The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks to equip Ukraine’s agricultural sector and regional and national governments with complementary tools to promote and implement science based and internationally recognized standards. USDA will provide financial assistance of up to US$150 thousand to a non-profit organization, university, for-profit organization, or an Ukraine-based organization in support of the “Empowering Ukrainian Agricultural Associations” program. The application deadline is 11 December 2020. Full information here
Ilka Westermeyer
ENI CBC Med — Exploitation of Grape Waste from Winemaking
BESTMEDGRAPE aims to support the creation of new start-ups and small businesses by exploiting the by-products of winemaking as a source of bioactive compounds that can be transformed into innovative commercial health products. Aspiring Mediterranean entrepreneurs with innovative ideas for the exploitation of grape waste from winemaking are invited to submit applications. Selected entrepreneurs receive vouchers to cover the costs related to services aimed at developing their business idea. The deadline for applications varies by country (Tunisia: 15 December, Italy: 24 November, Lebanon: 06 December, Jordan: 15 December). BESTMEDGRAPE
German Academic Exchange Service — In-Region Eastern Africa Scholarships 2021/2022
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers PhD scholarships in Agricultural Economics at 17 participating universities in 13 countries in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa. Fields of specialization covered in the program include Agricultural and Rural Development, Agricultural Policy and Trade, Environment and Natural Resource Management, and Agribusiness Management. The scholarship covers tuition, study and research allowance, food and accommodation, in-region travel, and insurance for up to a maximum of three years. Applicants must apply to the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) and simultaneously for the scholarship via the DAAD portal. The deadline for application is 15 December 2020. Click here for information
U.S. Agency for International Development — Kenya Empowered Youth Program
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks applications for a Cooperative Agreement from qualified U.S. and International Higher Education Institutions (HEI) to implement the USAID Kenya Empowered Youth (KEY) Program. The program aims to support vulnerable youth, especially those most at-risk like adolescent girls, youth with disabilities, and youth living in extreme poverty. Proposed projects may include personal development, technical training and capacity building activities. USAID intends to provide total funding of US$15 million over a five year period. The closing date for applications is 18 December 2020. Details here
Foundation Future of the Carbon Market — Climate Protection Projects
The Foundation Future of the Carbon Market launches a call for proposals to fund the development of design documents for programmatic mitigation activities with the aim to prepare market based climate protection projects. The Foundation will provide funding for up to 5 selected proposals in different implementing countries. Eligible proponents are private and public entities with proven expertise in topics related to climate change mitigation, carbon markets, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Proponents can request funding of up to €100 thousand for the thematic approaches detailed in the announcement. The submission of proposals is open until 31 December 2020. Details here
Habitat for Humanity — Increasing Resilience to Earthquakes and Typhoons
Habitat for Humanity seeks innovative and cost-effective solutions to make homes at extreme risk in the event of natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes or typhoons) stronger and more resilient. This challenge is designed specifically for methods that offer solutions to low-income homeowners living in high-risk areas, for example, inexpensive ideas for adding foundations to low-income housing. Habitat for Humanity offers an award of US$25 thousand to make awarded solutions freely available to other non-profit organizations to help improve the state of low-income housing worldwide. Submissions must be received by 04 January 2021. Information
Solution Search — Water Pollution & Behavior Change Contest
Rare’s Center for Behavior & the Environment and partners seek existing solutions that are changing behaviors to help solve the world’s most challenging environmental problems. For this year’s contest, Solutions Search looks for promising approaches that are shifting people’s behavior toward cleaner, healthier water ecosystems. Contest entrants get access to capacity building, workshops, and networking opportunities to further refine and scale their solution. The overall winner will receive US$25 thousand, among numerous other prizes, including a US$5 thousand prize awarded to the best early entrant (for submissions prior to 30 November). Any organization or institution worldwide is eligible (e.g., city government, business, non-profit, university, etc.). Individuals are not eligible to enter. The regular submission deadline is 10 January 2021. Access Solution Search
World Vision — Sanitation Solutions
World Vision seeks affordable sanitation solutions for rural single families living in the poorest areas of the world. Applicants are invited to submit new ideas, concepts, and approaches to attack the lack of adequate toilets and latrines. The participants with the best solutions will receive financial support of up to US$15 thousand to further develop their ideas. Eligibility to the challenge is not restricted. Submissions must be received by 12 January 2021. More
Climate Corporation — Georeferenced Soil Databases
The Climate Corporation seeks information about available georeferenced soil databases and elevation models that can be used as drivers of crop yield variability in parts of Europe and South Africa. The goal is to help farmers optimize soil management and increase economic productivity. The Climate Corporation offers US$10 thousand for the identification of models with more accurate vertical resolution for the countries of interest listed in the call. Submissions must be received by 12 January 2021. Link to details
Swiss National Science Foundation — Vietnamese-Swiss Joint Research Program
The Vietnamese-Swiss Joint Research Program enables researchers in Switzerland to carry out joint projects with research partners in Vietnam. The program supports ambitious research and innovative approaches in all areas of research. A maximum of CHF250 thousand per project will be available for the Swiss part for a project period of up to 3 years. Proposals have to be jointly prepared by Swiss and Vietnamese applicants. The closing date for application is 15 January 2021. Link to the call