The Biomimicry Institute seeks applications for the Ray of Hope Prize which celebrates nature-inspired solutions addressing the world’s biggest environmental and sustainability challenges. The challenge is open to innovative ideas from a variety of topics, such as agriculture, water, clean energy, biotechnology, and many more. Up to 10 startups will be selected as finalists to pitch their business idea for US$100 thousand in prize money which can be used to develop their ideas into market-ready products. The competition is open to entrepreneurs and inventors worldwide. The application deadline for the 2023 prize is 28 April 2023. Ray of Hope Prize
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U.S. Department of State — Community Solutions Program
The Community Solutions Program (CSP) a global initiative that supports community leaders (ages 26-39) working to address economic, environmental, political, and social challenges confronting their local communities. CSP invites proposals from public and private non-profit organizations worldwide to conduct this international leadership program. The total award made available under this program is US$2.5 million. The closing date for applications is 15 May 2023. Link to more information
U. S. Department of Agriculture — Food for Progress Program
The Food for Progress Program provides for the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities to developing countries committed to expanding free enterprise in the agricultural sector. The objective is to improve agricultural productivity and to expand trade of agricultural products. The Program has prioritized the following areas: the Cacao sector, the Coffee sector, the Spices sector, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards, the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and Climate Smart Agriculture. The estimated funding per award is US$20-US$39 million. The following entities are eligible to apply: governments of emerging agricultural countries, nonprofit organizations, universities, and any other private entity. The closing date for applications is 24 May 2024. Food for Progress Program
Lacuna Fund — Datasets on Climate and Forests
The Lacuna Fund seeks proposals from organizations interested in developing datasets that will help to better understand the relationship between Climate & Forests and generate interventions that could mitigate the impacts of climate change. Lacuna anticipates supporting up to 6 smaller projects with budgets between US$50-100 thousand and up to 3 larger projects with budgets ranging from US$200-300 thousand. To be eligible for funding, organizations must be either a non-profit entity, research institution or for-profit social enterprise. The deadline to apply is 01 June 2023. Climate and Forests
U.S. National Science Foundation — Arctic Research Opportunities
The National Science Foundation (NSF) invites investigators at U.S. organizations to submit proposals to conduct research about the Arctic region. Research proposals should advance the understanding of the Arctic’s rapidly changing natural environment, social and cultural systems, and improve the capacity to project future change. The Arctic Sciences Section maintains Arctic logistical infrastructure and field support capabilities that are available to enable research. Foreign organizations may submit cooperative projects involving U.S. and foreign organizations, but financial support will only be provided for the U.S. portion. Proposals are accepted anytime. Information
SHE Foundation — Global Seed Grant
Korea SHE Foundation promotes and creates safe and sustainable households, workplaces and local communities. The grant will fund community projects that are related to safety, health, and environment, e.g., campaigns, workshops, training programs, content production, etc. Projects can focus on finding solutions to and promote clean air and water, sustainable agriculture, clean energy, climate action, conservation, environmental education and environmental justice. Each project is funded up to US$3 thousand. Only citizens or grassroots organizations from OECD ODA recipient countries can apply. The application deadline is 19 March 2023. More information
Norwegian University of Life Sciences — Finance and Rural Development
The Norwegian University of Life Sciences seeks candidates for a three-year PhD-position in International Environment and Development Studies with focus on Finance and Rural Development. The university welcomes research proposals by applicants undertaking case study, comparative, or conceptual inquiries into financial logics, practices, instruments and programs for specific agriculture, conservation, forestry, or other rural-centered resource sectors. Fellows receive a salary of approx. US$47 thousand per year. The application deadline for this position is 11 April 2023. Know more
Ashoka and HSBC — Green Changemakers Challenge
The Green Changemakers Challenge is a global innovation competition for social entrepreneurs in selected markets with ventures that equip individuals and communities with the skills needed to thrive in the transition to a green economy. The challenge seeks social entrepreneurs with ventures that solve the climate crisis along with social problems. The Green Skills Innovation Challenge will award social entrepreneurs with up to US$25 thousand of grant funding. Applications have to be submitted before 26 April 2023. Green Changemakers Challenge
IUCN and UNEP — Global Ecosystem-based Adaptation
The Global Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Fund supports scaling up innovative approaches to ecosystem-based adaptation to increase the resilience of communities against the impacts of climate change. The goal is to build awareness and understanding of the critical role of natural assets in underpinning resilience and expand the knowledge base to help make the case for working with people and nature. The fund is open for contributions of US$50 thousand to US$250 thousand, with no specified country focus. The maximum project duration is 36 months. Projects may have a global, thematic, regional and/or country-specific focus. The next application deadline is 28 April 2023. Global EbA Fund
United Nations World Food Programme — Fighting Hunger Worldwide
The World Food Program (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. The program seeks profit and non-profit organizations with great ideas and bold solutions to solve hunger globally. The Innovation Accelerator offers financial support, training and access to WFP partners and technical experts. Selected teams get an opportunity to develop their projects and receive up to US$ 100 thousand. Startups must apply by 31 December 2023. About