Village Capital supports startups tackling food loss and waste across Latin America. The 2026 program specifically targets eight early-stage startups using data and AI to optimize food distribution, prevent loss in production, or empower consumers to reduce waste. Eligible applicants must be legally incorporated as for-profit entities in at least one Latin American country. While the primary value of the program lies in intensive investment-readiness training, mentorship, and access to a Mexico City summit, participants also receive milestone-based funding, which in previous cycles has been approximately US$4,400 per startup. The application deadline for the 2026 cohort is 27 March 2026. Link
agriculture
Palladium Group — Water for Prosperity
The Palladium Group supports innovative, scalable projects that improve water security and economic prosperity. This global program is open to all types of organizations, with a particular emphasis on supporting small businesses, startups, and grassroots non-profits. Proposals must address one of five strategic pillars, including agricultural water productivity, urban water loss reduction, and nature-based solutions. Selected winners receive grants of up to AU$100 thousand to implement their solutions over a one-year period. The deadline for submitting a required initial concept note is 01 April 2026. Challenge Fund
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Vietnam
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale projects that promote inclusive governance, economic growth, and climate action in Vietnam. Local non-governmental organizations, community groups, and academic institutions are eligible to apply, with priority given to projects designed and implemented by local partners. Grants typically range from CAN$15 thousand to CAN$30 thousand, although exceptional projects may receive up to CAN$100 thousand. The deadline for application is 07 April 2026. CFLI Vietnam
OPEC Fund for International Development — Young Professional Development Program
The Young Professional Development Program (YPDP) is a two-year program designed to prepare young professionals from OPEC Fund member countries for a career in global development. The themes include poverty reduction, energy and sustainable development, environment, and other related science and technology fields. YPDP offers training, coaching and mentoring, the opportunity to experience different departments and access to professional networks. To be selected for the program, applicants must be 30 years of age (or younger) and hold a Master’s degree. The deadline for applications is 11 April 2026. More about the YPDP
Australian Government — Australia Awards Africa
The Australian Government invites applications for the Australia Awards scholarships to provide mid-to-senior-level professionals from eligible African countries the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in Australia. The program targets individuals from 25 countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa, who work in priority sectors such as agriculture, climate change, and international security. Applicants must be at least 25 years old and possess five years of relevant post-graduate work experience. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, return air travel, a one-off establishment allowance, and a contribution to living expenses for the duration of the study. The deadline for applications is 30 April 2026. Australia Awards Africa
World Academy of Sciences — TWAS-CSIR Postdoctoral Fellowships in India
India’s Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) offers postdoctoral fellowships to young scientists from developing countries (other than India) to pursue postdoctoral research at CSIR’s laboratories and institutes. The duration of the fellowships is six to twelve months. Subject areas range across the physical and natural sciences, including agricultural sciences. CSIR will provide a monthly stipend to cover living costs, food, and health insurance. The application deadline is 06 May 2026. Details
Urgent Action Fund Africa — Rapid Response Fund for African Women
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
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in the South Pacific Ocean
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) provides funding for small-scale, high-impact projects designed by local partners in Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu. The program focuses on priorities such as climate action, gender equality, human dignity, and inclusive economic growth. Eligible applicants include local non-governmental and community organizations, academic institutions, and regional or international agencies working on local development. While grants typically range from CAN$5,000 to CAN$45,000, the maximum contribution for any single project is CAN$65 thousand. The deadline for applications is 15 March 2026. CFLI South Pacific Ocean
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Asia-Pacific Islands
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale, high-impact projects designed by local partners in Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. The program funds projects that address thematic priorities such as inclusive governance, gender equality, environmental action, and peace and security. Eligible applicants include local non-governmental organizations, community groups, and academic institutions, as well as international or regional organizations working with local partners. Most successful projects receive between CAN$30 thousand and CAN$60 thousand, with a maximum limit of CAN$50 thousand for this specific call. The deadline for applications is 20 March 2026. CFLI Asia-Pacific Islands
United Nations University — PhD Internships in Economics
UNU-WIDER (World Institute for Development Economics Research) invites applications for its PhD research internship program in Helsinki, Finland. Preference is for applicants who live or work in developing countries, and who are in the later stages of their PhD. Program themes in WIDER include the economics of energy, climate change, food security, and others. UNU-WIDER provides a travel grant and a monthly stipend of €1,850 during the period of the fellowship. Deadlines for submission of applications are 31 March and 30 September each year. Know more about the program