The MIT Water Innovation Prize is a startup competition focused on water innovation. Submitted projects must involve a technology, product, service, or process aimed at solving a problem related to the world’s water challenges. Entering teams must include at least one student who is fully enrolled at any college or university. There are no restrictions regarding nationality. Winners will be awarded innovation grants of up to US$50 thousand. The application deadline for the statement of intent is 31 December 2025. Water Innovation Prize
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Global Resilience Partnership — Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs
The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs supports innovative, locally grounded solutions that strengthen resilience to climate-driven extreme events such as floods, landslides, heatwaves, droughts, and glacial hazards in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. The call is open to local organizations, NGOs, research institutions, social enterprises, startups, and community-based groups working in or with communities in HKH countries. Selected innovators can receive up to US$100 thousand in grant funding, along with technical assistance, and mentoring. Applications are accepted until 15 January 2026. Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs
Eisenhower Fellowships — Global Fellowship Program
Eisenhower Fellowships (EF) empower innovative leaders through a transformative fellowship experience in a global network of dynamic change agents committed to creating a more peaceful world. Fellows will be invited to the United States for a six-week program with both in-person and virtual components, where they will develop a project, and collaborate with their American counterparts. Fellows range between 32 and 45 years of age at the time of fellowship and must be highly proficient in English. Applications are accepted across the globe but preference is given to candidates in countries where EF is active. The application deadline is 14 February 2026. Eisenhower Fellowships
Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen — Networking Civil Societies
The Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) promotes tandem cooperation between civil society organizations from Germany and partner countries (listed in the announcement). CCP Synergy is aimed at employees from two organizations who are planning a joint initiative. The purpose of such a collaboration could be, for example, the planning and implementation of joint events, fact-finding missions, research, or artistic undertakings in the fields of sustainable development or climate justice. CCP Synergy supports both cooperating organizations with a total of €4,500. The call for applications is open until 16 February 2026. CCP Synergy
BlueActionBANOS — Call for Community-Led Actions
BlueActionBANOS funds large, community-driven projects that contribute to the EU Mission “Restore Our Ocean and Waters by 2030” by protecting or restoring marine and freshwater ecosystems, preventing pollution, or advancing a sustainable blue economy in the Baltic and North Sea region. Eligible applicants are consortia of 2 to 12 entities in Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Sweden, and can include local/regional authorities, NGOs, research and educational institutions, SMEs, startups, cooperatives, knowledge brokers, and similar organisations. Selected projects receive €200 thousand to €2 million per action. The call is open until 16 March 2026. Call for Community-Led Actions
Gadfly Project — Software for Environmental Protection and Climate Change Mitigation
The Gadfly Project makes in-kind grants for organizations seeking to implement a software initiative in the fields of environmental protection and climate change mitigation. The grant is available to organizations both international and domestic with a focus on environmental protection and sustainability. Software development efforts with a magnitude between US$5 thousand and US$100 thousand are preferred. Please note that this is an “in-kind” grant (not a cash grant). Grants are evaluated quarterly. The deadlines are 23 January, 24 April, 24 July, and 23 October 2026. Details here
New Earth Foundation — Innovative Environmental Initiatives
The New Earth Foundation (NEF) seeks Letter of Inquiries (LOIs) to fund innovative environmental initiatives that are working to help eliminate pollution and save the planet’s ecosystems, and community projects that create models of social sustainability. Past projects include gardening and building houses in earthquake-impacted regions, using solar equipment to provide clean water to poor communities, planting trees for clean air, and many others. NEF only funds 501(c)(3) organizations. Applicants from outside the US may apply through a fiscal sponsor. Letters of Inquiry can be sent at any time during the year. These letters are reviewed twice a year and applicants that fit the requirements will receive the invitation to submit a full grant application. The deadlines for review are 01 February and 01 July each year. More about this opportunity
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$10 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 12 December 2025. Link to Social Shifters
United Nations — Local Pathways Fellowship
The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Youth Initiative (SDSN Youth) recruits participants for its 2026 cohort of the Local Pathways Fellows. The 10-months fellowship program provides young leaders with a platform, capacity building, training opportunities and contacts of leading development experts and practitioners. The Local Pathways Fellowship is unpaid. Fellows will benefit from global visibility and exposure. Young candidates (18-30 years) working towards achieving any of the Sustainable Development Goals and representing any city or country in the world are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted until 21 December 2025. Link to Local Pathways
Imagine H2O — Water-Technology Startups Asia
Imagine H2O seeks innovative water solutions from anywhere in the world. Any company offering solutions for water access, safety, resilience, or efficiency is welcome to apply. Selected candidates will have access to a network of industry executives, experts, and entrepreneurs and showcase their ideas during a week-long boot camp at the Water Innovation Week. Participants will receive cash awards and in-kind donations from strategic partners. The deadline for applications is 19 December 2025. For more information, visit the Imagine H2O Accelerator Program