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
community projects
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — Great Ape Conservation Fund (Africa)
The Great Ape Conservation Fund (Africa) is open to project proposals for the conservation of orangutans and gibbons throughout their ranges in Africa. Grants are for applied research, training, conservation management, community outreach, law enforcement, decreased human-wildlife conflicts, and other activities in conservation. About 15-20 grants will be awarded, ranging from US$50 thousand to a maximum of US$450 thousand. Eligibility for grants extends worldwide to qualified and relevant government agencies, other organizations, multi-national secretariats, and individuals. The application deadline is 30 July 2021. Great Ape Conservation Fund Africa
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — African Elephant Conservation Fund
The African Elephant Conservation Fund invites project proposals for the conservation of African elephants. Grants are for applied research, training, conservation management, community outreach, law enforcement, decreased human-wildlife conflicts, and other activities in elephant conservation. Grants range from US$100 thousand to US$400 thousand for conservation projects at priority sites, but requests for smaller grants are also welcomed. Eligibility for funding extends to qualified individuals; nonprofit NGOs, institutions of higher education; multi-national secretariats; and government agencies in elephant range states. The application deadline is 25 June 2021. African Elephant Conservation Fund
European Commission — Conflict and Climate Change
The European Commission aims to support communities and authorities to prevent and mitigate conflict resulting from climate change. The priorities of this call are climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, peace-building and conflict prevention efforts, encourage closer collaboration between climate change and peacebuilding experts and activists, and encourage participative conflict sensitive design and implementation of climate change responses. Any grant requested under this call for proposals must fall between €1.5 million and €3 million. Eligibility extends to international organizations, non-profit organizations and private companies. The application deadline is 26 June 2021. Link
French Development Agency — Digital Project for Climate Protection and Biodiversity in Africa
The AFD Digital Challenge supports the development of innovative solutions that help solve challenges of the digital transition with those of climate protection and biodiversity, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG). Solutions should focus on reducing the digital footprint (e.g., reduced energy consumption or eco-construction), building a sustainable economy (e.g., environmental and climate practices or agro-ecology), or preserving natural resources (e.g., preventing natural disasters or preservation of ecosystems). The call is open to startups, associations, and research centers in Africa. The winner will receive €20 thousand. The deadline for application is 26 May 2021. More about the AFD Digital Challenge
Climate Investment Platform — Clean Energy Investments
The Climate Investment Platform (CIP) launches a call for proposals to invest in projects that advance climate action and energy security in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). CIP will award Technical Assistance for US$30 thousand to US$80 thousand to support development of a project concept. Projects must be assisting clean energy transition and/or energy access, including waste and water management and be deployed in Small Island Developing States. The closing date for applications is 27 May 2021. Details here
U.S. Embassy in Tanzania — Small Grants for Community Development
The U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam provides small grants to registered self-help groups and community-based organizations in Tanzania. Grants are made in support of projects that improve living conditions in local communities, including but not limited to water-related projects or income generating activities such as agriculture and fisheries. Awards range from US$2 thousand to US$10 thousand. Eligibility extends to not-for-profit organizations, including village associations, women’s groups and civil society organizations. The closing date for applications is 01 June 2021. More information
U.S. Embassy in Botswana — Small Grants for Community Development
The U.S. Embassy in Gaborone provides small grants to registered self-help groups and community-based organizations in Botswana. Grants are made in support of projects that improve living conditions in local communities and community-based natural resource management, such as the preservation and/or expansion of wildlife corridors. Awards range from US$1 thousand to US$25 thousand. Eligibility extends to not-for-profit organizations, including village associations, women’s groups and civil society organizations. The closing date for applications is 05 June 2021. Link
European Commission — Youth Activism in North Macedonia
The European Commission (EC) supports civic youth initiatives, activism and volunteering for improving the local governance through increased inclusiveness and society impact of young citizens in the local community. Funding will support civic youth initiatives that strengthen innovation in local communities, improve resilience and greening, or ensure social inclusiveness. Grants requested my fall between the amounts of €150 thousand and €300 thousand. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations in North Macedonia. The deadline for submitting applications is 21 June 2021. Know more
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Bhutan
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Bhutan. The priorities under this call include one on environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management. The average contribution is C$25 thousand to C$50 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The deadline for submission is 10 May 2021. CFLI Bhutan