The Georg Forster Research Fellowship supports postdoctoral and experienced researchers from developing and transition countries with their research in collaboration with a host at a German research institution. Nominees must be nationals of a developing or transition country, excluding the People’s Republic of China and India. The monthly fellowship amount is €2,670. Fellowships may last from 6 to 24 months. Applications are reviewed on a regular basis in February, June, and October. More here
agriculture
Innovate 4 Nature — Award for Nature-Positive Solutions
Innovate 4 Nature is a Swiss foundation supporting start-ups in the nature-positive space. The foundation issues an award in which organizations can participate. The Innovate 4 Nature Award honors projects, companies, and entrepreneurs that have developed promising, high-quality nature-positive solutions. The four key areas of the I4N Award are sustainable management of ecosystems; nature as infrastructure; regenerative agriculture; and circular nature-positive solutions. The award offers a total of CHF 100 thousand in prize money. Award winners can benefit from access to an ecosystem of partners and experts. (please be aware that the foundation does not offer grants or other financial means.) The application deadline is 12 June 2025. Innovate 4 Nature Award
Fondation Tutator — Change Through Technology
The Tutator Forward Grant Program provides in-kind support to nonprofit organizations and social enterprises worldwide by developing custom digital solutions that improve social or environmental impact. The grant offers tailored software development services to address operational or programmatic needs; a dedicated project team for implementation; six months of technical support and training post-deployment. No financial funding or hardware is provided. Projects must focus on new software development (not modifications of existing tools), and applicants must be nonprofit organizations or social enterprises with a mission to drive social or environmental change. Selected grantees receive access to the source code and a free license for the developed software. The application deadline is 22 June 2025. More information
U.S. Department of State — Professional Fellows Program for Latin America and the Caribbean
The U.S. Department of State invites proposal submissions for the Young Leaders of the Americas (YLAI) Fellowship Program. The global exchange program will support approx. 250 social entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean in a five to four-week Fellowship program, including entrepreneurial training and workshops. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and institutions of higher education. Applications have to be submitted by 02 May 2025. Link to YLAI
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
Vital Voices — Fellowships for Women Entrepreneurs
Vital Voices offers GROW Fellowships to women entrepreneurs who own small and medium-sized businesses. The program includes customized business skills training, technical assistance, leadership development, and access to networks to grow their businesses. Thematic business areas may include agriculture, fisheries, and forestry with potential for growth. A limited number of need and merit-based scholarships will be available. The deadline for applications is 15 April 2025. GROW Fellowships
African Development Bank — Agri-Food Financing
Seed Lab offers capacity building supporting agri-food businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa. Prioritization will be given to businesses with integrated gender-inclusive and climate-resilient practices. The 3-month program offers help with strategic planning, financial management, business operations, and leadership, to support sustainable growth. The deadline for applications is 25 April 2025. More information
Village Capital — Empowering Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Africa
Empowering Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Africa 2025 is a program that supports climate-focused startups in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Village Capital seeks entrepreneurs focused on climate adaptation, renewable energy, blue economy, and food security solutions. Participants will access mentorship, investor connections, financial modeling support, and exposure opportunities. Eligibility extends to for-profit entities in the target countries. Applications close on 30 April 2025. Empowering Sustainable Entrepreneurship Africa
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