The One Young World Summit seeks startups and entrepreneurs with solutions to the world’s most pressing issues, including climate change and the challenges of globalization. Applicants can be of any nationality but must be between 18-35 years old. Five winners will receive a fully funded trip to participate in the One Young World Summit in Munich (Germany) in October 2020. The application deadline for nominations and applications is 23 April 2020. More about the award
social enterprise
Co-Creation Hub — Business Ideas for a better Africa
The Diaspora Challenge seeks scalable business solutions to social challenges in Africa. The challenge invites proposals in three thematic areas, including one on clean and affordable energy. The winning ideas will receive prototype funding of US$ 15 thousand, seed investment and mentorship to put their idea into action. Only Africans in diaspora are eligible. Ideas have to be submitted by 30 June 2020. About the Diaspora Challenge
TRANSFORM — Sanitation for Underserved Urban Areas
TRANSFORM offers support to water utilities in Sub-Saharan Africa with innovative ideas and WASH solutions that meet the sanitation needs of underserved consumers in urban areas. Two successful projects will receive up to £250 thousand in funding, in addition to in-kind support over a 12-18 month period. Joint applications from NGOs, academics, consultants, and funders based in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are encouraged. Business models and ideas have to be submitted by 16 March 2020. Link
Roddenberry Foundation — Roddenberry Prize 2020
The Roddenberry Foundation invites proposals for projects that address the challenges of an unpredictable and fast-changing global landscape. The four winners of the Roddenberry Prize will each receive US$250 thousand for their work in one of the following fields: Education, Science, Environment, and Humanity. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations, social enterprises, businesses, universities, and groups of individuals. Interested applicants and partners have to register by 10 April 2020. Link to the prize
International Initiative for Impact Evaluation — Empowering Women
The International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation invite proposals for implementation and/or evaluation grants under our the program “Swashakt: Empowering women through collective based approaches.” Proposals that aim to expand and increase economic returns; build women’s leadership; and expand technical and business strength of existing women’s collective enterprises are particularly welcome. 3ie will provide funding of up to US$1 million for selected implementation and evaluation projects with a duration of up to 3 years. India-based nonprofit and for-profit organizations and consortia are eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is 14 April 2020. More about the program
U.S. Embassy Banjul — Small Grants to Local Communities in Gambia
The Ambassador’s Small Grants program invites applications for small-scale assistance from Gambian cooperatives that implement development activities which improve basic economic or social conditions on a local level. Projects that support livelihoods in rural provinces, agricultural production, and capacity building are preferred. The maximum grant amount per project is US$15 thousand. Please note that this program requires cost sharing in the form of cash, labor, or material provided by the local community. All projects should be completed within one year. Applications must be submitted by 30 April 2020. Link to the program
US Department of State — Supporting Women in Equatorial Guinea
The U.S. Embassy in Malabo invites project proposals with focus on women issues and economy diversification in Equatorial Guinea. Projects need to address the social or economic inclusion of women (i.e. equal rights, training in business development skills, promoting the entrepreneurial spirit, and opportunities for women) or diversify the Equatoguinean economy. The Embassy expects to make 4 grants of up to US$7 thousand for projects with a duration of up to 7 months. Eligibility is open to all individuals and non-profit organizations whose work directly affects Equatorial Guinean populations. All applications must be received by 22 March 2020. Link
Fondation SUEZ — Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions
Fondation SUEZ accepts applications for the Acting for Natural Assets program in search for “Biodiversity and nature-based solutions.” Applicants must demonstrate how their project addresses the issue of conserving biodiversity or restoring ecosystem service. The project is situated in France or the French overseas territories. SUEZ will donate a total amount of €100 thousand that will be divided up between three projects according to their needs. The call is open to companies, entrepreneurs, universities, NGOs, and organisations. The deadline for applications is 29 March 2020. More about the Acting for Natural Assets program
United Nations Environment Programme — Young Champions of the Earth 2020
Young Champions of the Earth supports outstanding environmental initiatives of talented people worldwide between the ages of 18 and 30. The program is a global stage to showcase technological inventions and innovative business models that improve the planet’s health. The program will select seven Young Champions of the Earth every year — one from each of Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and West Asia. Each winner will receive US$15 thousand in seed funding, plus various opportunities for high-profile networking and entrepreneurship training. The deadline for applications is 10 April 2020. Become a champion
Heineken Africa Foundation — Water, Sanitation, and Health for Africa
The Heineken Africa Foundation funds projects to improve mother/child care, and projects for water, sanitation, and health (WASH). The support extends to projects in Sub-Saharan African countries where Heineken has a local operating presence. For each project a partnership is created between the Foundation, the local Heineken brewery and a local or international NGO. The Foundation provides funding and administrative assistance. Grants are up to €175 thousand per year for a maximum of five years. The next deadline for proposal submission is 01 May 2020. Find details