The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Marine Accelerator Program (MAP) seeks emerging conservation leaders and influencers that address marine and inland waterway issues in Southeast Asia. Selected youth leaders will receive capacity training and participate in workshops to scale their initiative. Participants will also get a chance to receive up to US$2 thousand in project grants. Eligibility extends to citizens and residents of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. Applicants may apply as individuals or represent private entities (including startups and social enterprises), civil society organizations, or academic institutions. The application deadline is 31 January 2021. Visit YSEALI MAP to know more
Ilka Westermeyer
UK Department for International Development — Funding for Small Charities
The Small Charities Challenge Fund (SCCF) supports UK-based grassroots organizations to help priority countries to enhance their capacity and efforts to help the poor, vulnerable and most marginalized. UK Aid Direct operates in the lowest 50 countries in the Human Development Index and in countries considered to be of high or moderate fragility. Thematic areas include agriculture, climate change, environment, water resources and others. Grants of up to £50 thousand will be available for projects of up to 2 years. Applications are reviewed on a 6-monthly basis. The next review of project grant proposals is 25 March 2021. Link
U.S. National Science Foundation — Dimensions of Biodiversity 2021
The goal of Dimensions of Biodiversity is to promote novel and integrated approaches to understand the evolutionary and ecological significance of biodiversity. The program currently focuses on the integration of genetic, taxonomic, and functional dimensions of biodiversity. It includes international partnerships with research organizations in Brazil, China, and South Africa. The deadline for proposals is 26 March 2021. Link to Dimensions of Biodiversity
MarTERA — Transnational Research and Innovation Projects
MarTERA provides funding to collaborative research and innovation projects. The call identifies the following priority areas: (1) environmentally friendly maritime technologies; (2) innovative concepts for ships and offshore structures; (3) automation, sensors, monitoring and observations; (4) advanced manufacturing and production, (5) safety and security. Applicants from Belarus, Belgium, Germany, Malta, Norway, Poland, Romania, South Africa, and Turkey are eligible for funding. The transnational call has a budget of €8.5 million. The deadline for the submission of pre-proposals is 26 March 2021. Find more information
Newable — Global Young Innovators Program
Newable accepts applications to join the Global Young Innovators Program. Entrepreneurs and young inventors from South Africa and the United Kingdom are invited to generate innovative ideas to help address five challenges in South Africa. The challenges include the categories low-carbon economy and sustainable solutions for urban and rural communities, related to water, sustainable agriculture and fisheries. Participants take part in a training program, receive mentorship, and have the chance to pitch a R200 thousand funding grant. Participants from South Africa have to be between 18 and 30 years old. Applications close 17 January 2021. Link
Turkish Government — SDG Impact Accelerator
SDG Impact Accelerator (SDGia) is a global accelerator for entrepreneurs and startups working on products and services in the field of financial inclusion in Bangladesh or digital agriculture in Uganda. SDGia Digital Agriculture and Financial Inclusion calls are open for teams from all around the world. Selected teams will receive equity-free grants of up to US$15 thousand and, in the event that their product or service is selected for implementation in Bangladesh or Uganda, teams may also receive impact investment. The application deadline is 22 January 2021. SDG Impact Accelerator
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in the Mediterranean Basin (Algeria)
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for small grants (up to US$20 thousand) in support of biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean Basin. Funding will be provided in support of conservation/preservation of biodiversity in coastal areas and plant conservation in Algeria. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, community groups, universities and private enterprises. The ecosystem profile technical summary is available in English and French. LOIs must be submitted by 26 February 2021. Link to CEPF
Startup Grind — Startup Summit
Startup Grind invites participants for the Startup Summit (22 February 2021). Startup Summit is a virtual bootcamp for startups and provides free access to workshops on fundraising, networking, and investor matchmaking. Participants of the Summit gain free access to the 2021 Global Conference, a 4-day virtual event for startups from around the world. Applications to participate in the Startup Summit are accepted until 31 January 2021. Details here
U.S. Department of Agriculture — International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship
The U.S. Department of Agriculture welcomes applications for the 2021 Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program. The program offers training and collaborative research opportunities to scientists, researchers, and policymakers from developing countries. Themes include soil and water management; agricultural genetics and breeding; livestock health and management; agricultural processing; biotechnology; climate change; biofuels; and others (varying by eligible countries). The award amount is US$60 thousand. Fellows work with a mentor at a U.S. university, research center, or government agency, usually for 8-12 weeks. The U.S. mentor later visits the fellow’s home institution to continue collaboration. The application deadline is 01 February 2021. About this fellowship
Le Studium — Research Grants in France
Le Studium Loire Valley Institute for Advanced Studies invites applications for research grants in France. The Smart Loire Valley (SLV) Program offers four different partnering awards – Fellowships, Professorships, Visiting Researchers, Consortia – and is open to experienced international researchers in all disciplines. Programs range from 3 to 12 months. The application deadline is 11 February 2021. Link to guidelines