The EC calls for proposals to identify an institution that will manage a fund to integrate smallholder farmers and pastoralists within their value chains by blending grants and commercial loans to promote agribusiness in Kenya. Eligibility for funding extends to NGOs, public sector operators, local authorities, and international (inter-governmental) organisations based in the EU and ACP countries (including Kenya). Reference EuropeAid/154913/DD/ACT/KE. The deadline for concept notes is 05 September 2017. Link
social enterprise
MIT Center for Collective Intelligence — New Contests at Climate CoLab
The MIT Climate CoLab organizes contests to solicit the world’s best ideas to prevent and adapt to climate change. Some contests pose social and political questions, while others focus on issues in science and technology. Each year, the contest winners are invited to a conference at MIT’s campus in the USA, where a pool of prize funding is shared among the best ideas. The Climate Co-Lab has recently posted seven new contests, each with a deadline on 10 September 2017. Link
Hogan Lovells — Community Solar Innovation Awards 2017
The 2017 Community Solar Innovation Awards will honor innovative enterprises that utilise solar energy to improve the lives of poor communities in the developing world. Hogan Lovells will make ten awards to businesses and non-profit organizations in developing countries which are locally-led and which use solar energy systems or solar innovations to significantly help the lives of women and girls. The winners will receive support services consisting of capacity building, pro bono legal support, publicity, and support in replicating the enterprises in other regions. One overall winner will receive US$10 thousand. The application deadline is 16 August 2017. Link
Human Development Innovation Fund — Grassroots Projects in Tanzania
The Human Development Innovation Fund (HDIF) is funded by the UK government to create social impact in education, health and water, and sanitation and hygiene (WASH) across Tanzania. In Round 3, HDIF welcomes funding applications for pilot and scale-up projects between £500 thousand and £1 million for projects up to three years. Eligibility extends to non-state organizations such as for‐profit businesses; social enterprises; civil society organisations; public-private partnerships; NGOs; charities or societies; faith‐based organizations; community‐based organizations; academic institutions; and research institutes involved in solutions to improve services for the poor. Lead applicants should have proof of registration in Tanzania. The application deadline is 08 September 2017. Link
ENEA Access — Energy Initiatives in Africa, 2nd Call
The ENEA Access Program offers 30 to 100 days of professional consulting services on a pro-bono basis to advance initiatives for energy access in Africa. The program is relevant for nonprofit organizations and NGOs, technology developers, and social entrepreneurs. Activities that can be considered for ENEA’s support include feasibility studies, market and business models, implementation of pilot projects, and others. Projects must clearly contribute to the reduction of poverty and/or climate change as a result of improved access to energy. Projects must be located in at least one of the continental African countries or surrounding associated islands. There are no restrictions regarding the home country of the applying organization. The closing date for ENEA’s second call for proposals in 2017 is 31 July. Link
Private Financing Advisory Network — Climate and Clean Energy in Asia
The Private Financing Advisory Network (PFAN) announces the Project Development and Financing Initiative for Climate and Clean Energy in Asia. PFAN provides coaching support to produce business plans for projects and businesses in clean energy. After the coaching phase, these projects will be eligible for financial mobilization, follow-up support, and deal-making facilitation. Some qualified mature projects will have the opportunity to present to potential investors at the Asia Forum for Climate and Clean Energy Financing in Singapore in 2018. The application deadline is 19 July 2017. Link
INK Fellows Program — Innovators and Change Makers 2017
The INK Fellows Program brings together young innovators and change makers from India and other emerging economies in a supportive peer group, and offers them media exposure to accelerate their ability to impact society. Candidates range from ages 18 to 40 in any professional field. Past Fellows represent activities in bamboo construction, control of oil pollution, rice agriculture, wildlife photography, and many others. The application deadline is 31 July 2017. Link
United States–India Science & Technology Endowment Fund — 8th Call for Proposals
The USISTEF announces its 8th competitive call for proposals to commercialize technologies for societal impact. Priority areas include health, education, agriculture, water, and others. Proposals must include at least one partner from each country, India and USA. Funding is up to Rs. 2.5 crores (approximately US$400 thousand) for projects that demonstrate a high potential to be commercial within 2-3 years. The bi-national teams can include incorporated companies; non-incorporated entities; and individuals or consortia from academic, government, and non-government R&D institutions. The deadline for proposals is 31 July 2017. Link
LAUNCH Nordic — Innovation Challenge 2017
The LAUNCH Nordic Innovation Challenge 2017 focuses on new ways of design and manufacturing for a circular economy. LAUNCH Nordic aims to select ten innovations to be scaled globally through its international partners, network, and accelerator program. The program is open to innovators worldwide. The deadline for submissions is 01 September 2017. Link
Unilever — Young Entrepreneurs Awards
The Unilever Young Entrepreneurs Awards invite nominations of individuals ages 18 to 35 anywhere in the world who have initiatives, products, or services that address sustainability challenges in four categories. The categories are “farm to table” (sustainable agriculture and food and drink nutrition); opportunities for women; waste management; and water management. The awards will be made to individuals who are putting their ideas into action, i.e., who are already having an impact. Unilever will recognise up to eight winners in 2017, each of whom will be awarded a cash prize in addition to one-to-one mentoring support for a year. The overall winner will receive the “HRH The Prince of Wales Young Sustainability Entrepreneur Prize” of €50 thousand. The deadline for nominations is 30 June 2017. Link