The U.S. Department of State announces the “Air Quality Management Community of Practice in West Africa” program. The program seeks to strengthen capacity and regional cooperation on air quality monitoring and management in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) will award one project up to US$440 thousand for a period of performance of up to 36 months. Eligibility is limited to U.S. and foreign non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and public international organizations. The application deadline is 16 June 2021. Link
Ilka Westermeyer
U.S. Department of State — Air Quality Management in Southern Africa
The U.S. Department of State announces the “Air Quality Management Community of Practice in Southern Africa” program. The program seeks to strengthen capacity and regional cooperation on air quality monitoring and management in Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) will award one project up to US$440 thousand for a period of performance of up to 36 months. Eligibility is limited to U.S. and foreign non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and public international organizations. The application deadline is 16 June 2021. Read
Because International — Social Innovation Competition
Because International seeks applications for its Pursuit Incubator Program. The Pursuit Incubator was created for early to middle stage entrepreneurs that have ideas for a socially innovative product. Entrepreneurs from all around the world are invited to apply. Participants will receive 10-weeks of online training, coaching, networking opportunities and the opportunity to compete in a pitch event for a cash prize. The application deadline is 18 July 2021. Pursuit Incubator Program
Land Accelerator — Restoration of Degraded Forests and Farmland (Latin America)
The Land Accelerator trains and supports entrepreneurs that restore degraded forests and farmland. The program offers an all-virtual business creation and growth accelerator in Latin America. The accelerator is designed for companies that are in the testing phase of taking their product to market. Any business model that is recognized as restoring land is eligible, including, but not limited to smart agriculture, water conservation, agroforestry, tree planting, and beekeeping, forest conservation. Applications are currently open for entrepreneurs from Latin America. The deadline is 01 October 2021. Land Accelerator Latin America
Humanitarian Water Air Food Awards — Youth Climate Awards
The Humanitarian Water Air Food Awards (WAFA) acknowledge and promote individuals and organizations that implement sustainable projects to secure water, clean air, and food — and that empower local communities. WAFA provides expert certification, global recognition, and a cash prize. The deadline for applications and nominations is 31 July 2021. Youth Climate Awards
Global Affairs Canada — Fund for Innovation and Transformation
The Fund for Innovation and Transformation (FIT) supports Canadian small and medium-sized organizations testing innovative solutions that advance gender equality in the Global South. FIT will provide CA$150 thousand to CA$250 thousand over a 6-15 month period to test solutions in partnership with local organizations in developing countries. FIT supports ideas to test worldwide (with approx. 50% in Sub-Saharan Africa). The program is open to civil society organizations, social enterprises, institutions and the private sector. The application deadline to submit proposals is 29 April 2021. Find more information
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — Latin America Regional Program 2021
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides financial assistance to strategic projects that conserve priority species, habitats and ecological processes across landscapes with high biodiversity value in the region. The program funds specific conservation actions that will foster sustainable resource use, mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, combat wildlife poaching and trafficking, reduce the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on conservation goals and promote climate change adaptation and resilience. Funding for individual projects is between US$100 thousand and US$200 thousand. Eligibility for grants extends to governments, non-profit organizations and universities. The deadline for applications is 30 April 2021. Find the call
United Nations Development Programme — End Plastic Pollution
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) invites applications for the Ending Plastic Pollution Innovation Challenge (EPPIC). EPPIC targets the Mandalika Special Economic Zone, Lombok Island in Indonesia, and Samal Island in the Philippines. UNDP will select 10 to 15 finalists to participate in a 3-month solution incubation program; 2 to 4 finalists will be selected as winners and receive up to US$18 thousand each. All individuals and organizations from an ASEAN country, including businesses, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions, are welcome to apply. Applications close on 30 April 2021. Ending Plastic Pollution Innovation Challenge
Celebrate Islands — Video Contest for Project Funding
Celebrate Islands invites video submissions for a contest “My project in 120 seconds” giving winners the opportunity to implement a small project on their island. Projects need to be achievable within one month and may focus on biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, waste and plastic, sustainable economic activities (such as fisheries, agriculture, etc.), water efficiency or energy supply. Celebrate Islands intends to award 3 projects with €3 thousand each. Island projects can be submitted from all around the world but need to focus on an island of less than 150km². Video applications have to be submitted by 30 April 2021. Contest Celebrate Islands 2021
Canadian International Development Research Center — Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture
The Canadian International Development Research Center (IDRC) and the Swedish International Development Agency seek organizations from low and lower-middle income countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to host an African-based research network on responsible artificial intelligence innovations in agriculture and food systems. Applicants must have a proven track record in the design, development, and scaling of artificial intelligence innovations in agriculture and food systems. IDRC will provide funding of up to C$1.2 million to design and implement an innovation research network of researchers and innovators applying responsible AI techniques. The application deadline is 03 May 2021. AI for agriculture