The Tata Group, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC), seeks to identify promising social enterprises in India. Proposals are invited for social enterprises in agriculture, water and sanitation, energy, and other thematic areas. The proposed enterprises should create social impact in India, although applicants do not have to be Indian nationals. The top three winners of the competition will win cash grants up to 2 lakhs each, to be invested in their ventures. Selected social entrepreneurs will be offered mentorship and an opportunity to be incubated at IIMC. The deadline for submitting impact proposals (business plans) is 30 September 2017. Link
social enterprise
Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data — Data for Development Projects, 2nd Round
The GPSDD seeks innovative proposals for data production, dissemination, and use. This year’s call is anchored around two themes: “Leave No One Behind,” and the Environment. The focus in Environment is to bring together new sources of data (big data, geospatial and earth observation, citizen-generated, IoT, and open data) to support environmental challenges related to climate change and urban resilience. Smaller amounts of funding (starting at US$25 thousand) are made for riskier, unproven innovations at the pilot stage. Larger amounts of funding (up to US$250 thousand) will be awarded to proposals which have a clear justification. The pilot funding round will close on 01 September 2017. Link
Smogathon — Technology to Fight Air Pollution
Smogathon aims to fight air pollution through technology. Start-ups will compete for $25 thousand in cash and $75 thousand as a contract to implement their innovation in Krakow, Poland. Smogathon welcomes participation from any group worldwide that works as a registered company, start-up, foundation, or research group with a legal entity. The best submissions will compete in regional semi-final competitions in Berkeley, London, Warsaw, Bangalore, and Hong Kong. The finalists will compete in Krakow during the Global Clean Air Summit in November 2017. The deadline for applications is 15 August 2017. Link
European Commission — Promoting Investment in Kenya Agribusiness
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
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