APAC Sustainability Seed Fund 2.0

APAC Sustainability Seed Fund 2. 0 is sponsored by Google. org and Asian Development Bank (ADB).

This fund provides grants for local sustainability-focused organizations and initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region that are using AI and cloud technologies to build sustainability solutions.

Sustaining effort to scale up innovative technologies-led solutions in addressing climate change and sustainability issues in Asia Pacific Region By leveraging the success of the first round of the APAC Sustainability Seed Fund, AVPN continues to mobilise continuum of capital into supporting climate solutions in the region. **APAC Sustainability Seed Fund 2.

0** is a USD 5 Million catalytic initiative aimed at propelling innovative technology-led solutions that tackle the most pressing climate and sustainability challenges in the Asia Pacific region. Pressing challenges like escalating sea levels, environmental imbalances, and resource depletion in Asia Pacific demand urgent action. Technology emerges as a transformative force, offering innovative avenues to address these challenges.

With the support of Google. org and ADB as the strategic and outreach partner, AVPN will provide essential support to non-profit organisations that are at the forefront of driving change through sustainable innovation. AVPN, Asia’s largest network of social investors announced the selection of 18 NGO grantees of the **Asia-Pacific Sustainability Seed Fund 2.

0** at an online webinar titled “Innovators in Action: Announcing the APAC Sustainability Seed Fund 2. 0 Grantees” on 29 August 2024 by Andrew Ure, Managing Director, Government Affairs and Public Policy, Southeast Asia, Google. Stephanie King-Chung Hung, Director General for the Information Technology Department (ITD) – ADB also joined in to deliver the opening remarks.

Watch the webinar here. The APAC Sustainability Seed Fund 2. 0 is supported by Google.

org, the philanthropic arm of Google, with a USD 5 million grant and Asian Development Bank (ADB) as the strategic and outreach partner. ## 18 NGOs with Innovative Technology-led Solutions to Tackle Pressing Climate and Sustainability Challenges in Asia-Pacific AVPN has selected 18 non-profit organisations that are harnessing the power of technology for climate adaptation and mitigation to ensure a positive and lasting impact in Asia.

Selected grantees of the APAC Sustainability Seed Fund 2. 0 will gain access to a comprehensive range of support, including: * Networking opportunities We’re committed to nurturing and amplifying solutions that harness technology for climate adaptation and mitigation, ensuring a positive and lasting impact.

We are keen on partnering with non-profit organisations that focus on a range of impact areas, which includes but not limited to: * Renewable energy and decarbonisation * Waste management and/or circular economy * Biodiversity protection If your tech-led solution contributes to the sustainability of our planet and communities, we’re eager to hear from you.

* To be eligible for consideration, your organisation should meet these criterias: * Be a registered non-profit organisation operating within APAC region. * Demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainability, innovation, and climate action. * Showcase a technology-led solution that addresses climate adaptation and/or mitigation challenges.

* Possess a well-defined plan of the solution with potential for scalability and impact. * Organisations must be able to provide 2 recent years of audited financial reports.

* Preference will be given to organisation with more than one (1) year of climate and sustainability experience * Should NOT be the following: * Religious organisation (e.g. church, synagogue, mosque etc.) * Consortium (only single application is allowed) * Included in the US or EU sanctions list, nor blacklisted by any UN or international agency * For more details on eligibility criteria, please refer to our FAQ.

You are **required** to complete the Expression of Interest Form, as it will be used to validate your organisation’s legal status as a non-profit organisation. Eligible organisations will be notified and will be asked to put in a full application in December 2023.

While the Expression of Interest (EOI) is accessible throughout the Asia-Pacific region, AVPN reserves the right to designate prioritised markets for the ultimate application phase. ## 28 SEPTEMBER - 31 DECEMBER 2023 ## Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission Period* _*The Expression of Interest is a pre-screening step before the application process.

Submitting an EOI does not automatically guarantee qualification for the formal application for the Sustainability Seed Fund. AVPN will inform selected organisations whether they may proceed to submit a formal application in December 2023. _ ## APAC SSF 2.

0 Application Info Session 1 ## APAC SSF 2. 0 Application Info Session 2 ## JANUARY 10 - FEBRUARY 19, 2024 ## Detailed Project Proposal Submission ## Shortlisting and Evaluation ## Notification to Shortlisted Organisations ## Announcement of Grantees ### Frequently Asked Questions Unfortunately, this fund is specifically targeted at non-profit organisations operating within APAC.

We believe that by focusing on this region, we can address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by its diverse climate landscapes. Yes, local chapters of international non-profit organisations operating within the targeted markets are eligible to apply for the fund. We are interested in a wide range of innovative solutions that leverage technology to address climate adaptation and mitigation challenges.

This could encompass areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, smart water management, waste reduction and recycling, urban mobility solutions, climate data analytics, and more. We encourage diverse and creative approaches that contribute to a sustainable future. Absolutely.

We recognize that innovative solutions can often emerge from the integration of technology with traditional practices. If your project combines technology with existing methods to address climate challenges, we encourage you to submit your Expression of Interest. The amount of funding provided will depend on various factors, including the scale, scope, and potential impact of the project.

We are committed to providing strategic and substantial financial support that aligns with the project and organisation’s needs and its potential for creating positive change. To ensure fairness and equal consideration, we kindly request that organisations submit only one project proposal per submission period. This allows us to thoroughly evaluate each proposal and provide equal opportunities to all applicants.

Absolutely. We welcome both innovative ideas and projects that are already in the implementation phase. However, your project proposal should outline clear goals, milestones, and the potential for scalability, showcasing how our support can take your project to the next level of impact.

While having minimum 1 (one) year prior experience in climate-related projects is beneficial, it is not a strict requirement. We value creative thinking and innovative approaches. If your project demonstrates a clear plan for addressing climate adaptation or mitigation challenges, we welcome your Expression of Interest.

Yes, projects that address multiple impact areas are welcomed. If your technology-led solution has the potential to create positive change across various sustainability dimensions, please outline how it addresses these areas in your Expression of Interest. At this stage, aside from the online form for expression of interest, no other supporting documents are required.

To complete the Expression of Interest, you are required to have your non-profit organisation verified through our Partner TechSoup’s Validation Services. Click **here** for instructions on getting validated through the **TechSoup Portal**. Unfortunately, once a submission has been sent, modifications cannot be made.

We encourage you to carefully review your submission to ensure it accurately represents your project. Our evaluation process is thorough and transparent. All received applications will be reviewed and will undergo a comprehensive evaluation process by a panel of experts with a strong background in sustainability, technology, and climate action.

Collaboration is encouraged! If your project involves partnerships with other non-profit organisations, research institutions, or other stakeholders, please outline these collaborations in your submission. Collaborative efforts often enhance the potential impact and scalability of projects.

Once the final selection is made and the grant is awarded, we will work closely with the selected organisations to provide ongoing support, mentorship, and monitoring. Our goal is to ensure that your organisation achieves its full potential and makes a meaningful contribution to climate and sustainability in the Asia Pacific region. After the submission deadline, our panel will review all submissions.

Shortlisted organisations will be notified via email. All code and intellectual property (IP) rights need to be under open source license. It means that all IP developed under the fund must comply with the Apache License 2.

0 (Apache 2. 0), and for other intellectual property it must comply with the international standard CC-BY-4. 0.

This is a software-only license (educational programs, textbooks, etc. X). The institution must distribute the software developed through this fund to everyone, and if any user wants to use, modify, or distribute this software, it can be used without the permission of the institution. Every creative commons without software (including books, contents, report) should follow this license.

The institution must distribute the software developed through this fund to everyone, and if any user wants to use, modify, or distribute this content, users should give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made.

### Hear from our grantees With the revolutionary 'URBAN RIG' technology, we're tackling waste management challenges on Samet and Iriomote Islands head-on, setting a new standard for sustainability. This initiative not only converts waste into valuable resources but also minimises the islands' environmental impact.

Chochoe Devaporihartakula Team Leader, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) This funding will enable us to significantly improve our ‘mymizu’ technology platform and user experience, helping us empower even more people to reduce plastic waste.

Specifically, we will leverage this funding to improve our in-app refill and impact-tracking system, enable stronger social engagement through enhanced user profiles and community tools, and strengthen our information management and data analytics capabilities.

Representative Director, Social Innovation Japan With the support of AVPN, we will develop seaweed farms along the coastal lines of Vietnam with high technology seedlings production, regulated farming community and co-ops, and appropriate co-operation from local authorities. The weaweed development shall bring good lifes for local people while contributing to decarbonization efforts and to the adaptation of climate change.

Director, Vietnam Rural Industries Development and Research Institute (VIRI) We plan to use the fund to address water management challenges in Bodhisattva Valley and ensure the success of reforestation efforts, ultimately fostering a thriving and environmentally friendly community. The support from the APAC Sustainability Seed Fund 2.

0 is crucial for implementing our initiatives and ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the project. Head of International Affairs, Sathira-Dhammasathan The funding will primarily support system development, data verification and knowledge sharing platform.

The project's financing will enable significant improvements in managing the air quality and public health in the Lower Mekong Sub-Region, a region that is particularly vulnerable to air pollution. Director AI Centre, AIT and Associate Professor, Asian Institute of Technology With the support of the AVPN Sustainability Seed Fund 2.

0, Imagine H2O Asia aims to make innovation more accessible for utility operators and other decision makers committed to managing and mitigating pollution faster and cheaper Managing Director, Imagine H2O Asia Hello! I am Dolon Ganguly, Chief Functionary of Azad Foundation. In India, decline in women’s labour force participation has been a challenge for last several decades.

Data shows, the female labour force participation for women ages 15+ years has declined from 37% (2006) to 19% (2021). Under this context, AVPN’s support will help Azad to deepen its impact by continuing to bringing marginalised women in non-traditional livelihoods (NTL) and to work with men and women change agents to challenge gender division of labour at home and in public spaces.

These women entering decent jobs as chauffeurs or riders would have control over financial resources, greater decision making capacity in families and communities, freedom of mobility and would be able to lessen their burden of unpaid care work and lead violence-free lives. It will also support Azad’s efforts in advocating with the state towards building gender-inclusive infrastructures in public places.

APVN’s support will enable Azad to create impact in national and global policy-forums through influencing policies around women and work with a focus on NTL for women. It will also enable Azad to build the capacity and leadership skills of its staff members and ensure their well-being. We are grateful to AVPN for the possibilities that such a partnership brings in terms of scaling up the impact of our work.

Chief Functionary, Azad Foundation In Cambodia, women from underdeveloped regions are economically marginalized due to poverty, gender inequality, and low capacity to resist economic shocks. Our work globally shows that poverty is a primary driver that makes women vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation.

Women need sustainable access to income-generating activities, skills development, and a robust network of safe employment opportunities. Communities need counseling, access to markets and support with sustainable micro-enterprises.

AVPN's generous funding will support Nomi Network in refining and enhancing our deeply engaging Cambodia Women's Workforce Development Program to reach more women to provide social, emotional, and economic empowerment. AVPN's support will continue to allow us to be a learning organization, build our capacity from within Cambodia and strengthen the Network of local partnerships.

Thank you AVPN for trusting in us to achieve our vision to empower women to rewrite the narratives for future generations and steps towards preventing trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable women.

Director of International Programs, Nomi Network We are grateful to the Asia Gender Equality Fund, they will assist to facilitate training to women farmers’ association members on cropping, harvesting and markets, enable them to manage revolving funds, assist to prepare bankable documents, educate them on on-line transactions and linking them with banks and markets.

In Bangladesh, due to climate change induced salinity, women farmers are being expelled from their traditional cropping and fishing, becoming more vulnerable to poverty and violence. We, Badabon Sangho is women’s rights and women-led organisation, mobilizing and organising those women in the women farmers’ cooperative association.

It is a group-based approach and its members play strong roles not only women’s income generation but also to face abuse, sexual violence, hate speech and stigma. With support of the Asia Gender Equality Fund, we will be able to support 6,200 women throughout three years and members will receive training, coaching to be entrepreneurs, have access to bank and online transactions.

Evidence of this financial resilience and gender equality model would be documented and shared for further advocacy. Executive Director, Badabon Sangho ## Join Other Funders to Amplify Impact ### Reach out if you would like to ask us to customise an individual fund for you