The MacArthur Foundation accepts applications for the 100&Change Competition to fund a proposal that promises real and measurable progress in solving a critical problem of the time. Applicants must strive toward transformative change in areas of profound concern, including the existential threats of climate change. The MacArthur Foundation will provide US$ 100 million in funding to a single proposal. The challenge is open to organizations and collaborations working in any field, anywhere in the world. Applicants have to register by 15 August 2024. 100&Change Competition
agriculture
Science Foundation Ireland — Funding to Develop Sustainable Solutions
The SDG Challenge seeks to support teams to develop transformative, sustainable solutions that will contribute to addressing development challenges under the UN SDGs in countries where Irish Aid works. Solutions address SDG 2: Zero Hunger, “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture”. Applicants to the program can request up to €300 thousand over 18- months. One or more teams may be provided with follow-on funding from the prize fund of up to €1 million. Eligibility extends to collaborative and equitable partnerships between researchers in Ireland and a partner country. The application deadline is 08 October 2024. SDG Challenge
Global Citizens — Waislitz Global Citizen Award 2024
The Waislitz Global Citizen Award is an annual cash prize recognizing the excellence of one individual in their work to end extreme poverty. The grand prize winner receives US$100 thousand. Global Citizens makes three additional awards of $75 thousand each. Past winners include zero waste, environmental protection, and sanitation projects. The deadline for submissions is 03 June 2024. Waislitz Award
CS Fund and Warsh-Mott Legacy — Agriculture and Food Sovereignty
The CS Fund and Warsh-Mott Legacy take an activist approach in making grants to defend the traditional management of agriculture and natural resources in the Global South. Specific interests include protecting local seeds and reducing chemicals in agriculture; regulating the introduction of genetically modified organisms; and supporting communities in their self-governance of natural resources. Recent grants include several for Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. Most grants are under US$20 thousand. Letters of inquiry can be sent at any time. Details here
African Development Bank — Innovators Program
The AfriCircular Innovators Program supports young entrepreneurs by providing extensive support tailored to startups in the circular economy sector. Selected entrepreneurs receive grant funding for market exploration and product development. The program is designed for entrepreneurs who are at the early stage of their entrepreneurial journey. The program will support solutions with operations in Ghana, Ivory Coast, or Rwanda. Applications are open until 26 May 2024. AfriCircular Innovators Program
International Fund for Agricultural Development — Earth Observation Data
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) makes grants for supporting the use of satellite data in project design, monitoring, and evaluation. The recipient can be a non-profit organization, private sector company, university, vocational training provider, or research institute. The deadline to receive proposals is 30 May 2024. Earth Observation Data
U.S. African Development Foundation — Financing for Agriculture
The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) invites applications from registered African agricultural cooperatives and enterprises for grant financing. Grants will support solutions that increase revenues, create jobs, improve farmer incomes, and achieve sustainable market-based growth. USADF accepts applications in Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, DRC, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Applicants can request no more than US$250 thousand. The application deadline is 30 June 2024. More
Women for Africa Foundation — Research Fellowships in Spain
The Women for Africa Foundation has launched the 9th Edition of its “Science by Women” program. The program aims to promote African women’s leadership in scientific research and technology transfer and to foster the capacity of the research centers in their home countries. Thematic areas include sustainable agriculture and food security, water, energy and climate change; and several others. Each Spanish Centre of Excellence will host one senior woman researcher for a six-month fellowship. Eligibility to apply extends to women who are nationals of any African country, and who have a PhD, with at least three years of postdoctoral experience. The application deadline is 30 September 2024. Find Science by Women
Climate and Clean Air Coalition — Innovation Projects in the Agriculture Sector
The Climate and Clean Air Coalition launches a call for proposals seeking solutions to pressing challenges for short-lived climate pollutant mitigation in the agriculture sector. Projects submitted should advance innovative approaches and technologies to improve mitigation action in a developing region, country, or state. The call is open to non-profit entities, including government agencies. The deadline to submit a project concept note is 30 April 2024. Link
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Nigeria
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives supports small-scale, high-impact projects in Nigeria. The priorities under this call include one on environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as water management. The average contribution is C$30 thousand to C$60 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. Expressions of Interest have to be submitted by 10 May 2024. CFLI Nigeria