The Rainforest Alliance’s Africa Cocoa Fund (ACF) is a three-year, US$5 million fund to support cocoa farmers and help preserve the local landscapes in West and Central Africa. The fund supports select sustainability projects of certified smallholder producer groups, cooperatives and farmers or vulnerable members. All projects must be driven by farmers and intend to create a positive impact for the longer term. Funding will support interventions that build the capacity of certified cocoa farmers. The ACF will distribute a total US$1.35 million in project funding. The application deadline is 07 July 2021. Africa Cocoa Fund
Africa
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Updating Ecosystem Profile
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) seeks applications to update the ecosystem profile for Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot to identify and prioritize Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) actions. A fundamental goal is to ensure civil society is engaged in biodiversity conservation. Total funding of up to US$80 thousand is available. CEPF accepts proposals from qualified organizations anywhere in the world, including non-governmental organizations, private companies and academic institutions. The closing date for applications is 09 July 2021. Click here
Earth Journalism Network — Fisheries Subsidies Story Grants 2021
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers reporting grants to journalists to support the production of in-depth stories that will call attention to fisheries subsidies issues, both at a large and small scale. EJN welcomes story ideas on fisheries subsidies, including their links to overfishing and the depletion of fish stocks, their impact on small-scale fishers and livelihoods in coastal communities. Applicants can be from any country in the world, but preference will be given to journalists from India, the Caribbean, West Africa, Southern Africa and Japan. Selected journalists will receive US$1,000 in funding to cover travel and field reporting costs. The deadline for applications is 13 July 2021. Click here
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — Great Ape Conservation Fund (Africa)
The Great Ape Conservation Fund (Africa) is open to project proposals for the conservation of orangutans and gibbons throughout their ranges in Africa. Grants are for applied research, training, conservation management, community outreach, law enforcement, decreased human-wildlife conflicts, and other activities in conservation. About 15-20 grants will be awarded, ranging from US$50 thousand to a maximum of US$450 thousand. Eligibility for grants extends worldwide to qualified and relevant government agencies, other organizations, multi-national secretariats, and individuals. The application deadline is 30 July 2021. Great Ape Conservation Fund Africa
Agence Nationale De La Recherche — Research in Artificial Intelligence in Field of Biodiversity
The Agence Nationale De La Recherche (ANR) announces the Challenge IA-Biodiv using artificial intelligence to develop research and knowledge about biodiversity. The challenge is intended for scientific communities in AI and biodiversity in France and partner countries in Africa. This call is open to proposals involving at least one French public research body. Three consortia will be funded with a maximum grant amount of €500 thousand per project. The application deadline is 31 August 2021. Link
African Academy of Sciences — Affiliates Membership Program
The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) Affiliates Membership Program aims to stimulate and nurture scientific discovery and technological innovation in Africa in order to promote sustainable development. ASS invites applications from young and early-to-mid career professionals from Africa in any field of specialization. AAS will organize a range of activities to enhance the professional development of the Affiliate members, including special courses on proposal writing, manuscript preparation, and proposals, etc. Nominations must be received by 23 July 2021. Find out more
Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum — AWIEF Awards 2021
Each year, the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum Awards recognize Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners in Africa for their economic performance and contribution to Africa’s growth and social development. There are 8 award categories, including agribusiness and renewable energy. Nominations should only be made relating to achievements made by a female entrepreneur and national of an African country. Nominees can be nominated or self-nominated. The deadline for entries is 14 June 2021. Know more
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — African Elephant Conservation Fund
The African Elephant Conservation Fund invites project proposals for the conservation of African elephants. Grants are for applied research, training, conservation management, community outreach, law enforcement, decreased human-wildlife conflicts, and other activities in elephant conservation. Grants range from US$100 thousand to US$400 thousand for conservation projects at priority sites, but requests for smaller grants are also welcomed. Eligibility for funding extends to qualified individuals; nonprofit NGOs, institutions of higher education; multi-national secretariats; and government agencies in elephant range states. The application deadline is 25 June 2021. African Elephant Conservation Fund
Milken-Motsepe Prize — AgriTech Competition
The Milken-Motsepe Prize in AgriTech is a global competition for innovative solutions that address problems faced by farmers on small to medium-sized farms in Africa. to increase economic value to farmers. Teams submit a design and business model. An independent panel of expert judges will then select up to 25 teams to receive US$10 thousand each and advance in the competition. Registration is open to anyone (anywhere in the world), with a US$1 million grand prize available for the winning team, and US$1 million in additional prizes. The application deadline for designs is 08 December 2021. AgriTech Competition
French Development Agency — Digital Project for Climate Protection and Biodiversity in Africa
The AFD Digital Challenge supports the development of innovative solutions that help solve challenges of the digital transition with those of climate protection and biodiversity, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG). Solutions should focus on reducing the digital footprint (e.g., reduced energy consumption or eco-construction), building a sustainable economy (e.g., environmental and climate practices or agro-ecology), or preserving natural resources (e.g., preventing natural disasters or preservation of ecosystems). The call is open to startups, associations, and research centers in Africa. The winner will receive €20 thousand. The deadline for application is 26 May 2021. More about the AFD Digital Challenge