The UK National Research Foundation (NRF) makes research grants and scholarships to students worldwide (but mainly South African citizens) to pursue studies in all areas of Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences and Humanities. The allocation of funds is demand-driven. There is no maximum or minimum proposal request. The NRF makes one call for proposals starting in February of each year. Please note that institutions set their own much earlier internal closing dates for applications, therefore, applicants must check the deadlines of each individual program very carefully. The call closes 31 December 2021. Find details here
Ilka Westermeyer
Natural History Book Store — Gratis Books in Ecology and Conservation
The Natural History Book Store supports science and conservation by supplying wildlife and environment books and equipment. In its Gratis Books Scheme, NHBS collaborates with other UK-based organizations to donate books on ecology and conservation to worthy recipients in the developing world. Individuals may request a book for themselves or suggest it for others. All applications will be considered together, and the available copies will be awarded to those considered most able to benefit from them. Find available books
Save Our Species — Rapid Action Grants: South Africa
Save Our Species (SOS) is open to applications for Rapid Action Grants in the framework of the SOS African Wildlife initiative. SOS accepts applications for projects targeting terrestrial and freshwater threatened species in South Africa. Rapid Action Grants are open to projects responding to threats linked to the COVID-19 crisis and its consequences. Grant funding to a maximum of 100,000 EUR is available to civil society organisations and public entities. The maximum grant size is €100 thousand with no matching funds required. Applications can be submitted anytime. SOS African Wildlife
Unleash — Incubation Program for Entrepreneurs
UNLEASH Plus is a global 6-month incubation program for entrepreneurs working on social or environmental challenges, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The program provides teams with the right skills, mindsets, and resources to test and launch their solutions, and design them for large-scale impact. Teams will explore real-life challenges within the SDG themes, before defining specific problems and coming up with solutions. The top teams will present their solutions to investors and experts. The program is open to all youth entrepreneurs looking to advance solutions that address the SDGs. The application deadline is 25 July 2021. UNLEASH Plus
International Fund for Agricultural Development — Digital Advisory Services
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) seeks international organizations to receive a three-year IFAD grant financing to implement the project: Digital Advisory Services to Support Accelerated Rural Transformation for a total amount of up to US$2 million. Goal is the sustainable integration of proven ICT4D solutions that can improve the economic and social conditions of the rural poor, including women and youth. Deadline to receive proposals is 13 August 2021. However, interested institutions are requested to confirm their intention to submit a proposal by 28 July 2021. Find the call
InfoNile — COVID-19 Pandemic and Water Crisis
InfoNile seeks proposals for in-depth reporting on the Impacts of Covid-19 on irrigation and water access and use by farmers. The program invites journalists (TV journalists and local radio journalists) to investigate agriculture water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (AgriWASH). InfoNile is interested in multimedia stories focusing on how Covid-19 is impacting agricultural water management in the Nile basin countries. Most grants will be around US$1,000. Eligibility extends to all countries in Africa’s Nile River basin, especially arid Egypt and Sudan as well as drought-ridden areas of Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda. Story pitches can be submitted until 31 July 2021. Details here
U.S. Department of Agriculture — Animal Health Systems
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks to improve the capacity to anticipate and mitigate the negative impacts of animal diseases, zoonosis, climate change, and disasters for healthy and productive animal populations and increased access to regional and international markets for African animals and animal products. USDA will provide technical agricultural assistance in support of national and regional technical training, research, and outreach programs. USDA will grant one cooperative agreement of US$1 million to implement the new Animal Health Strategy for Africa (AHSA). Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations and institutions of higher education. The closing date for applications is 13 August 2021. Link
SEED — Starter Workshop for Eco-Enterprises in Zambia
The SEED Starter program offers workshops to guide young entrepreneurs from early stages of ideation to the generation of a viable business plan. SEED Starter invites applications from teams who develop green and inclusive business solutions to key social and environmental challenges in Zambia. Participation in the workshops is free, although participants need to cover their transportation costs and accommodation. All SEED Starter participants consist of a team of 2-5 members. Participants will be eligible to apply for a SEED Grant (of up to €1,000) after successfully completing the workshop. The application deadline is 13 August 2021. SEED Starter Workshop Zambia
Impact Collective — Investments for Asian Startups
Impact Collective is a community-driven acceleration program for Asian startups. The program invites startups who seek to solve global challenges ranging from food security, sustainable livelihoods to sustainable cities, and environmental innovations. Early-stage startups who have working prototypes or products are eligible to apply. The Impact Collective Fund provides investments that typically range between US$25 thousand and US$100 thousand. The application period ends on 15 August 2021. Know more
Mindselo — Young Creators Program 2021
Mindselo is a personal growth platform that seeks to transform ideas into wisdom. The Mindselo Young Creators Program (Creators4Change) aims to bring young visionaries to talk about personal growth to spread great ideas, lively inspiration and effective solutions around the planet to teach people the essential lessons of life that our school and colleges forgot to teach and push humanity forward. Mindselo invites video entries from all around the planet by young creators (aged between 15 to 35) to apply for this impact program. The submission deadline is 15 August 2021. Know more