The Watson Institute offers a 16-week program designed for entrepreneurs seeking to elevate their ventures with access to a global network, training designed to strengthen skills, and mentorship with seasoned professionals, venture capitalists, and executives. Fellows can earn up to US$6,000 in seed funding for their venture. Eligibility extends to entrepreneurs leading an early-stage social impact venture, with a preference to applicants from the USA, Brazil, China, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. The Watson Institute accepts applications until 22 June 2025. Link
Africa
Association of Commonwealth Universities — Fellowships
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) provides fellowships for the academic and professional staff to facilitate collaboration at a distance and the creation of valuable new partnerships between ACU member universities across the Commonwealth. ACU provides financial support of up to £5,000 per fellowship. Applications close on 26 June 2025. ACU Fellowships
Africa Food Prize — Call for Nominations 2025
The Africa Food Prize honors outstanding contributions to agriculture and food production in the challenge to combat hunger and reduce poverty in Africa. The Prize can be awarded for a specific contribution or achievement, or a series of efforts and results within the last few years. Nominations are open to qualified candidates irrespective of their nationalities, professions, or locations. The Prize is US$100 thousand (to be shared if there is more than one winner), a diploma, and a trophy. The deadline for nominations (English, French) is 27 June 2025. Find the prize
Mastercard Foundation — Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria
The Mastercard Foundation supports economically disadvantaged yet academically gifted youth in Africa who are committed to effecting positive change on the continent. The Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria provides financial support (tuition, accommodation, learning materials, transportation, and monthly stipend) for studies in all subject areas; however, there is a preference for science students (including agriculture and natural resources). Applicants must prove critical economic needs to be eligible. Applications close on 30 June 2025. Scholars Program
International Elephant Foundation — Elephant Conservation and Research 2025
The International Elephant Foundation makes grants for the conservation and research of elephants. Eligibility extends to organizations and individuals internationally — including students, scientists, and institutions. The Foundation supports in situ or ex-situ conservation of African or Asian elephants or their habitats. Most awards are about US$15 thousand for one year. The application deadline for short pre-proposals is 01 August 2025. Click here
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation — Environmental Grant Making
The Mott Foundation funds grants in the United States and, on a limited geographic basis, internationally. The theme “Environment” supports projects around the world that protect communities and the ecosystems upon which they depend. The program “Transforming Development Finance” aims to guard against unwise capital investments in large-scale dams, extractive industries, and other major projects which threaten environmental sustainability and local economic opportunity in China, Latin America, and other regions of the developing world. The program “Advancing Climate Change Solutions” makes grants to reduce policy and financial barriers to investments in clean energy, and to provide technical assistance and networking opportunities to communities in the Amazon and Sub-Saharan Africa. Letters of inquiry are accepted all year. Info for Grantseekers
African Development Bank — Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa
The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) provides catalytic finance to unlock private-sector investments in renewable energy. SEFA offers technical assistance and concessional finance instruments. Funding requests must be aligned with three strategic priorities: (1) Green Baseload; (2) Green Mini-Grids; and (3) Energy Efficiency. Technical assistance grants are available to public and private sector entities. Applications can be submitted anytime. Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa
African German Young Leaders in Business — Green Cities
The AGYLE (African German Young Leaders in Business) program invites young leaders from Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal, Tunisia, and Germany to apply for its 2025 cohort. The program aims to foster a unique African-German business network, connecting young professionals to develop innovative ideas for a sustainable future. The 2025 theme, “Green Cities Rising,” focuses on pioneering sustainable urban development, addressing challenges in mobility, architecture, energy supply, waste management, and digitization. The application deadline is 11 April 2025. Link to AGYLE
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development — Gender Responsive Agriculture Systems Policy
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) accepts applications for the Gender Responsive Agriculture Systems Policy (GRASP) Fellowship. The Fellowship seeks applications from women in Ghana, Rwanda, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Uganda. Successful applicants receive customized training in leadership, negotiations, gender, and agrifood systems policies and join a growing network of policy practitioners from more than 12 countries across Africa. The call for applications closes on 21 April 2025. GRASP Fellowship
Toilet Board Coalition — Virtual Program
The Toilet Board Coalition’s Accelerator is a 12-month virtual program designed to support sanitation businesses in emerging markets across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The Climate Mitigation Prize seeks startups developing technologies or business models to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat the root causes of climate change. The Climate Adaptation Prize is for startups developing solutions that help communities and ecosystems adapt to the impacts of climate change. Participants receive customized expert support to refine their business models and access to investors. Businesses serving low-income customers across Asia, Africa, and Latin America are eligible to apply. The application deadline is 30 April 2025. Know more