Grow your green dreams

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Welcome to Green Jobs Rising!

Did you know that, on average, around $180 billion in grants is announced every year? That means competition is fierce.

According to a LinkedIn post, donors are moving away from isolated, one-off projects. They are increasingly prioritising systems, institutional capacity, and measurable impact.

This shift matters most for public institutions, NGOs, and businesses that see grants not as short-term support, but as tools for sustainable development.

Today, donors don’t just look at what is being proposed; they look at how it will be implemented. Competition is no longer just between ideas; it’s between systems and management models.

To succeed:

• Treat grants as a management instrument.

• Invest in institutional readiness.

• Build long-term relationships with donors.

With that in mind, here’s a selection of current grants and scholarships you can explore to turn ideas into impact:

• ClimaFii Alliance

  ClimaFii Alliance focuses on unlocking finance and support for climate-focused enterprises, particularly those working at the intersection of climate resilience, financial inclusion and innovation. It is especially relevant if you are building or supporting solutions that serve vulnerable or underserved communities and need access to networks, funding opportunities and technical support to scale your impact.

• Erasmus Mundus Master in Renewable Energy and Sustainable Construction 

  This is a fully funded, joint international master’s programme designed for professionals interested in renewable energy, sustainable buildings and construction systems. It is ideal if you are looking for a globally recognised qualification, international study experience and strong links to research and industry in the sustainability and built environment space. 

• Sustainability open innovation challenge 7th challenge

  This challenge invites innovators, start-ups and organisations to propose practical solutions to real sustainability challenges identified by industry partners. It is best suited for those with tested ideas or early-stage solutions who want exposure, potential funding, pilot opportunities and collaboration with corporates and public sector actors.

• Grants for co-Creation of New Heritage Narratives

  This programme supports organisations and creatives working to reimagine and co-create heritage narratives through inclusive, community-led approaches. While not strictly climate-focused, it is relevant for those working in conservation, cultural heritage, sustainability storytelling and social cohesion, especially where environmental and cultural narratives intersect.

• Kevin Johnson Presidential Scholarship 2026

  The Kevin Johnson Presidential Scholarship supports outstanding students pursuing higher education, with a strong emphasis on leadership, academic excellence and community impact. It is worth considering if you are seeking financial support for postgraduate studies and have a clear track record of service, leadership and ambition.

• Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026 (Fully Funded)

  This fully funded scholarship is aimed at young professionals from developing countries who are committed to development-related careers. It supports master’s studies in areas such as sustainable development, economics, public policy and environmental management, making it highly relevant for those looking to influence policy and systems change.

• Build Your Start-Up in 10 Weeks with Antler East Africa-Nairobi Residency 2026

  Antler’s Nairobi residency is a hands-on programme for aspiring founders who want to build and scale start-ups, including in climate, energy and sustainability sectors. It is suitable if you have a strong entrepreneurial drive, are open to co-founding, and want structured support, mentorship and access to early-stage investment.

• Google for Startups Accelerator: Middle East, North Africa and Turkey

  This accelerator supports growth-stage start-ups using technology to solve real-world problems, including climate and sustainability challenges. Participants benefit from mentorship, technical support and access to Google’s network. It is a good fit if you already have a product and are focused on scaling impact and operations. 

• Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership

  This fellowship targets emerging leaders working in public health and related sectors, with a strong focus on leadership development and systems strengthening across Africa. It is particularly relevant if your work sits at the intersection of health, climate resilience and policy, and you are looking to grow your leadership influence.

• Enabel Grants for Sustainable Development, Innovation & Social Impact

  Enabel offers grants that support projects aligned with sustainable development, innovation and social impact across multiple countries and sectors. These grants are suitable for organisations and initiatives working on climate action, green growth, inclusive development and community-led solutions.

Before you go, take a moment to watch this short video on why free courses are so important and how they can open doors for so many learners.