The Global Program Food Security seeks innovative initiatives to contribute to food systems’ improvements and transformative and sustainable impacts on poor people. The SDC invites abstracts of project proposals in four themes related to global food security: (1) Human rights in food systems; (2) Responsible land-based investment practices; (3) Agrobiodiversity for food security and nutrition; and (4) Nutrition in secondary cities. Proposals under theme 3 should focus on improving food security and nutrition of smallholder farmers in three to four countries in Africa and Asia. SDC’s contribution will be a maximum of CHF 2,5 million per year and covering a maximum of 50% – 80% of the total cost of the project for up to 10 years. The deadline for abstracts is 28 August 2020. Find all four calls and eligibility criteria
agriculture
EIT Food — Empowering Women in Agrifood
The Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) Program offers training, mentoring, business coaching and networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs in the agrifood sector. Up to 50 women entrepreneurs will participate in a 6-months educational program tailored to female-specific challenges regarding entrepreneurship. Furthermore, EWA will provide financial assistance of up to €10 thousand in the form of prizes. The program will be implemented it in Spain, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Turkey. Applications open until 15 June 2020. Hurry
Climate Tracker — Sustainable Food Media Fellowship
Climate Tracker launches the Sustainable Food Media Fellowship to fund journalists from Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia to work on investigative reports about the production of food and access to sustainable diets in their home country. Stories may focus on food security in the context of COVID-19, the impacts of climate change on agriculture, or the environmental footprint of agriculture practices. Participants receive a 4-week online course followed by an 8-week fellowship to develop and publish their stories. Eligibility extends to African journalists between the ages of 18 to 35. The application deadline is 26 June 2020. Find more information
International Development Research Centre — Sustainable Food Systems
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) provides funding to innovative research projects that contribute to healthier and more sustainable food systems. Grants range from CA$300 thousand to CA$1 million per project. The call is open to research organizations, think tanks, and other organizations based in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, as well as other low and middle-income countries, as long as the research focuses on food security in the five priority regions. The application deadline is 26 June 2020. Details here
Copernicus Masters — Multi-Data Challenge
Copernicus Masters is an international innovation competition that honors the best solutions using earth observation data and applications to solve global challenges. The Multi-Data Challenge, sponsored by Airbus Defense and Space and sobloo, seeks new services and/or applications that provide insight and have impact on areas like Natural Resources Consumption, Agriculture, Forestry, Maritime, Defense & Security and Smart Cities. The winner receives business development support, an Airbus Satellite data voucher for the OneAtlas Platform, and the opportunity to present their solution to potential business partners. All participants have the chance to win an additional €10 thousand if chosen as the overall Copernicus winner. The competition is open to participants worldwide. Submissions are open until 30 June 2020. Find the Multi-Data Challenge
U.S. Department of Agriculture — Regional Food Safety in Africa
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks to support the efforts of economic communities in West African in establishing a food safety network. Through this call, USDA seeks partners with whom to collaborate in the implementation of concrete capacity building projects and programs. The initial award is US$500 thousand, but additional funding of up to US$500 thousand may be added at a later stage. Eligibility is limited to U.S. State Cooperative Institutions or other colleges and universities in the United States. The closing date for applications is 01 July 2020. Details here
U.S. Department of Agriculture — Donation of U.S. Agricultural Commodities
The Food for Progress (FFPr) Program provides for the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities to developing countries in support agricultural development activities. Priority areas under this call are: the Cacao Sector (Colombia), the Cashew Sector (West Africa), the Vanilla Spice Sector (Uganda), Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (Dominican Republic), and the Trade Facilitation Agreement (Bangladesh). USDA intends to make up to five awards ranging from US$15 million US$35 million each. Eligibility extends to government agencies, nonprofit agricultural organizations or cooperatives, colleges and universities; and private entities. The closing date for applications is 14 July 2020. Find the call
Proposals for NGOs — #Togetherwecan Photo Contest
The Photo Contest is open to professional and non-professional photographers worldwide. Participants are invited to submit real pictures showing their development project and progress in local communities around the world. The two images that get the most “likes” and “shares” by 15 August will win US$100 each. Photos have to be submitted by 15 July 2020. Link to the #Togetherwecan photo challenge
European Commission — Sustainable Landscape Management in São Tomé and Principe
The European Commission (EC) seeks to optimize the contribution of land to agriculture, food security, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the preservation of ecosystems in São Tomé and Principe. To achieve this goal, the EC accepts proposals for scalable pilot initiatives that help conciliate different land uses and improve land governance. The overall amount made available is €2.32 million. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations established in the European Union or an African country. The deadline for applications is 24 July 2020. Link to more information
Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards — Edition 2021
Cartier supports women entrepreneurs who lead social enterprises in their early phases that have potential to grow significantly. Cartier reviews applications from Latin America, North America, Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East & North Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. Previous laureates have included several whose work links to environment and related issues, e.g., product recycling, low-cost energy, water treatment, fair trade, and others. Each of the selected women entrepreneurs receives a cash prize of US$100 thousand, networking and visibility opportunities, and business coaching. The closing date for applications is 31 July 2020. About the awards