration and international conservation organizations. The application deadlines are 10 January and 18 July 2025. Know more
Earthshot Prize — Nominations 2025
The Earthshot Prize searches the globe for game-changing innovations that will help repair our planet. The best five solutions receive £1 million to scale their work. The categories are: Protect and Restore Nature; Clean our Air; Revive our Oceans; Build a Waste-Free World; and Fix our Climate. The Earthshot Prize has a network of official nominators. Some nominators are happy to accept proposals from the public for consideration. Nominations for the 2025 prize year will close on 11 December 2024. View Official Nominators
Yale University — Young Global Scholars Program
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) offers two-week academic summer programs for high school students from all around the world. The program offers four interdisciplinary sessions on campus at Yale (USA), including sessions on Innovations in Science & Technology and Solving Global Challenges. YYGS offers the opportunity for students to apply for need-based financial aid. Furthermore, YYGS will waive the application fee if it constitutes a significant financial burden for the student’s family. The application deadline is 10 January 2025. About Yale Young Global Scholars
U.S. Agency for International Development — Development Innovation Ventures
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
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
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