AR4D Funding Opportunities for Africa – November 2020

AR4D Funding Opportunities for Africa – November  2020

 

 A G R I C U L T U R AL

 

Research

 

Research-Practice Partnerships: Collaborative Research for Educational Change

The Spencer Foundation has launched the Research-Practice Partnership (RPP) Grants Program to support education research projects that engage in collaborative and participatory partnerships. The Research-Practice Partnership (RPP) Grants Program is intended to support education research projects that engage in collaborative and participatory partnerships with project budgets up to $400,000 and durations of up to three years. We accept Intent to Apply forms once a year in this program. We view partnerships as an important approach to knowledge generation and the improvement of education, broadly construed. Over the long term, we anticipate that research conducted by RPPs will result in new insights into the processes, practices, and policies that improve education for learners, educators, schools, universities, families, and communities. Full proposal deadline on December 17, 2020 12:00 PM (Noon) CT.

UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council -- Partnerships Worldwide

The BBSRC Partnering Awards aim to set up partnership links between UK and overseas laboratories, promote the exchange of scientists, particularly early career scientists, and to promote access to facilities. Funding of up to £30 thousand is available for a period of up to four years for partnerships with life science laboratories in countries not currently eligible through existing partnering award schemes. International partnerships fostering a One Health approach to diseases of zoonotic origin are especially welcome. Funds can only be used for travel, subsistence and other activities, such as workshops or exchanges. The application deadline is 12 November 2020.

UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council -- Funding for International Workshops

The UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) provides funding for international workshops to stimulate joint research cooperations. The workshop can be held overseas or in the UK. Awards are up to £10 thousand. BBSRC invites applications from countries worldwide, but is particularly interested in promoting further links with Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, EU Member States, India, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan and the USA. This opportunity is open to current BBSRC research grant holders who are in receipt of BBSRC funding. The deadline is 12 November 2020.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service -- Arctic Goose Joint Venture

The Arctic Goose Joint Venture (AGJV) makes grants for projects and studies that provide and improve scientific information to support and promote effective management, monitoring, and conservation of northern-nesting geese. The AGJV welcomes modest funding requests of up to US$150 thousand for projects of mainly one to three years. Applications are encouraged from nonprofit organizations, educational organizations, governments, and individual companies. This program may provide funding to foreign entities or for projects conducted outside the United States. The deadline for proposals is 20 November 2020.

Volkswagen Foundation -- Research Workshops and Summer Schools in Sub-Saharan Africa

In its research program "Knowledge for Tomorrow," the Volkswagen Foundation funds research projects of African scientists in cooperation with partners in Germany. The program supports research across all disciplines. To aid with project proposals and development, the Volkswagen Foundation makes grants for workshops, symposia, and summer schools in Africa to help partners discuss and agree on research priorities and approaches. Applications for workshops and summer schools can be submitted at any time in consultation with the Foundation's contact person for the program.

 

 

Agribusiness

 

Private Sector Engagement and Market-Based Development: Co-Creating and Partnering for Impact via Global Development Alliances

 The United States Government as represented by the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID), Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and Environment (E3), Private Sector Engagement Team, invites applications for Global Development Alliances (GDAs). Consistent with USAID’s Private Sector Engagement Policy, the focus of this APS is proactive engagement of and collaboration with the private sector in the identification and definition of key business and development problems and opportunities; the development and co-creation of market-based and market-oriented approaches to solve those problems and seize those opportunities; and the facilitation and implementation of such approaches. Closing date for application is on December 16, 2022

 

 Vital Voices -- Fellowships for Women Entrepreneurs

Vital Voices offers GROW Fellowships to women entrepreneurs who own small and medium-sized businesses. The program includes customized business skills training, technical assistance, leadership development, and access to networks to grow their businesses. Thematic business areas may include agriculture, fisheries and forestry with potential for growth. A limited number of need and merit-based scholarships will be available. The deadline for applications is 15 December 2020.

 

 

  Bio-diversity, Environment, Climate change

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Smithsonian Institution -- Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biodiversity Genomics

The Smithsonian Institution seeks collaborative research proposals in Biodiversity Genomics, involving comparative genomic approaches such as phylogenomics, population genomics, metagenomics or transcriptomics, and bioinformatics analysis. The stipend for postdoctoral and senior fellows is US$50 thousand per year. Applicants must propose to conduct research in-residence for a period of 12 to 24 months. Applicants contact Smithsonian's staff members (find link in the announcement) to identify potential advisors, and to determine the feasibility of their proposed research. The fellowship program is open to qualified applicants worldwide. All applications must be submitted by 01 November 2020.

U.S. Agency for International Development -- Water Resources Management for WASH in Nigeria

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) accepts concept papers with focus on reducing water borne diseases. USAID intends to provide direct awards to new and underutilized local organizations in Nigeria or locally established partners. Projects should address the priority area of water and sanitation, behavior change related to WASH practices, or WASH institutional development and watershed management. USAID intends to provide up to US$10 million in total funding to be allocated over five years. The closing date for applications is 02 November 2020.

Lithuanian Development Cooperation -- Development Cooperation Projects 2021

Lithuanian Development Cooperation makes grants to fund projects in developing partner countries. Submitted project applications must conform to the multilateral and/or bilateral strategic agreements between partner countries in Eastern Europe (detailed in the announcement), this includes environmental protection and sustainable agriculture technologies, among other thematic areas. Project applications worth less than €15 thousand should be primarily submitted to the diplomatic missions of Lithuania. Deadline for the submission of project applications is 03 November 2020.

Izele -- Small Grants for Biodiversity Conservation

Izele is a conservation network website designed for people and organizations working in biodiversity conservation in Africa. The 2020 Izele Small Grant scheme offers three grants of US$1,500, one each for an Eswatini-, Mozambique- and South Africa-based organization contributing to the conservation of biodiversity. The scheme is open to all conservation areas, organizations, groups, or businesses. Individuals are not eligible to apply. The deadline to enter is 15 November 2020.

World Wildlife Fund U.S. -- Reforestation Grants

The Reforestation Grant Program supports communities in deforested and degraded landscapes through forest restoration and reforestation. Reforestation grants are made to local organizations that focus on connecting corridors, creating buffer zones, improving degraded lands, restoring watersheds, and expanding forest cover. Eligible countries and eco-regions are listed in the announcement. Project budgets should not exceed US$15 thousand. Application deadline is 25 November 2020.

 

Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund -- Grant Program 2021

The Keidanren Fund supports field projects in environment, biodiversity, and natural resources in developing countries worldwide, with emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region. The program is open to groups and organizations with appropriate legal status, and at least three years of experience in nature conservation. Grants are for one year. The application deadline is 30 November 2020.

Cambridge University -- Masters in Conservation Leadership

The Cambridge Masters in Conservation Leadership invites applications for entry in 2021. The full-time masters program during one year is aimed at graduates of leadership potential with at least three to five years of experience relevant to biodiversity conservation. Scholarship programs offer support to students from developing countries. The application deadline for program admission is 03 December 2020.

Nestlé -- Creating Shared Value Prize

Nestlé and Ashoka welcome applications to the Nestlé “Creating Shared Value” Prize. The 2020 Prize seeks innovative solutions to address global pollution challenges and supports initiatives that work towards a waste-free future. Social enterprises, for-profit businesses and NGOs worldwide are eligible to apply. Applications from local grassroots organizations are preferred over applications from international large-scale organizations. Up to five winners will share a cash prize of CHF250 thousand. The deadline for applications is 06 December 2020.

Conservation, Food and Health Foundation — Local Project Support

The Conservation, Food and Health Foundation supports special projects and programs in the areas of conservation, food, and health in low- and lower-middle-income countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The foundation supports projects that demonstrate local leadership; develop the capacity of local organizations; and address a particular problem or question in the field. Eligibility extends to NGOs, community-based organizations and academic institutions. There is no maximum grant size. The average grant is approx. US$20 thousand. Grants exceeding US$30 thousand are rarely awarded. The application deadlines for concept notes are 01 January and 01 July 2021.

City Climate Finance Gap Fund -- Urban Climate Action

The City Climate Finance Gap Fund (Gap Fund) supports cities and local governments in preparing and prioritizing climate-smart plans and investments with the goal of attracting more financing and support for implementation. The Fund focuses on climate-smart urban planning and early-stage project preparation in developing and emerging countries. Selected proposals will receive technical assistance and capacity building. Cities and local authorities can apply by submitting an Expression of Interest. There is no application deadline.

Save Our Species -- Rapid Action Grants: South Africa

Save Our Species (SOS) invites proposals for Rapid Action Grants targeting terrestrial or freshwater threatened species in South Africa. Rapid Action Grants are also open to projects responding to threats linked to COVID-19 crisis and its consequences. To be eligible projects should respond to emergency situations requiring rapid action, rather than proposing programmatic action on long-standing issues. Applicants can request grants up to €100 thousand (no matching funds required) for projects of 12 months duration. Applications can be submitted anytime.

 

Global Innovation Fund -- Social Innovations for the Developing World

The Global Innovation Fund (GIF) welcomes proposals of innovative and cost-effective solutions that address any major development challenge (including energy, water access, agriculture and fisheries) in any country or in multiple countries of the developing world. The program is open to teams and coalitions from social enterprises, for-profit companies, NGOs, government agencies, international organizations, and researchers anywhere in the world. GIF offers grants, loans, and equity investments ranging from US$50 thousand to US$15 million. Applicants should propose the level and type of funding that is appropriate for their innovation, based on the stage of development. GIF accepts applications on a continuous basis.

 

Fellowships/scholarships/grants 

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Smithsonian Institution -- Fellowship Program 2021

The Smithsonian Institution annually awards fellowships for independent study or research at one or more of the Smithsonian’s 19 units and research centers, including the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI). The awards include: graduate student fellowships; predoctoral fellowships; postdoctoral fellowships; and senior fellowships. Stipends and allowances vary from US$8 thousand for two weeks to up to US$55 thousand per year, depending on the applicant’s experience. The fellowship program is open to qualified applicants worldwide. Applicants contact Smithsonian's staff members (find link in the announcement) to identify potential advisors, and to determine the feasibility of their proposed research. The application deadline is 01 November 2020.

 Erasmus Mundus Programme -- Mediterranean Forestry and Natural Resources Management

The Master Degree Mediterranean Forestry and Natural Resources Management (MEDfOR) is a two-year international program on the field of Forestry and Sustainability. The MEDfOR Consortium includes seven European universities with expertise in Mediterranean forestry. The master course is open to EU and non-EU students. Scholarships to cover participation costs, travel costs and a monthly subsistence allowance will be offered by different funding agencies according to specific eligibility requirements. The program is open to candidates from all over the world, who have a bachelor degree in Biological Sciences, Environmental and Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Economics, Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry or similar areas. The closing date for applications is 15 December 2020.

United Nations University -- MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security

The United Nations University (UNU) and the University of Bonn welcome applicants for the international joint MSc program, “Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security.” The ideal candidate has a strong interest or experience in human-nature relations and risk governance in the Global South. Women and applicants from developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships to financially support successful applicants from developing countries. The application deadline is 15 December 2020.

 

 

 

Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles -- Grants in Herpetology

The Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR) makes 12 grants of US$500 each for herpetological field research, education, and conservation. Applications are submitted by individuals. Some grant categories are restricted to SSAR members and students, while others are open to everyone. The application deadline is 15 December 2020.

Marine Stewardship Council -- Ocean Stewardship Fund

The Marine Stewardship Council invites fisheries, scientists, NGOs and postgraduates to apply for grants from the Ocean Stewardship Fund. The fund supports best practices in sustainable fishing with the aim to increase the number of sustainable fisheries around the world. Grants are also available to support small-scale fisheries and fisheries in the developing world. Furthermore, the Student Research Grant awards funding to support postgraduate students who are carrying out research with fisheries engaged or working towards the MSC program. Awards of between £5 thousand to £50 thousand are available across five different strands. The application deadline is 06 January 2021.

University of Oxford -- Postgraduate Scholarships 2021/2022

The Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme aims to support outstanding postgraduate students from developing and emerging economies for post-graduate studies at the University of Oxford, UK. Relevant areas of study include: Biodiversity Conservation Management, Earth sciences, Environment, International Wildlife Conservation Practice, Water Science, Zoology, and many others. The scholarship will cover 100% of course fees and a grant for living costs (of at least £15 thousand). The closing date for scholarship applications is 10 January 2021, for most courses.

Harvard University -- Environmental Fellowships 2021

Harvard University's Center for the Environment awards environmental fellowships. The fellowships enable recent doctorate recipients to use Harvard’s resources to tackle complex environmental problems. Eligibility for funding extends to candidates with a doctorate or equivalent in any subject area from any university in the world. Candidates may propose research projects in any discipline. The fellowship includes a salary of US$70 thousand per year, plus reimbursement for relocation expenses, annual allowance for travel and other professional expenses. The deadline for applications is 11 January 2021.

International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis -- Young Scientists Summer Program 2021

IIASA invites doctoral students worldwide to participate in its Young Scientists Summer Program held at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis's headquarters in Laxenburg, Austria. The selected participants work with IIASA’s senior scientists in research on energy, ecosystem services, water, risk policy and vulnerability, and other topics. Scholarships are available from IIASA's national member organizations. A limited number of scholarships are available from other sources. The deadline for registrations to the 2021 program is 14 January 2021.

German Federal Environmental Foundation -- PhD Fellowships

The German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) offers 60 research fellowships per year to young scientists in Germany and internationally across all disciplines of environmental protection. The funding period is 36 months with a monthly stipend of €1,500. DBU welcomes subjects of international importance, although the work has to be done mainly in Germany, and with a clear reference to the German environmental situation. DBU expects good German language skills from all applicants. The application deadlines are 15 January and 15 June each year.

University of California at Berkeley -- Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program 2021

The Beahrs ELP sponsors an annual three-week summer course in environmental science, policy, management, and leadership at UC Berkeley. The next course is scheduled for July 2021. ELP invites applications from mid-career professionals around the world. Workshops and field trips draw on the strengths of UC Berkeley and the greater San Francisco Bay Area of California. Course participants continue their learning and networking through the Berkeley ELP Alumni Network. The program offers a limited number of partial scholarships. The final deadline for scholarship review is 29 January 2021.

MasterCard Foundation -- Scholarships for Africans at McGill University

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program funds citizens from Sub-Saharan Africa for Master graduate studies at McGill University, Canada. The eligible fields of study under this program include Food Science & Agricultural Chemistry; Animal Science; Biotechnology; and many others. The program offers full scholarships to economically challenged students. The deadline for applications is 31 January 2021.

Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study -- Fellowships for Early-Career African Researchers

The Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) offers the Iso Lomso Fellowships to early-career African researchers in any discipline. The program provides a three-year attachment to STIAS in addition to the possibility of a residency at a sister institute for advanced study in North America, Europe, or elsewhere. Other benefits include support for attending international conferences or workshops, and support to the fellow's home institution for lecturer replacement. The program is aimed at African scholars who have obtained a doctoral degree within the preceding eight years, and who hold an academic position at a university or research institution anywhere in Africa. The application deadline is 15 February 2021.

Erasmus Mundus -- Joint Master Degree in Aquaculture, Environment, and Society

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Aquaculture, Environment and Society (EM JMD ACES) is a full-time master's program for two years for European and international students. Applicants are expected to have an appropriate background in aquaculture, marine science, aquatic biology, biology, environmental sciences, marine resources, environmental economics, or environmental policy. Participating students will divide their semesters among universities in the UK, Greece, and France. The program offers limited scholarships to cover tuition fees, living, and travel expenses. The closing date for scholarship applications is 15 February 2021.

World Wildlife Fund U.S. -- Educational Fellowships 2021

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF-U.S.) supports individuals pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in conservation. The Russell E. Train Fellowships provide conservationists from target countries with financial support for their studies and field research. The 2021 focuses on achieving sustainable Blue Economy outcomes, with emphasis on small-scale fisheries and tropical ecosystems across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Ocean. EFN also provides fellowships to current and aspiring university faculty that are affiliated with or currently employed at African, Asian and Latin American universities to pursue a PhD in conservation-related fields. Applicants may request up to US$30 thousand per year for up to two years. The application deadline is 01 March 2021.

Alexander von Humboldt Foundation -- International Climate Protection Fellowships 2021

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation offers 15 fellowships for young climate experts from developing countries interested in conducting a project in Germany and pursuing long-term collaboration. The fellowship (up to € 2,600 per month) allows future leaders to spend a year in Germany working on a research-based project of their own choice in the field of climate protection. Fellows choose their own hosts. The fellowship includes intensive language training and an orientation program during the introductory phase. The deadline for applications is 01 March 2021.

IHE Delft Institute for Water Education — MSc in Sanitation 2021/2022

IHE Delft accepts applications for academic admission to the Master of Science Program in Sanitation. The program is aimed at young and mid-career sanitation professionals, working in water supply and sewerage companies, municipal assemblies, government ministries, NGOs and consulting firms. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation offers 10 partial scholarships for the academic year 2021-2022. Partial scholarships cover €15 thousand of the total costs. The candidate is expected to cover the remaining costs of the program from other sources. The application deadline for partial scholarship through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is 01 May 2021.

 

AWARDS and O T H E R

 

Munich Re Foundation seeking Nominations for 2021 RISK Award

 

The Munich Re Foundation is seeking nominations for the 2021 RISK Award to increase people’s resilience to disasters. Disasters are often a consequence of natural hazards impacting social systems and societies. The 2021 RISK Award, endowed with 100,000 € project funding, is looking for project proposals in the field of nature-based DRR solutions that also highlight the importance of social and economic stability. These solutions can also make a significant contribution to addressing challenges related to the climate emergency. In this sense, the 2021 RISK Award reflects a combined approach from three major UN frameworks, namely the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030), the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change 2015. Project proposals may include all kinds of ecosystems, be it forests, wetlands, coastal areas, drylands, mountain ecosystems and many more. 

 

Paul M. Angell Family Foundation -- Marine and Ocean Conservation 2021

 

The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation makes grants in thematic areas that include marine and ocean conservation. The Foundation is interested in marine protected areas; sustainable fisheries; conserving sharks and rays; conservation of coral reefs; and limiting plastics pollution. Eligibility extends to U.S. nonprofit organizations that have 501(c)3 registration and international conservation organizations. The application deadlines for project support in 2021 are 20 November 2020 and 07 June 2021.

 

African Union -- Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards 2020

 

The African Union (AU) honors outstanding African scientists through the Kwame Nkrumah Awards for Scientific Excellence. The awards program is implemented at national level for young researchers; regional level for women scientists; and continental level open to all scientists. The current announcement calls for submissions at the African continental level to recognize outstanding science, for which it awards a prize of US$100 thousand. The closing date for submissions is 25 November 2020.

 

Hult Prize Foundation -- Hult Prize Challenge

 

The Hult Prize is a start-up accelerator for social entrepreneurship which brings together college and university students to solve the world’s most pressing issues. The 2021 theme is "Food for Good". Students past or present from any college or university in the world are invited to form small teams. The Hult Prize runs regional competitions around the world, campus events, a national competition, and an online for the chance to join the Global Accelerator Program. The winning team will be awarded US$1 million in seed capital. The application deadline is 23 December 2020.

 

American Society of Mammalogy -- Support to African Graduate Students

 

The African Graduate Student Research Fund makes awards to African nationals pursuing graduate degrees in mammalogy. Projects must be field oriented investigations of natural history, conservation, ecology, systematics, wildlife biology, biogeography, or behavior. Each of two awardees will receive US$1,500 and an online membership to the Society. Applications can be submitted in English or French The application deadline is 01 April 2021.