The World Food Forum (WFF) Transformative Research Challenge is a global competition designed to empower young researchers to develop innovative and impactful solutions to transform agrifood systems. WFF supports participants in developing research proposals that lead to actionable and tangible solutions. Winning teams receive up to US$10 thousand in research funding to implement their projects. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a field related to agrifood systems, such as agriculture, food science, environmental science, sustainable development, or other related disciplines. Applications must be submitted by 09 May 2025. Transformative Research Challenge
Day: May 1, 2025
United Nations — Marine and Coastal Ecosystems
The SEA Grants program supports community-based conservation initiatives and research aimed at enhancing marine and coastal ecosystem management in the East Asian Seas region. Grants range from US$5,000 to US$50,000 for projects lasting 12 to 18 months. Eligible applicants include local organizations, NGOs, and community groups operating in countries participating in the SCS SAP. The application deadline is 15 May 2025. SEA Grants
Enel Foundation — Africa’s Clean Energy Future
The Enel Foundation invites young African leaders (between 24 and 35 years) to apply for the Open Africa Power program. Open Africa Power is an education venture aiming to forge a new generation of African leaders deeply engaged with their country’s clean energy future. Up to 150 African students and early-career professionals will have the opportunity to participate in professional development and leadership activities. The application deadline is 16 May 2025. Open Africa Power
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Malawi
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives supports small-scale, high-impact projects in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Malawi. The priorities under this call include women’s economic rights (which can include agriculture), environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management. The average contribution is C$35 thousand to C$50 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. Expressions of Interest have to be submitted by 16 May 2025. CFLI
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Laos
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives supports small-scale, high-impact projects in Laos. The priorities under this call include women’s economic rights (which can include agriculture), environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management. The average contribution is C$15 thousand to C$30 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. Expressions of Interest have to be submitted by 16 May 2025. CFLI Laos
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Egypt
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Egypt. The priorities under this call include environment, climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, and water management. The average contribution is expected to be in the range of C$30 thousand to C$40 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to not-for-profit local, national, or community-based organizations. The deadline for submission is 18 May 2025. CFLI Egypt
IREX — Community Solutions
IREX Community Solutions is a professional development program for community leaders in eligible countries to participate in a four-month fellowship with a local nonprofit organization or government agency in the USA. The subject areas include environmental issues (among others). Applications are accepted from eligible countries in East Asia and the Pacific; South and Central Asia; Sub-Saharan Africa; North Africa and the Middle East; Europe; and Latin America and the Caribbean. Grants are for visa support, international travel, insurance, and a living allowance. The application deadline is 22 May 2025. About the Program
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Biodiversity Information for Development: LAC
The Biodiversity Information for Development program aims to enhance capacity for effective mobilization and use of biodiversity data in support of decision- and policymaking for sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean. GBIF offers support for two types of projects: (1) Institutional-level biodiversity data mobilization grants (maximum funding: €30 thousand for strengthening institutional capacity and mobilize policy-relevant biodiversity data); (2) Multi-institutional biodiversity data mobilization grants (maximum funding: €60 thousand to strengthen collaborations between institutions. Applicants must be legal entities such as research institutions, universities, museums, non-governmental organizations or government agencies located in Caribbean or Latin American countries. Concept notes must be submitted by 27 May 2025. Details here
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Biodiversity Information for Development: Pacific
The Biodiversity Information for Development program aims to enhance capacity for effective mobilization and use of biodiversity data in support of decision- and policymaking for sustainable development in the Pacific. GBIF offers support for two types of projects: (1) Institutional-level biodiversity data mobilization grants (maximum funding: €30 thousand for strengthening institutional capacity and mobilize policy-relevant biodiversity data); (2) Multi-institutional biodiversity data mobilization grants (maximum funding: €60 thousand to strengthen collaborations between institutions. Applicants must be legal entities such as research institutions, universities, museums, non-governmental organizations or government agencies located in Pacific countries. Concept notes must be submitted by 27 May 2025. Details here
UNIDO — Innovative Solutions in Cleantech
Global Cleantech Innovation Program promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging markets and developing economies to address climate and environmental challenges. The program supports start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises with innovative cleantech ideas in establishing and upscaling robust business models. Deadlines vary. Please check carefully. Know more