I am A Changemaker

Social Enterprise business plan competition

THE CALL

We are looking for a new breed of entrepreneurs who dream up innovative solutions to help solve problems in their communities.

This new breed of people are called Social Entrepreneurs - a distinct group of individuals with a definite and more positive attitude towards entrepreneurship.

Social Entrepreneurs* act as change agents for society, seizing opportunities others miss and improving systems, inventing new approaches, and creating solutions to change society for the better.

They change the face of business by spotting social problems and issues and find innovative ways to address them.

They are ambitious and persistent, tackling major social issues and offering new ideas for wide-scale change.

Rather than leaving societal needs to the government or business sectors, social entrepreneurs find what is not working and solve the problem by changing the system, spreading the solution, and persuading entire societies to take new leaps.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

I am A Changemaker operates like a business plan competition, awarding seed capital directly to the best social enterprise idea that best meets our criteria.

It provides a vehicle for taking innovations from idea to reality, and is a real-world exercise for improving your skills in:

Starting a Project/Business
Pitching ideas to possible investors
Building networks

No matter what your idea may be, we challenge you to unleash your ideas, energy and idealism to affect positive social change in our society. The only limit to the range of projects eligible for the award is your ambition and imagination.

http://www.britishcouncil.org/philippines-common-know-our-projects-current-projects-i-am-a-changemaker.htm

Green ICT Application Challenge

 Call for Concept Papers for ITU’s Green ICT Application Challenge

 

As the leading United Nations Agency for Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) plays a leading role in developing an integrated approach to the relation between ICTs and climate change.

Climate change and environmental sustainability are multi-faceted challenges that call for a wide range of responses. As a unique intergovernmental organization with participation from the private sector, ITU is a major facilitator of initiatives to speed-up reductions in ICT-related GHG emission and promotion of energy efficiency.

What is the Challenge about? 

ITU is hosting a Green ICT Application Challenge to find the best and most innovative Concept Paper for an ICT application that would help combat climate change. Topics of interest for this Challenge include, but are not limited to:

• Mitigation of climate change through energy efficiency in sectors such as smart buildings, intelligent transportation systems, smart homes, etc.
• Community engagement
• Eco-design
• Monitoring climate change
• Measurement of GHG emissions
• Adaptation to climate change (e.g. use of applications for emergency telecommunications and alerting systems for disaster relief)

for more info: http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/climatechange/greenict/index.html

UN Habitat Urban Youth Fund

This Fund supports urban youth in developing countries. It aims to advance the achievements of the Millennium Development goals and the Habitat Agenda by providing grants up to USD 25,000 to youth-led projects piloting innovative approaches to employment, good urban governance, shelter and secure tenure.


Third call for applications opens 15^th February 2011
http://www.unhabitatyouthfund.org/

I Am A Changemaker: Social Enterprise Business Plan Competition

Deadline Extended to 15 June 2010

THE CALL


We are looking for a new breed of entrepreneurs who dream up innovative solutions to help solve problems in their communities.



This new breed of people are called Social Entrepreneurs - a distinct group of individuals with a definite and more positive attitude towards entrepreneurship.


Social Entrepreneurs* act as change agents for society, seizing opportunities others miss and improving systems, inventing new approaches, and creating solutions to change society for the better.

They change the face of business by spotting social problems and issues and find innovative ways to address them.
They are ambitious and persistent, tackling major social issues and offering new ideas for wide-scale change.
Rather than leaving societal needs to the government or business sectors, social entrepreneurs find what is not working and solve the problem by changing the system, spreading the solution, and persuading entire societies to take new leaps.


Are you a social entrepreneur? Do you have a groundbreaking idea in mind? Do you have what it takes to mobilize people and resources to create wide-ranging social change?


If so, we invite you to join now. It starts with an idea to make the world a better place. There is nothing as powerful as a new idea in the hands of a social entrepreneur.



HOW DOES IT WORK?



I am A Changemaker operates like a business plan competition, awarding seed capital directly to the best social enterprise idea that best meets our criteria.
It provides a vehicle for taking innovations from idea to reality, and is a real-world exercise for improving your skills in:

Starting a Project/Business
Pitching ideas to possible investors
Building networks

No matter what your idea may be, we challenge you to unleash your ideas, energy and idealism to affect positive social change in our society. The only limit to the range of projects eligible for the award is your ambition and imagination.

http://www.britishcouncil.org/philippines-common-know-our-projects-current-projects-i-am-a-changemaker.htm

I Am A Changemaker: Social Enterprise Business Plan Competition

THE CALL

British Council Philippines is looking for a new breed of entrepreneurs who dream up innovative solutions to help solve problems in their communities.

This new breed of people are called Social Entrepreneurs - a distinct group of individuals with a definite and more positive attitude towards entrepreneurship.

Social Entrepreneurs* act as change agents for society, seizing opportunities others miss and improving systems, inventing new approaches, and creating solutions to change society for the better.

They change the face of business by spotting social problems and issues and find innovative ways to address them.

They are ambitious and persistent, tackling major social issues and offering new ideas for wide-scale change.

Rather than leaving societal needs to the government or business sectors, social entrepreneurs find what is not working and solve the problem by changing the system, spreading the solution, and persuading entire societies to take new leaps.

Are you a social entrepreneur? Do you have a groundbreaking idea in mind? Do you have what it takes to mobilize people and resources to create wide-ranging social change?

If so, we invite you to join now. It starts with an idea to make the world a better place. There is nothing as powerful as a new idea in the hands of a social entrepreneur.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

I am A Changemaker operates like a business plan competition, awarding seed capital directly to the best social enterprise idea that best meets our criteria.

It provides a vehicle for taking innovations from idea to reality, and is a real-world exercise for improving your skills in:

Starting a Project/Business

Pitching ideas to possible investors

Building networks

No matter what your idea may be, we challenge you to unleash your ideas, energy and idealism to affect positive social change in our society. The only limit to the range of projects eligible for the award is your ambition and imagination.

Click here to see the General Terms and Conditions

*according to Ashoka

Enabling Bio-innovations for Poverty Alleviation in Asia

The Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, with support from Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC) launched in August 2009 the second call for proposals for the small grants competition program to tackle bio-innovation and its social and policy implications for poverty alleviation in the Asian Region.

Application Procedure and Deadline

Applications should be submitted in the form of a letter of intent (maximum of 2 pages) introducing the applicant (individual or organization), explaining the proposed research project, and its relevance to the themes discussed in the Call for Proposal.

Short-listed applicants will be requested to submit a 10 to 15 page fully developed research proposal.

Deadline for submission of Concept Notes: September 15, 2009

Short-listed concept notes announced: September 30, 2009

Deadline for submission of Full Proposal: October 31, 2009

Announcement of Results: November 15, 2009

Small Grants Inception and Launching: December 2009

http://www.bioinnovationpolicies.ait.asia/

Project10tothe100

http://www.project10tothe100.com/index.html

Project 10100 is a call for ideas to change the world by helping as many people as possible.

I Am A Changemaker

Three (3) university and community-based youth organisations nationwide will get more chance of winning Php 100,000 to implement their projects with I Am a Changemaker, a project grant competition organised by the British Council as the deadline for the submission of entries is extended to October 31, 2008.

The competition is about how issues on education, environment, and intercultural diversity can be addressed through youth leadership and social entrepreneurship.

Three (3) winners representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will be selected to receive a grant of up to Ph 100,000 each for the implementation of their projects within a 6-month period.

The project, with support from Ayala Young Leaders Alliance, Studio 23, and NU 107 aims to recognise the role of young people as important partners in nation-building by developing their abilities to make a difference in their communities.

For competition details, contact us at:

(02) 9141011 to 14 ext 117
changemaker@britishcouncil.org.ph
www.britishcouncil.org.ph

Staples Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition

Staples, Inc is proud to partner with Ashoka’s Youth Venture and Changemakers to sponsor the "Staples Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition" – a global search for the most creative and inspiring ways young people are changing our world.

Eligibility Criteria

The competition is open to all young individuals between the ages of 12-24 and all previously awarded Youth Venture teams. We consider all entries – ideas OR projects –that meet the following criteria:

-Idea or project reflects the theme of the competition: “Staples Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition.” The goal of the competition is to identify innovative solutions that young people are using to make life easier for others. Entries are accepted from young people in all countries.
-Ideas show strong potential for significant or meaningful impact. Projects show potential as well as demonstrated impact.
-Entry form is completed and submitted before the deadline.
-Entries are submitted in English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.

Assessment Criteria

The winners of this Changemakers Collaborative Competition will be those entries that best meet the following criteria:

-Innovation: This is the knock-out test; the idea or project must introduce creative elements or methods to positively impact the community in order for judges to give it a high ranking. For example, the project might use a new approach to tackle a challenge, creative methods to raise awareness of a problem, or innovative strategies to raise funds or engage volunteers.
-Social Impact: It is important that the idea or project has or will have significant impact on the issues it addresses. Some innovations will have proven success at a small level (or are still at the very beginning), while others will have scaled to engage hundreds or thousands of people. Judges will take into consideration how you plan to grow, replicate, and reach big goals.
-Sustainability: For a project to be truly effective it must have a plan for how it will acquire financial and other bases of support for the long-term. In other words it has a good strategy for creating ongoing positive change in the community and engaging partners, as well as a sound plan for transitioning leadership and recruiting team members or volunteers.

Competition Deadlines, Procedures, and Rules

Online competition submissions are accepted until October 15th, 2008 at 6pm, U.S. Eastern Daylight Time. Any time before this deadline, competition participants can revise their entries based on questions and insights that they receive in the Changemakers discussion. Participation in the discussion enhances one's prospects in the competition and gives the community and the judges an opportunity to understand one's project more completely. Posting and discussion are encouraged because the exchange of ideas helps social entrepreneurs develop and improve methods to create positive change in the communities in which we live.

There are four main phases in the competition:

-Entry Stage, August 20th – October 15, 2008:Entries can be submitted until 6 pm Eastern US time on October 15th, 2008, and anyone can participate in an online idea review discussion with the entrants.
-Online Review and Judging, October 16 – October 29, 2008: Online review and discussion continues. Simultaneously, a panel of judges who are well-versed in the topic and a group of Ashoka’s Youth Venture staff select the competition finalists.
-Voting October 30th – November 11, 2008:The Changemakers community votes online to select the Global Grand Prize winner.
-Announcement of Winners – November 12, 2008: - The Global Grand Prize Winner is announced. - Up to 25 entries will be awarded Youth Venture grants of up to US$1,000 to launch or advance their ideas. - In addition, four entries from USA and France are named as Staples Prize finalists. Their representatives will be flown to Boston, Massachusetts, USA to attend an awards ceremony on November 20, 2008. One of the Staples Prize finalists will be awarded a suite of Staples products worth US$5,000 to run their venture.




http://www.changemakers.net/en-us/competition/StaplesYV

BiD Challenge Philippines

The 2nd cycle for submission of business proposals has been opened.

Submit your business proposal until August 15.

Find investors for your business

Get a coach for your business plan

Win PHILIPPINE PRIZE MONEY. Winners shall receive start-up capital from a pool of PhP 1,000,000.

Win a business trip to the Netherlands
Win Euro 20,000 in the global BiD Challenge
The Business in Development (BiD) Challenge Philippines offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop and execute business plans that improve the living conditions of poor Filipinos. Its uniqueness is that it encourages the germination of an idea, identifies excellent concepts and plans, and provides mentors and coaches that can direct the idea towards viability and sustainability.

Previous years’ Philippine business plans were innovative, out-of-the box –a testimony to the creativity, resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit of the Filipino. Be inspired in the same way the others have been.

How to compete in the BiD Challenge Philippines 2008
To compete, you must present your business idea on the BiD Network before August 15 by:

▪ First check if you are eligible to participate by reading the participation criteria. Click on the box ‘Who can participate?’ on the right.
▪ Become a member of the BiD Network and create a profile. Click on the box ‘How to present your plan’ on the right.
▪ Complete the online business concept format. Click on 'new contribution' after you created a profile and logged in.

After you start writing your plan you will have 14 days to complete and submit it. Take note that the deadline may be sooner. In such case, submit before the deadline, which is August 15.

You can submit your plan by clicking on 'submit your plan' at the top or bottom of your plan. If you already have a complete business plan you can attach it to your business concept directly.

What happens after August 15?
If your plan is accepted to the challenge you will receive an email from us within one month after August 15. In this email we will inform you if you:
1. Have been accepted to the BiD Challenge Philippines
2. How to attach a complete plan to your online business plan format
3. If you are eligible to receive a coach
4. When and how the finalists will be selected

Good luck! BiD Challenge Philippines is organised by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP)


www.bidnetwork.org/philippines

European Studies in Asia - 1st Young Academics

Bruges, Belgium
1-4 September

Call for proposals - European Studies in Asia - 1st Young Academics Workshop "How is the EU Perceived in Asia: Media, Public and Elite Perceptions, "

The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), the National Centre for Research on Europe (NCRE) and the College of Europe welcome proposals for participation in the European Studies in Asia (ESiA) 1st Young Academics' Workshop "How is the EU Perceived in Asia: Media, Public and Elite Perceptions" , which will take place in Bruges, Belgium, on *1-4 September 2008*.

The European Studies in Asia (ESiA) network initiated the *"EU through the Eyes of Asia"* project, a pioneering attempt to scientifically measure media, public and elite perceptions regarding the EU specifically in the Asian region. Focusing on selected Asian countries that are part of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) process, the pilot study was undertaken in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore and
Thailand from 2006 to 2007. In all locations, the methodology involved monitoring images of the EU in the media; administering a public opinion survey; and conducting a series of elite interviews.

While the project continues to expand, having recently been launched in Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam in the beginning of 2008, the initial phase has already produced a wealth of data regarding the perceptions of the EU in Asia that is unique and can enrich European studies scholarship in both Asia and Europe.

ESiA's Young Academics' Workshop is a new series initiated specifically to provide a platform for next generation European studies academics in Asia and Europe to exchange ideas, acquire new skills and present their work to the larger European studies community.

The first Young Academics' Workshop will train a select number of young European studies academics (at the Masters and Doctoral levels) on how they may be able to analyse and utilise the unique dataset that has been generated from "EU through the Eyes of Asia" project in their own research work.

The co-organisers will select 20 participants (up to 10 from Asia and up to 10 from Europe) to participate in this four-day event. Upon completion of the workshop, participants are also expected to complete an 8,000-word research paper each by the end of the year.

All selected participants will also have an opportunity to publish with the Asia-Europe Journal. Furthermore, the participant that writes the best paper will be offered a three-month research fellowship with NCRE - University of Canterbury

Interested parties should write in to the co-organisers with a 2,000-word proposal on the said topic by *31 July 2008*.

For more information, please refer to the documents attached or visit
http://esia.asef.org/AboutESiA_Meetings.htm#1stYAW

Should you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact :

Ronan Lenihan
Intellectual Exchange Department
Asia Europe Foundation
Phone: (+65) 68749744

I Am a Changemaker

I Am a Changemaker is a project grant competition for school and community-based youth organisations on how development issues and concerns on education, the environment, and/ or intercultural diversity* can be addressed through youth leadership and social entrepreneurship.

There will be three (3) winners nationwide (representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao ) who will receive up to PhP 100,000 each for the implementation of their projects within a 6-month period.

For competition details, visit: www.britishcouncil.org.ph



*British Council defines diversity in terms of our work in promoting positive social change through building trust, increasing understanding, reforming cultural stereotypes/perception, and countering misinformation and prejudice through intercultural dialogue.

SEED Awards 2008

Do you have an entrepreneurial or innovative idea that is locally-driven and has great potential to contribute to sustainable development in developing countries? Are you finding new ways of simultaneously improving incomes and strengthening livelihoods; tackling poverty and marginalisation; and managing and conserving natural resources and ecosystems? Are you developing a new concept that brings together people and organizations from different backgrounds - a project that challenges partners to pool their human,financial, and natural resources?

Do you need support to make your idea a reality, or to help you grow?

If so, then we would like you to tell us about your idea.

The SEED Initiative is seeking submissions for "The 2008 SEED Awards for Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Development" . We welcome innovative ideas from any group in a developing country, which is working in partnership with others to generate environmental and social benefits in an entrepreneurial way.

SEED Award Winners receive a tailored package of support services to help them to become established and to increase their impact. This includes access to relevant expertise and technical assistance, meeting new partners and building networks, developing business plans and identifying sources of finance. The Award is not a cash prize - but the services offered have a value of US$25,000.

The call is open until the 16th March 2008.

More details are available at http://www.seedinit.org where you can also find the application form and learn about previous Award Winners.

We look forward to receiving your application and to reading about your ideas.


With best regards,

Dr Helen Marquard

Executive Director
The SEED Initiative
For information about the SEED Awards:

http://www.seedinit.org

mailto:seedawards2008@seedinit.org

Tel: +49 30 8900068 99

For any other queries about the SEED Initiative:
helen.marquard@seedinit.org
Tel: +44 1420 488 544

The SEED Initiative
- Supporting Entrepreneurs for Sustainable Development
c/o The World Conservation Union (IUCN)
28 Rue Mauverney
Gland CH-1196
Switzerland

2nd Leadership Program [UNEP-EPLC]

The UNEP will be hosting the 2nd Leadership Program. UNEP Eco-Peace Leadership Center supports CSOs/GOs to find the solution for Environmental problems that they faced in their own country.

Last year UNEP recruited and trained 23 representatives from 12 countries in Asia-Pacific region and this is the second program. We focus on 7 different topics with the collaboration of UNEP. Seven topics are ‘Peace & Cooperation’, ‘Urban Ecology Environment’, ‘Water & Dam’, ‘Desertification & Forest’, ‘Local Community Revival’, ‘Environment & Culture’ and ‘Renewable Energy’.

All candidates should send ‘Application and Study Plan’ which is based on the real field problems or the current issues that you want to solve in your hometown related on 7 topics mentioned above. UNEP plans to have an Orientation in coming May in Korea for a week which will be flexible. They will support $2,000 for completion of the program, in addition to meals, accommodation and air ticket for your travel to Korea .


All documents stated below should be submitted by the end of March, 2008.

a) Application, Study and Budget Plan Form

b) Recommendation letters

c) Resume or CV

d) English proficiency

http://www.unep-eplc.org/eng_news/eng_news.htm?no=14&mode=view

Hatag Kalinaw 2008

Hatag Kalinaw 2008
Project Grant Competition

Hatag Kalinaw 2008 is a youth-led project grant competition for school and community-based youth organisations in Mindanao on how the ideals of peace can be achieved through mutual understanding and entrepreneurship. Winning organisations will receive up to PHP 100,000 each to implement its project within a 6-month period.

What should the proposal be about?

- Project proposals should address issues on the ideals of peace, mutual understanding, and development among young people in Mindanao
- It should espouse entrepreneurship in the form of savings, economic, or livelihood activities
- It should utilise the concept of “self-help” as opposed to “dole-out
- It should be a consultative and participatory process to ensure ownership and enhanced sustainability to promote community-based entrepreneurial activities

DEADLINE OF SUBMISSION: 5 March 2008

For further information and to download application form, please visit http://www.britishcouncil.org/philippines-hatag-kalinaw-2.htm

SouthEast Asian Service Leadership Network

2007 Projects

Project Applications for the Summer 2007 Projects are now open! We welcome applicants from all colleges. Please follow this link to access the application. The application deadline is 11.59 pm, 22nd April 2007. You can view our recruitment flyer (designed by Dian Rosanti) here, and the FAQ here.

High school students in Southeast Asia interested in working with us on the projects should check back soon for high school applications on the individual project pages.
This year, we are planning 5 projects to:

Cambodia:
When: Tuesday 19 June 2007 – Sunday 1 July 2007Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Project Cambodia empowers young Cambodian performing artists and selected high school students to spread awareness of Khmer traditional performing arts in the Cambodian youth community.

Indonesia:
When: Sunday 26 August 2007 – Saturday 8 September 2007Where: Sekayu, South Sumatra, Indonesia
Project Indonesia aims to increase earthquake and sanitation awareness in a rural community in Indonesia.

The Philippines:
When: Monday 18 June 2007 – Friday 29 June 2007Where: Cebu, Philippines
Project Philippines aims to raise local awareness of the gastrointestinal worms issue through effective, enjoyable media which will be disseminated throughout the country.

Thailand:
When: Monday 27 August 2007 - Friday 7 September 2007Where: Krabi, Thailand
Project Thailand aims to address environmental problems in the tsunami-affected area and raise awareness about environmental issues in the local community.

Vietnam:
When: Tuesday 19 June 2007 – Saturday 30 June 2007Where: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Project Vietnam will build a sustainable vocational English program for street students in Ho Chi Minh City to open up more job opportunities in the hospitality and service industries. The project also aims to empower and motivate local youth to serve their own communities.
Detailed project descriptions can be accessed via the links on the left.
Past Projects

Since our founding, we've completed four service projects in Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. Details on these projects can be found through the past projects links.
SEALNet Retreat

http://www.sealnetonline.org