The J.M. Kaplan Fund supports innovation in the fields of environment, heritage conservation, and social justice. The J.M.K. Innovation Prize is particularly designed for early-stage ideas in pilot and prototype phases. The prize provides up to three years of support at US$50 thousand per year, as well as US$25 thousand for technical assistance or project expenses. The Fund makes grants to non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organizations in the USA and to organizations in other countries that have equivalent charitable status. Applications have to be submitted by 30 April 2021. About the Prize
community projects
Global Giving — Crowdfunding Training Opportunity
GlobalGiving is an online platform to raise funds for grassroots projects worldwide across many sectors and themes – including in agriculture, energy, environment, and natural resources. GlobalGiving announces a new Accelerator program that will offer virtual training in online fundraising and participation in a two-week crowdfunding campaign. The program is open to nonprofit organizations anywhere in the world. Organizations that successfully complete the GlobalGiving Accelerator by raising at least US$5 thousand total from a minimum 40 different donors will earn permanent membership with GlobalGiving, in addition to $30 thousand in matching funding and bonus prizes. The application deadline is 16 July 2021. Crowdfunding Training Opportunity
Eurasia Foundation — Innovative Solutions Grants (Kazakhstan)
The Eurasia Foundation (EF) announces Innovative Solutions Grants in support of civil society organizations in Central Asia (Kazakhstan). Grants are designed for civil society representatives proposing new solutions to social problems and civic initiatives that can lead to demonstrable positive change. Funding amounts range from US$2 thousand to US$10 thousand. Applications will be accepted in Kazakh and Russian. Applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis with the following deadlines: 28 February, 31 May, 31 August, and 30 November 2021. Click here for details
Violet Jabara Charitable Trust — Grants for Projects in the Middle East
The Violet Jabara Trust supports organizations working in the developing countries of the Middle East to promote sustainable economic development, as well as reproductive health and women’s welfare. The Trust’s thematic interests include environmental issues, among others. Priority countries are Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Palestine (Occupied Territories), Yemen, Egypt and North Africa. Countries further afield (such as the Gulf countries, Sudan, or Afghanistan) may be considered, but will not be given priority. Eligibility for grants extends to nonprofit groups in the USA and internationally, with preference for small local organizations. There is no deadline for submitting letters of inquiry. Guidelines
Lemelson Foundation — International Entrepreneurship
The Lemelson Foundation supports programs to empower local inventors and entrepreneurs in India and East Africa to address social and economic challenges to improve the lives of the poor. Supported solutions include access to clean water and sanitation, agricultural productivity, and access to clean and affordable energy. The Foundation funds very few unsolicited applications. However, it accepts short concept notes on a rolling basis. Learn more about International Entrepreneurship
Ford Foundation — Community Rights over Natural Resources
In its theme Equitable Development, the Ford Foundation makes grants to challenge inequality. The sub-theme “Natural Resources and Climate Change” seeks to ensure that indigenous and other communities have secure access to and control over natural resources, and can benefit from them fully. The Foundation’s regional offices represent most of the developing world. The Foundation accepts project ideas at any time. Link
Caribbean Policy Development Centre — Capacity Building Grants for Small Farmers
The Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) aims to enhance the ability of rural farmers to adapt to disaster risks especially those risks influenced by climate change. The CPDC invited the submission of proposals to provide assistance to NGOs to support small scale farmers to provide equipment, services, agrotechnology and training for the adoption of disaster mitigation and sustainable agricultural practices. The funding amount per project is US$8 thousand to 12 thousand. In order to be eligible for a grant, the applicant must be non-profit-making and be established in Dominica, Grenada, or St Vincent and the Grenadines. The application deadline is 14 February 2021. Click here for details
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Environment and Climate Action: Asia-Pacific Islands
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu. CFLI provides funding to projects that implement environment and climate action projects focusing on adaptation and mitigation, water management, and other thematic priorities. The average contribution is C$15 thousand to C$30 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to not-for-profit local, national or community-based organizations. The deadline for submission is 14 February 2021. Details here
European Commission — Food and Nutritional Security Support to Chad
The European Commission (EC) seeks to promote the socio-economic development of Chad through a reduction in malnutrition. The call aims to increase access to irrigated land and the sustainable optimization of the use of water resources, and promotes the diversification of food systems and agricultural production to support rural producers and families. Funding of up to €3 million is available, depending on target region and focus area. Projects need to have a duration of between 46 and 48 months. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations. The deadline for submitting applications is 15 April 2021. Know more
Fondation Chanel — Women’s Empowerment
Fondation Chanel supports non-profit organizations, community groups, social enterprises, and women’s associations. Projects eligible for support should focus on women’s empowerment, including economic resources and entrepreneurship, among other themes. Projects are generally 2-3 years in duration. The Foundation currently supports projects in 35 countries from all around the world. Fondation Chanel accepts unsolicited requests for funding through a letter of inquiry. If the project is of interest, Chanel will request further information or invite the applicant to submit a formal proposal. Letters of inquiry are accepted on a continuous basis. Find the selection criteria