British Asian Trust and SAJIDA Foundation launch Climate Innovation Fund in Bangladesh
Call for applications
The British Asian Trust, and SAJIDA Foundation and have co-launched the Climate Innovation Fund to support innovative local solutions working to mitigate the ongoing threats of climate change and enhance climate resilience in Bangladesh. With a joint commitment of USD 1 million initially the fund aims to mobilise further funding and partnerships.
Bangladesh ranks seventh on the Global Climate Risk Index and is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to its unique geography, high poverty rates and population density. It is estimated by the United Nations that within the next 30 years 13.3 million people may be displaced in the country due to water scarcity, rising sea levels and threats to agriculture.
Recognising the urgency to invest in locally-led climate innovation, particularly in the agricultural sector, the Climate Innovation Fund will provide grants and support to establish and grow the most impactful and promising solutions in climate resilience. The first call for applications will cover sectors such as agriculture, food security, water security and livelihoods.
Applications are now open for grants of up to $80,000 for solutions that build climate resilience in Bangladesh. Successful grantees will receive mentoring, advice from industry leaders, access to networks and resources, as well as business development support.
Farooq Sobhan, British Asian Trust’s Bangladesh Advisory Council member and Chairperson of Sajida Foundation commented, “Climate change is an issue which needs urgent attention in Bangladesh and globally. The Climate Innovation Fund will be an important opportunity to identify promising homegrown innovation and invest in solutions that could help to transform the climate resilience ecosystem. I am proud to be associated with this initiative and look forward to seeing what impact this exciting new collaboration can drive.”
For more information, please visit the our Climate Innovation Fund webpage. Applications close 5:00 pm BST on 25 August 2023.
