The World Economic Forum runs the Transforming Water Systems Challenge to accelerate innovative solutions for global water security. The program searches for early-stage startups and growth-stage enterprises that offer technological, financial, or policy-driven innovations to modernize water utilities and improve freshwater infrastructure. Winners will gain access to a global network, visibility and engagement opportunities to support deployment, and will each receive a CHF 175 thousand prize. The deadline to submit an application is 04 June 2026. Transforming Water Systems Challenge
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Global Citizens — Waislitz Global Citizen Award 2026
The Waislitz Global Citizen Award is an annual cash prize recognizing the excellence of one individual in their work to end extreme poverty. The program is open to applicants aged 18 and older from any country, provided they represent a legally registered entity, such as a non-profit organization, social enterprise, or for-profit business. Rather than funding future project proposals, the awards serve as cash prizes recognizing established proof of concept, scalability, and system-changing solutions. The program features three distinct cash prizes of US$100 thousand each: the Grand Prize, the Disruptor Award, and the Choice Award, totaling US$300 thousand in unconditional funding. The deadline for self-nominated applications is 14 June 2026. Waislitz Global Citizen Award
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in China
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives supports small-scale, high-impact projects in China. The priorities under this call include environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management. The average contribution is C$30 thousand to C$60 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. Expressions of Interest have to be submitted by 26 June 2026. CFLI China
Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future — Prize for Environmental Stewardship
The Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future invites applications for the second cycle of the Earthna Prize. The award program supports global initiatives and projects that integrate traditional knowledge and cultural heritage to tackle contemporary environmental and sustainability challenges. Legally incorporated entities worldwide, including non-governmental organizations, community-based groups, civil society organizations, and private sector businesses, are eligible to apply. Submitted projects must focus on one or more of five strategic areas: water systems, food systems, terrestrial ecosystems, marine and coastal ecosystems, or built environments. The program features a total prize pool of US$1 million, which will be awarded among four winners to help scale and continue their environmental work. The application deadline is 20 July 2026. Earthna Prize
Savvy — Fellowship for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs
The Savvy Fellowship is a 12-week online learning program for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. Savvy seeks early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs from across Africa working on solving the most pressing problems through innovation. Fellows will receive support, mentorship, and access to a lifelong community in support of their innovative business ideas. Fellows have to be no older than 40 years. The Savvy Fellowship program is open year-round and accepts applications on a rolling basis. More
Microsoft — Climate Innovation Fund
Microsoft invests in initiatives to accelerate technology development and deployment of new climate innovations through equity and debt capital. Microsoft focuses on areas such as direct carbon removal, digital optimization, advanced energy systems, industrial materials, circular economy, water technologies, sustainable agriculture, and business strategies for nature-based markets. Inquiry can be submitted anytime. Know more
Earth Journalism Network — Inclusive Water Governance
The Earth Journalism Network invites applications for its Mekong story grants to support in-depth reporting on water governance, transboundary river issues, and community experiences. Early-career, experienced, or freelance journalists from Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam working in any medium are eligible to apply. The program expects to award 13 grants of up to US$2 thousand each to cover reporting expenses, with a focus on stories written in English that emphasize gender equity and social inclusion. The deadline for applications is 14 June 2026. Link
Prince Albert II Foundation — Call for Projects 2026
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation invites online proposals for projects that address climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, or water resource management and desertification. The program supports initiative activities by organizations, companies, and public institutions. Eligible projects must be located in the Mediterranean, polar zones, or countries classified by the United Nations as Least Developed Countries. The foundation does not specify a maximum grant amount, but requested funding cannot exceed 50% of the total project budget. The application closes on 30 June 2026. More information
Social Shifters — Global Innovation Challenge
Social Shifters announces the Global Innovation Challenge to help young leaders and founders solve the social or environmental issues that matter to them. The challenge seeks creative ideas, projects, and business solutions to the problems that matter to local communities and welcomes ideas from anywhere in the world. Participants compete for awards of up to US$15 thousand to deliver activities that improve lives, help communities, and protect the planet. All ideas must be led by young people aged between 18-30 years old. The application deadline is 31 August 2026. Link to Social Shifters
Charles Hayward Foundation — Livelihoods Support in Africa
The Charles Hayward Foundation invites applications for its overseas main grants to support development projects in the Commonwealth countries of Africa. The program funds initiatives focused on clean water and sanitation, sustainable livelihoods linked to environmental conservation, and agricultural training for income generation. UK-registered charities with an annual income between £150 thousand and £4 million are eligible to apply. The foundation provides one-off, one-year grants of up to £15,000 to cover grassroots project expenses delivered alongside local partners. The deadline for proposals is 18 September 2026. Link