The European Commission (EC) seeks partners to develop a one-stop shop platform that provides technical, regulatory, financial and socio-economic expertise to cities for developing and implementing their climate action plans in support of a climate-neutral economy by 2050. The project can involve research organizations, academia, social entrepreneurs, NGOs, national and local authorities and citizens. The platform should facilitate the coordination of ongoing European activities in the area of climate neutrality for cities. The Commission considers proposals requesting a contribution of up to €53 million. A full list of eligible countries is provided in the call. The submission deadline is 26 January 2021. Find the call for proposals
social enterprise
Habitat for Humanity — Increasing Resilience to Earthquakes and Typhoons
Habitat for Humanity seeks innovative and cost-effective solutions to make homes at extreme risk in the event of natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes or typhoons) stronger and more resilient. This challenge is designed specifically for methods that offer solutions to low-income homeowners living in high-risk areas, for example, inexpensive ideas for adding foundations to low-income housing. Habitat for Humanity offers an award of US$25 thousand to make awarded solutions freely available to other non-profit organizations to help improve the state of low-income housing worldwide. Submissions must be received by 04 January 2021. Information
Solution Search — Water Pollution & Behavior Change Contest
Rare’s Center for Behavior & the Environment and partners seek existing solutions that are changing behaviors to help solve the world’s most challenging environmental problems. For this year’s contest, Solutions Search looks for promising approaches that are shifting people’s behavior toward cleaner, healthier water ecosystems. Contest entrants get access to capacity building, workshops, and networking opportunities to further refine and scale their solution. The overall winner will receive US$25 thousand, among numerous other prizes, including a US$5 thousand prize awarded to the best early entrant (for submissions prior to 30 November). Any organization or institution worldwide is eligible (e.g., city government, business, non-profit, university, etc.). Individuals are not eligible to enter. The regular submission deadline is 10 January 2021. Access Solution Search
World Vision — Sanitation Solutions
World Vision seeks affordable sanitation solutions for rural single families living in the poorest areas of the world. Applicants are invited to submit new ideas, concepts, and approaches to attack the lack of adequate toilets and latrines. The participants with the best solutions will receive financial support of up to US$15 thousand to further develop their ideas. Eligibility to the challenge is not restricted. Submissions must be received by 12 January 2021. More
Socialab — 4Revs Innovation Challenge
4Revs Innovation Challenge is a global call for solutions in food, water, resources, climate change and energy that will help humanity solve survival challenges in one generation (2020-2050). Innovators are invited to submit solutions that are already in the market and contribute to at least one of the 4 Revolutions: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Supply; Water Conservation and Management; Ecosystem Restoration; Climate Change and Sustainable Energy. Six solutions will be selected as potential case studies and compete for additional financial rewards of up to US$1,500. The Challenge closes 19 November 2020. Link to Socialab
New Zealand Embassy Fund — Call for Proposals 2020-2021
The New Zealand Embassy Fund supports community projects in small scale that contribute to increase the wellbeing of a community in Argentina or Paraguay. The Embassy will support activities and projects in the areas of climate change and resilience, economic inclusion, gender equality, and health issues related to COVID-19 pandemic. The maximum amount per project will be up to NZD $25 thousand. Recipients will be non-governmental organizations and community groups committed to non-profit development activities. The deadline to submit the projects is 24 November 2020. Click here
The Commonwealth — Innovation for Sustainable Development
The Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards recognizes projects and contributions in advancing the sustainable development goals in Commonwealth countries. The Award has five categories: (1) Well-being (i.e. health, education, human rights etc.); (2) Prosperity (i.e. economic development, trade, etc.); (3) Peace; (4) Planet and the natural environment; and (5) Partnerships for sustainable development. 15 winners will each receive a trophy, a certificate and prize money of £3 thousand. Eligibility extends to individuals, governments, social enterprises, and businesses in Commonwealth countries. The deadline for nominations is 31 January 2021. Innovation for Sustainable Development Award 2021
Flame Tree Initiative — AgriBusiness Development Entrepreneurship Lab
Flame Tree Initiative (FTI) provides training, partnerships, and resources to promising African entrepreneurs seeking to create enterprises that address local development challenges. DELab is a development entrepreneur training program for aspiring social entrepreneurs and individuals who want to launch or scale their agricultural enterprise. DElab is a free virtual workshop for 20-25 participants. Applicants must propose an idea for a social enterprise focused on the agricultural sector. Submissions will be accepted until 06 November 2020. AgriBusiness DElab
University of Waterloo — Online Workshop: Green Entrepreneurship
The University of Waterloo, in partnership with the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) and the EcoInnovation Network, invites students and aspiring entrepreneurs to register in a six-part series of free online workshops on green entrepreneurship. The workshop targets researchers, youth, aspiring environmental and social entrepreneurs from across North America (including Mexico). The workshop provides practical knowledge and resources for those interested in launching green startups. Sessions start on 27 October 2020 with simultaneous translation in three languages (English, French and Spanish). Link to more information
Kingdom of Bahrain — King Hamad Award for Sustainable Development
The Kingdom of Bahrain seeks youth contribution and projects that enable youth participation for the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The first category of the King Hamad Award is open to individuals (under the age of 30) or a youth-focused entity that develop initiatives to end poverty and hunger, protect the planet’s natural resources and climate, and promote peace. Five winners will receive US$20 thousand each. The second category is open to governmental, private sector, media, and nonprofit entities. Three winners will receive US$25 thousand each. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2020. More information