The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) seeks nominations for the 2023 Mountain Prize. The Prize is awarded to an individual or organization that has demonstrated outstanding efforts enabling sustainable and resilient mountain development in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. The prize is currently set at US$ 2,500. Thematic areas include access to water for drinking or/and sanitation, food/nutrition security, climate change adaptation or/and disaster risk reduction, access to clean energy, ecosystems/biodiversity management, and two others. Women and youth are encouraged to apply. Nominations are accepted until 25 November 2024. Mountain Prize
South Asia
Global Resilience Partnership — Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs
The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs seeks to empower entrepreneurs from Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, and Nepal to develop climate-resilient solutions in the agriculture, water security, and sustainable tourism sectors. The Challenge is open to for-profit organizations, local entrepreneurs, and innovators. Winners will receive tailored mentoring, leadership development, communications, and resource mobilization support. Additionally, they will receive prizes ranging up to US$25 thousand to further develop and scale their solutions. The submission deadline is 29 November 2024. Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission — Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2025
With funding from the UK’s Department for International Development, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are available to citizens of Commonwealth countries for master’s studies at UK universities, usually for one year. The participating academic programs include several subject areas such as environmental science and management, agroforestry, livestock management, remote sensing, disaster management, wetlands science, etc. The CSC lists the participating universities and their eligible courses. Potential applicants must check with the relevant UK university regarding their admission requirements and guidelines for applying. The deadline for scholarship applications is 12 December 2024. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Association of Commonwealth Universities — Climate Resilience Challenge Grants
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) awards Climate Resilience Challenge Grants to member universities to support initiatives addressing climate resilience. The grants can be used for a diverse range of projects, workshops, and events. Four grants of up to £2,500 each are available for ACU member universities to help meet the costs of organizing climate resilience projects. The applying university needs to outline the project and include a detailed action plan. Applications close on 09 January 2025. Climate Resilience Challenge Grants
Convergence — Asia Climate Solutions Design Grant
The Asia Climate Solutions (ACS) Design Grant awards grant funding for the design and launch of innovative blended finance solutions for climate transition and resilience in Asia. The grant will target critical climate mitigation and adaptation sectors in Asia including nature-based solutions, clean energy transition, and sustainable cities and infrastructure. Feasibility study grants range between US$50 thousand to US$200 thousand. Proof-of-concept grants range between US$200 thousand to US$400 thousand. Proposals will only be accepted from organizations or consortiums of organizations. The next application deadline is 22 November 2024. Asia Climate Solutions Design Grant
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
Ocean Park Conservation Foundation — Wildlife Conservation in Asia
The Ocean Park Conservation Foundation solicits projects on threatened animal species in Asia. The Foundation supports conservation research and management, as well as community education and capacity building. Priority will be given to projects from Eastern, Southern, and Southeast Asia. Coastal countries connected to Asia, where funding is limited and with threatened wide-ranging Asian species, are included. The majority of projects are for one year, but the Foundation will also consider multi-year projects if they show promise of clear conservation outcomes. Successful applicants receive on average HK$250 thousand per year. The application deadline is 31 January 2025. Criteria here
UN Global Compact — Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals
The SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals is a nine-month program for business leaders and changemakers to develop and drive innovative sustainable development solutions and business models. The program targets entry- to mid-level managers across diverse businesses. The accelerator is open to business managers from selected countries (listed in the announcement). The call for nominations will remain open until 31 January 2025. SDG Innovation Accelerator
AirAsia Foundation — Improving Communities
The AirAsia Foundation makes grants to social enterprises with projects to empower communities, enable them to build sustainable livelihoods, tackle social problems, or protect the environment. Applicants must be registered and be based in ASEAN. NGOs looking to diversify funding sources through social enterprise are welcome to submit an application. AirAsia’s priority is to support smaller social enterprises. Applications can be submitted anytime, but the review process may take up to 6 months. Link
International Research & Exchanges Board — Community Solutions Program
The International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) seeks applications for its Community Solutions Program (CSP) with the aim to improve communities by addressing issues related to the environment, among others. The Community Solutions Program is a year-long professional development program with a four-month fellowship in the United States. To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 26 and 39 (as of 01 January 2025). Eligible countries from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, Eastern Europe, East Asia and the Pacific, South and Central Asia, and Latin America are listed in the announcement. Applications must be submitted by 13 November 2024. About the Program