AR4D Funding Opportunities for Africa – December 2020

 

AR4D Funding Opportunities for Africa – December  2020

 

 A G R I C U L T U R AL

 

Research

 

Fiat Panis Foundation — Prize for Master Thesis in Food Security

The Fiat Panis Foundation makes awards for university thesis and dissertation research in themes of agriculture, ecology and natural resources, with a focus on food security in developing countries. The Hans Hartwig Ruthenberg Graduate Award is €7.5 thousand in support of qualified young scientists by honoring their excellent master thesis in the field of food security. The deadline for submissions (German, English) is 30 April 2021.

Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Research Collaboration 2021

Within the framework of Danish development cooperation, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls for research proposals between Denmark and researchers in partner countries. Window 1 will fund research (sustainable development and climate change) with partners in the Danida priority countries. Window 2 will fund research (renewable energy, environment, water resources, food quality, maritime development) with partners in growth and transition countries. Window 1 is open to research institutions in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Myanmar, Niger, Palestine, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda, in addition to Denmark. Window 2 is open to Danish research organizations in collaboration with research institutions in Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Myanmar, South Africa, and Vietnam. For both windows, the application deadline (Phase 1) is 26 February 2021.

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

 

Pulitzer Center — Rainforest Investigations Fellows

The Pulitzer Center accepts reporting fellowship applications for its Rainforest Investigations Network (RIN). The network seeks to create an ecosystem of collaboration among journalists to follow the money and the many illegal practices and legal loopholes that enable industrial-scale deforestation in the world’s three main tropical rainforest regions: Amazon, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia. Experienced investigative journalists with a proven track record are eligible to apply for fellowships. Fellows will receive data, communication, and coordination support from the Pulitzer Center. The last day to apply is 20 December 2020.

German Academic Exchange Service — Doctoral Scholarships for Africans

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers two doctoral scholarships at the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT). The scholarships are related to the interdisciplinary research topic “Adaptation of marine socio-ecological systems to changing environments.” The scholarships will be granted for up to 4 years. Applicants need to originate from Sub-Saharan Africa and hold a university degree. The scholarship includes a monthly allowance of €1,200, plus additional travel and research allowances. Applications have to be submitted by 20 December 2020.

U.S. Department of State — Wildlife Trafficking in Sub-Saharan Africa

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), supports activities that counter wildlife trafficking and illegal logging in Sub-Saharan Africa. The overall goal is to reduce the ability of criminal groups to profit from poaching and trafficking of protected animals, as well as protected timber and plants, originating from Africa. Applicants may request up to US$1.5 million for the implementation of anti-wildlife crime related activities. Eligibility extends to qualified U.S. based and foreign non-profit organizations (including NGOs), and educational institutions. The closing date for submission of applications is 06 January 2021.

European Commission — Citizen Involvement to Address Climate Change

The European Commission (EC) seeks to strengthen the active role of citizens and their direct involvement to address climate change and other human actions harming the environment. The EC funds projects that directly involve citizens and communities in contributing to climate action and protecting the environment, thereby reducing their carbon and environmental footprint. The Commission considers proposals requesting a contribution between €3-5 million. A full list of eligible countries is provided in the call. The submission deadline is 26 January 2021.

European Commission — Climate-Neutral Cities

The European Commission (EC) seeks partners to develop a one-stop shop platform that provides technical, regulatory, financial and socio-economic expertise to cities for developing and implementing their climate action plans in support of a climate-neutral economy by 2050. The project can involve research organizations, academia, social entrepreneurs, NGOs, national and local authorities and citizens. The platform should facilitate the coordination of ongoing European activities in the area of climate neutrality for cities. The Commission considers proposals requesting a contribution of up to €53 million. A full list of eligible countries is provided in the call. The submission deadline is 26 January 2021.

InsuResilience Solutions Fund — Climate Risk Insurance Products

InsuResilience Solutions Fund (ISF) seeks projects with a holistic approach on disaster relief and preparedness. The Fund will support the development of new climate risk insurance products or the scaling-up of already existing products with the aim to increase the resilience of poor and vulnerable people in developing countries to climate change. The ISF provides grant-based co-funding of up to €2.5 million, but requires matching the grant funding (in-kind and/or as a financial contribution). Eligibility extends to private and public organizations located in Asia and the Pacific, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. The application deadline is 29 January 2021.

German Government — International Climate Initiative Small Grants

Germany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI) supports projects on climate change mitigation and adaptation, and biodiversity projects that have climate relevance. The focus of the IKI Small Grants scheme is to provide support to the implementation of projects addressing the global loss of biodiversity in connection with climate change. The IKI Small Grants scheme will select project proposals with a funding volume of up to €200 thousand. Not-for-profit organizations and for-profit non-government organizations, if they pursue strictly non-profit objectives, are eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is 09 February 2021.

German Government — International Climate Initiative: Thematic Selection

The International Climate Initiative (IKI) funds climate projects that address pressing challenges in the areas of climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation, including the unique issues caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The funding amount provided by the German Government ranges from €5 million to €30 million per project. Applicants for funding must apply as a consortium. Nonprofit organizations, enterprises, universities and research institutions as well as international intergovernmental organizations are eligible. The selection procedure is done in two stages. In the first stage, interested implementing organizations submit a project outline. Project outlines must be submitted by 10 March 2021.

Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Protecting Biodiversity of the East Melanesian Islands

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites applications for large grants (up to US$200 thousand) in support of biodiversity conservation in the East Melanesian Islands. The focus is the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and the islands region of Papua New Guinea. Eligibility for funding extends to community groups and associations, NGOs, private enterprises, universities, research institutes, and other civil society organizations. CEPF posts the ecosystem profile and useful information for applicants in the announcement. The deadline for letters of inquiry is 15 January 2021.

Prince Bernhard Nature Fund — Conservation of Endangered Species (Flora & Fauna)

The Prince Bernhard Nature Fund (PBNF) aims to save critically endangered flora and fauna in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It gives funding preference to organizations in these regions, sometimes in partnership with parties in Europe or North America. Projects have to focus on critically endangered species on the IUCN Red List. Grants are up to €20 thousand or US$20 thousand. The PBNF only supports registered non-profits and favors smaller grassroots organizations over international organizations. The next application deadline is 01 February 2021.

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 

 

African Women in Agricultural Research and Development — One Planet Fellowship

African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) invites applications for the One Planet Fellowship. The Fellowship seeks to build a network of African and European scientist leaders to help Africa’s smallholder farmers adapt to climate change. Applicants from the following Sub-Saharan African countries are eligible to apply: Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, and Zambia. Selected candidates will participate in intensive training workshops aimed at fostering leadership skills, strengthening scientific research skills including integrating gender into their research. The call for applications closes on 15 February 2021.

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.

Institute of Current World Affairs — Fellowship Program 2021

The Institute of Current World Affairs (ICWA) makes grants to support fellows who carry out self-designed independent studies for a minimum of two years in the developing world. Fellows must hold the promise of enriching public life in the United States by enhancing the understanding of foreign countries, cultures and trends, therefore candidates must show strong and credible ties to U.S. society. Proposals in the fields of environment, climate change, sustainability and conservation are welcome. Candidates who seek fellowships may reside in any developing country. Applications for the June 2021 appointment are due 15 December 2020.

Association of Commonwealth Universities — Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 2021/2022

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) supports the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries. The scholarship funds studies for a two-years Master’s degree in low- or middle-income countries of the Commonwealth across many subjects, including conservation ecology, horticulture, agriculture, animal science, and many others. Eligibility extends to citizens of (or with refugee status in) a Commonwealth country other than the country hosting the award. Scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses (stipend) for duration of award, return economy flight, one-off arrival allowance and research support grant (on request). The application deadline is 18 January 2021.

University of Queensland Australia — Online Course: Making Sense of Climate Science Denial

The University of Queensland Australia, in partnership with edX, offers an online course on climate change science. Participants will develop the skills and knowledge to better understand climate change, identify the techniques and fallacies that climate myths employ to distort climate science, and learn to effectively debunk climate misinformation. The course is free and no previous knowledge on the subject is required. Enrollment is open. The course starts on 09 February 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.

Technische Universität Dresden -- Masters in Tropical Forestry 2021 

The MSc Course in Tropical Forestry taught at Technische Universität Dresden (TDU) in Germany qualifies students to develop sustainable forest management strategies and implement development-relevant interventions in rural and peri-urban areas. Germany's DAAD (the German Academic Exchange Service) will fund a limited number of scholarships for applicants from developing countries to enroll in TDU’s 2-year masters program. Applicants must hold a university degree in forestry, agriculture, horticulture, or other related field. The deadline to apply for DAAD scholarships is 30 October 2021.

 

AWARDS and O T H E R

 

Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism — Africa Water Reporting Grant

 

The Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ) supports two water-related stories on WASH, access to drinking water, health facilities and schools, handwashing, and many more. The grant of US$2,100 should be used to cover all the costs related to the story, including fees for team members, travel, and any other related costs. Journalists from Sub-Saharan Africa are invited to submit story pitches and provide professional references. The closing date to submit a story pitch is 18 December 2020.

 

Global Water Intelligence — Global Water Awards 2021

 

Nominations are open for the annual Global Water Awards 2021. Global Water Intelligence seeks technologies, plants, projects, and companies that made significant contributions to the development of the water sector. Focus areas include water or wastewater treatment, water conservation and management, ecologically sustainable industry technologies, and commercial solutions, among others. Nominations are open to everyone (including individuals, companies, organizations, or initiatives etc.). Nominations close on 28 February 2021.

 

GET.invest — Finance Catalyst

 

The GET.invest Finance Catalyst supports small- and medium-scale renewable energy projects and businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific region. The program provides advisory support on project and business plan development, project and business structuring and accessing finance, at no costs. Eligible applicants may be private sector developers, NGOs, universities or research institutions. Applications are available in English only but applicants can request support to overcome language-related issues. The Finance Catalyst operates on various submission rounds all year long. Applications can be submitted anytime.

 

Seeding Labs — Scientific Equipment for Research and Education

 

Seeding Labs welcomes applications to participate in Instrumental Access. The program makes high-quality laboratory equipment and supplies more affordable to university departments in low- and middle-income countries. Seeding Labs receives donated equipment from a variety of sources, including research institutions and manufacturers. Applicants submit online requests for items included in the Seeding Labs equipment inventory. Items are mainly for biology and chemistry. The average value of the items included in a shipment, based on the secondary (used) market, is generally in the range of US$100 thousand. The recipient organizations are charged a fee (based on their country’s income level) for program administration, equipment warehousing, equipment packing, and ocean freight. The deadline for submissions is 12 February 2021.

 

Iridescent — Technology Entrepreneurship Program for Girls

 

Technovation invites teams of girls from all over the world to learn and apply the skills needed to solve real-world problems through technology. Girls work with women mentors, find a problem in their community and develop a mobile app to launch a startup. Categories may include environment, poverty, health, and others. Eligibility extends to teams of up to 5 girls (aged 10-18 years). Registration deadline is 12 March 2021.

 

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.

 

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.