Grinnell College invites nominations for the 2022 Grinnell Prize. The Grinnell Prize of US$50 thousand will be awarded to individuals who show creativity, commitment, and extraordinary accomplishment in effecting positive social change. Past nominations have spanned a diversity of social issues related to agriculture and hunger relief, conservation and environment, and many other thematic areas. Nominees may be nationals of any country who have earned a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) between 2006 and 2022. Nominees must be nominated by a third party. The closing date for nominations is 31 October 2021. About the Grinnell Prize
agriculture
United States Agency for International Development — Digital Storytelling Contest
The Global Leadership and Education Advancing Development (Global LEAD) Initiative invites submissions to the digital storytelling contest to show how youth are using the power of change to make the world a better place. Young changemakers between the ages of 18 and 35 can submit an original, three-minute video or slideshow in Arabic, English, French, or Spanish that tells the story of their youth-led actions to advance their community. Stories must be linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the key issues: Climate Action and Food Security/Resilience. Voting will open on the platform on July 1 and close on 23 July 2021. Be aware that early submissions have more chances to get more votes. Global LEAD Digital Storytelling Contest
MDPI — Sustainability Young Investigator Award 2021
MDPI, a publisher of peer-reviewed, open access journals, invites applications nominations for the Sustainability 2021 Young Investigator Award. The winner will receive CHF 2000. This prize will be given to one young investigator in recognition of their excellence in the field of sustainability and sustainable development. Candidates must be under 35 years and be nominated by senior researchers. The deadline for nominations is 31 December 2021. More information
Youth in Agroecology and Business Learning Track Africa — Business Accelerator
The YALTA Business Accelerator calls upon SMEs in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda to submit their agroecological ideas for a sustainable, healthy and diverse food system. 10 selected participants will benefit from skills training, innovation jams and coaching to improve their ideas and turn them into a plan. Three winners will receive a matching grant of up to US$5 thousand to start implementing their ideas. Eligibility extends to young entrepreneurs in agriculture, food and nutrition who manage a local business. Applications have to be submitted by 30 June 2021. YALTA Business Accelerator
Startup Africa — Next Generation Africa
Next Generation Africa is an accelerator program for African startups, innovators, makers, and young innovators who intend to develop products or services for the local economy. The accelerator will select 20 startups to participate in a boot camp week in Kampala, Uganda (August 2021). The project should fit in one of 6 social-impact topics, including Agribusiness & Agritech (farming systems, alternative feed supplies, agri-data business for monitoring and/or planning, new tools for farming and breeding etc.), among others. The startup can be based anywhere in the African continent but its product/service must have potential application in the East African region. The application deadline is 08 July 2021. Know more
ETH Zurich — Opportunity Grants
The Leading House ETH Zurich calls for proposals for opportunity grants with China, Japan, South Korea and ASEAN countries. Opportunity grants will support activities of Swiss researchers from universities or public research institutes linked to specific events, incidents, or major environmental and economic developments in the region in Asia. The call is open to all scientific disciplines and fields of research. Senior scientists may request up to CHF 50 thousand for projects of up to 12 months. The application deadline is 18 July 2021. Link
European Commission — Sustainable Water and Natural Resources
The European Commission supports inclusive growth and resilience to extreme climate conditions in rural communities in Tajikistan, based on improved agriculture and sustainable use of water and natural resources. The EU invites projects that improve the added value of agricultural production and the management of natural resources, or promote the sustainable and efficient use of water. Grant seekers my request between €5 million and €15 million in funding. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations. The application deadline is 30 July 2021. Find out more
European Joint Programme — Sustainable Agricultural Soils
The Agence Nationale De La Recherche (ANR) and European Joint Programme (EJP) launch “Towards Healthy, Resilient and Sustainable Agricultural Soils”, an integrated framework for agricultural soil research in Europe. The objective is to foster holistic agricultural soil management practices which will assist in making a shift to diversify farming. The maximum project budget is €200 thousand. The countries participating in this call are: Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Universities, public research institutions, private non-profit organizations, and private companies can apply. The submission deadline for pre-proposals is 25 June 2021. SOIL
Rainforest Alliance — Africa Cocoa Fund
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
Eco Agrifood Challenge — Startup Contest
The Eco Agrifood Challenge seeks to identify and boost innovative startups and SMEs developing innovative solutions in favor of sustainable agriculture. Startups have the chance to win up to €5 thousand in cash and gain free access to the ToasterLAB agrifood acceleration program. The pitch contest is open to startups or small to medium enterprises from around the world. Deadline for online applications is 20 July 2021. More information here