In the pursuit of a sustainable future, many of us are turning to join or create companies in the space of impact, renewable energy, or social enterprises. For some big dreams to thrive, like tech companies with real products, you will need to rely on financial backing and exposure. This is where strategic funding, grants, and online promotion in areas like SEO come into play. Good ideas aren’t enough.

This short guide will help give you some ideas and ways to secure funding, even for initial pilot ideas or proof of concept. Establishing your digital presence is key, so think first about what assets you will need and what sort of digital marketing grant may be out there to help you start.

Governments worldwide or just locally in your town or region in Canada or the UK, will offer grants and incentives to spur the growth of renewable energy projects, and even projects that help communities get involved to save energy or conserve water. Scout government programs at local, regional, and national levels to unearth potential funding streams. It takes legwork but once you are in the system it is easy to access new grants.

Platforms like Grants.gov (in the US) or similar resources in other regions serve as valuable starting points.

Many non-profit organizations are committed to advancing renewable energy adoption. Look to local foundations, NGOs, and environmental groups that may be extending grants or financial support for your impact idea. Tailor proposals to align with each organization’s specific criteria and application processes.

Some corporations prioritize corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, particularly those centered around sustainability and clean energy. Estee Lauder does this in the United States and Canada. Reach out to companies sharing similar values to explore sponsorship or partnership opportunities. Corporate backing not only provides financial support but also opens doors to resources and networks. The biopackaging company Tipa, for instance, just made a deal with Wyld, an edibles company in the United States. Together they turned a business idea into a marketing campaign for getting rid of plastics forever.

Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or GoFundMe are still relevant if not to raise money, but to start your early marketing. Set reasonable and attainable goals which are more impressive than the risk of not getting funded at all.

Venture capital firms and impact investors are increasingly looking to novel solutions to invest in. Sequoia in the US just invested millions in Upway, a refurbished electric bike company. You will need a pitch deck, and to participate in networking events, pitch competitions, and sustainable energy conferences to connect with potential investors. Start with angel investor networks before heading to the VCs which can take up too much of your time.

In the UK, for instance, several resources are available at the government level to support renewable energy:

Feed-in Tariff (FIT) Scheme: The UK government offers the FIT scheme, which provides financial incentives to homeowners, businesses, and communities generating renewable electricity, including solar power. Under this scheme, participants who invest in solar panels will receive payments for the electricity they generate and export to the grid.

Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI): The RHI scheme encourages citizens to start using renewable heating technologies, including solar thermal systems. Participants receive quarterly payments over several years based on the amount of renewable heat generated.

Green Homes Grant: This scheme provides funding for homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. Solar panels may be eligible as part of measures to reduce energy consumption.

The post How impact companies can find grants and financing appeared first on Green Prophet.

Had a busy week? Well, why not stop and sample the delights of Sunday’s news nuggets

It’s been a busy week here at Green Prophet headquarters and we’ve all been hard at work highlighting the green and not-so-green news of the Middle East. Personally, finding out that Mekkah wouldn’t be replicating the mistake of building huge, gawdy clocktowers and would be embracing traditional architecture instead was the highlight of the week. Miriam’s interview with a water engineer on the dangers of fluoride was an interesting (if shocking) read and Karen’s post on bike culture in Beirut raised some important questions.

If you’ve missed Tafline’s posts on her trip to the Siwa Oasis, firstly shame on you! And secondly, go read them now and enjoy the amazing photography that accompany the posts on the veiled weavers and salt carvers who love their trade. Once you’ve done all that, come back and read about electricity cuts in Yemen, green grants and find out whether the Dead Sea made it as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Dead Sea Doesn’t Make To the 7 Wonders List

Despite Jordan and Israel’s efforts to promote the splendour of the Dead Sea, it wasn’t chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature (it did however make it to the final 10 contestants). The winners were: the Amazon River in South America, Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil, Halong Bay in Vietnam, Puerto Princesa Underground River in the Philippines, Jeju Island in South Korea, Komodo in Indonesia and Table Mountain in South Africa. Via Haaretz

Yemen Struggling With Limited Electricity

The water-poor (if conservation smart.) Yemen is dealing with even more problems- this time related to energy. Reports have emerged that the capital city is struggling with severe electricity cuts that mean on some days, residents are getting just one hour of electricity.
Via Global Post

Ford Awards $100,000 in Environmental Grants

Ford Motor’s annual environmental grants were awarded to 12 organisations across the Middle East this month. This years winners include three projects focusing on marine protection in the UAE, Kuwait and Oman; an environmental education project in Lebanon; an environmental community theatre in Jordan; a study of the Arabian Oryx; a Green Ramadan project in Kuwait and lots others.

Top image via XYO/flickr.

For more weekly digests and Sunday snippets see: 

Sunday Snippets: Bahrain’s Water Solutions and Egypt’s Gazelles

Sunday’s Green News Snippets: Saudi Rail and the Haifa Oil Spill 

The post Ecological News From the Middle East appeared first on Green Prophet.

Already a columnist for Green Prophet and a roaming environmentalist whose Ramadan post sent bright green ripples throughout the Muslim world, the Sheikh from Ajman known for his eco-sensitivities has taken on yet another major role. And no, he hasn´t been cloned, but given his already hefty commitment load, you would think he had.

HRH Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Ali Al Nuami has recently been named as Ambassador to the Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environmental Grants Program. Since 2000, Ford has been instrumental in providing funding to a variety of environmental initiatives in the Middle East region, including the Emirates Diving Association (EDA) in Dubai that defended its receipt of a portion of the $1.1 million that Ford has already disbursed to date. There´s just over one month before the 10th September deadline for this year´s grants. Be sure to get your Ford Grant applications in on time!

More on Ford and the Green Sheikh:

The Green Sheikh Knows How to Treat a Lady

Apply Now for Ford & UNESCO´s $100,000 Enviro Grants

The Green Sheikh on Ramadan: Waste 2 Food or Food 2 Waste?

The post Has Ford´s Ambassador – The Green Sheikh – Been Cloned? appeared first on Green Prophet.