Global Challenges Local Solutions

🎬 In this GCLS round, one video is not enough

The video campaign is a new requirement in the 9th round – but it’s best to think of it not as “a video”, but as a story about change in your community.

What works best?
✔ a series of short videos instead of just one
✔ real stories of people and local initiatives
✔ showing not only the problem, but also the solution

💡 Think of it this way:
not “we will create a video about SDGs”
→ but “we will show how SDGs work in practice in our community”

The coherence and purpose of your campaign will play an important role in the evaluation.

⏳ The call is open until April 30

Good luck!

🚀 GCLS 9th Grant Round is now OPEN!

No April Fools’ joke here — this is for real 🙂

We invite Community Foundations from previous GCLS rounds to apply for funding under the theme:
🎥 “Solutions for the Future”

This year, we are looking for video-based campaigns that:
✔ raise awareness about SDGs
✔ engage local communities
✔ showcase local solutions to global challenges

💰 Up to 15,000 USD
📅 Deadline: April 30, 2026

👉 Learn more & apply: https://localsolutionsfund.org/grant-competition/

From the Heart of : in Action

Can sports be a tool for education, inclusion, and supporting local projects? Absolutely. A great example comes from Făgăraș, Romania – the Bikeathon organized by the Country Community Foundation.

What makes this event unique?

Scale and Impact – Over 11 years, the event has raised more than 1 million RON for 121 local projects.

Inclusive Participation – From toddlers in the “Frog Race,” to adults on MTB routes, to people in wheelchairs on the special “Drumul Șonei” course.

Engaging Companies and the Community – 50% of corporate registration fees go directly to the causes they choose.

Connecting Local Action to Global Goals – The event addresses local needs while promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For us Global Challenges Local Solutions, this is a clear example of how sports, fundraising, and community action can work together effectively.

The Bikeathon presentation is available for download and offers plenty of inspiration for anyone looking to create a similar impact in their community. 🔗 Link in the comments.