Urgent Action Fund Africa (UAF-Africa) is a rapid response fund that offers financial and technical resources at critical moments of need to African women’s organizations and women’s rights activists. Grants are made in five categories, including one category on natural resources governance & climate change. The Fund aims to respond to most urgent requests within 24 hours. Grants are up to US$12 thousand. Applications can be submitted in five languages (English, French, Swahili, Arabic, Portuguese) at any time. About
Africa
Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development — Fellowships Program
The Arab Fund Fellowships Program provides Arab Ph.D. holders with opportunities to conduct research and/or teach internationally. The fellowship provides maintenance allowances (about US$50 thousand over a period of 12 months), round-trip tickets for the beneficiaries and the eligible members of their families. Arab nationals who are currently working at universities in Arab member countries are eligible to apply. Applications can be submitted anytime but must be submitted at least one year before the expected starting date of the Fellowship. Find the application procedure
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
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
IUCN — Biodiversity Conservation
BESTLIFE2030 provides grant funding for small-scale field actions for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in the EU’s Outermost Regions and associated Overseas Countries and Territories. The program provides support at both local and regional levels for the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of ecosystem services, including for climate adaptation. Grants are a maximum of €100 thousand per recipient for projects ranging between 18 to 36 months. In order to be eligible the lead applicant must be a private or public legal entity and be located in one of the priority regions (Amazonia, the French Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and North Atlantic’s Saint Pierre and Miquelon). The application deadline is 30 May 2025. Link
Heritage Management Organization — Small Grants for African Heritage Projects
The Heritage Management Organization (HERITΛGE) funds projects that focus on the protection of and/or promotion of local heritage for socio-economic development in Africa. Small grants of up to US$50 thousand are made to organizations, groups, and individuals. Projects should have a long-lasting impact and benefit local people. Potential examples are protecting heritage sites from desertification by creating green belts, especially where such green areas can increase biodiversity, bring benefits to local agriculture, and encourage tourism. Applications can be submitted anytime. Know more
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Global Bioenergy Youth Award
The GBEP Youth Award recognizes research conducted by students in the field of bioenergy. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to present their research and receive their award certificate during the GBEP Bioenergy Week. Applicants should be within the age limit of 30 years old for bachelor and Master students, and 35 years old for Ph.D. students. This year, the 2025 Award is focused exclusively on Africa. Candidates must complete the application form before 30 April 2025. GBEP Youth Award
Global Forest Watch — Small Grants Fund for Civil Society Organizations
Global Forest Watch (GFW) is an interactive online forest monitoring and alert system designed to empower people with the information they need to better manage and conserve forest landscapes. The Small Grants Fund provides financial and technical support to non-profit NGOs that want to use Global Forest Watch (GFW), an interactive online forest monitoring and alert system, designed to empower people with the information they need to better manage and conserve forest landscapes. The Small Grants Fund provides financial and technical support to non-profit NGOs that want to use Global Forest Watch in their research, advocacy, and fieldwork. The scope of the 2025 Small Grants Fund focuses on forest advocacy, monitoring, storytelling, and capacity building. Grants range between US$10 thousand and US$40 thousand. Eligibility for grants extends to non-profit organizations for projects in selected countries of Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The deadline for submissions is 09 May 2025. Global Forest Watch Small Grants Fund
Association of Commonwealth Universities — Higher Education and SDGs Grants
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) accepts applications for the Higher Education and the SDGs Challenge Grants to fund collaborative work around the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The grants are open to professional and academic staff at ACU member universities. Four grants of £2,500 are available. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with member universities to promote further Commonwealth partnerships or other organizations such as local governments. The closing date is 03 June 2025. Details here