UNESCO launches the ‘Silk Roads Youth Research Grant’. The program aims to mobilize young researchers for further study of the Silk Roads shared heritage, and will award 12 research grants to young researchers under 35 years of age. Grant applicants are invited to address areas of academic study which relate to the shared heritage and plural identities of the Silk Roads, including, but not limited to Science and Technology (however, proposed projects must focus on the results of cultural interactions and exchanges). The proposed research may be carried out by an individual researcher or may be part of a group or collaborative project. UNESCO will award 12 grants of US$10 thousand. The deadline for proposals is 31 May 2023. Silk Roads Program
East Asia
U.S. Government — Advancing Environmental Journalism in the Southeast Asia Region
The U.S. Government announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that advance environmental journalism in Southeast Asia. Projects may have a duration of up to 48 months and should have an impact that leads to reforms. Applicants can request grants between US$740 thousand and US$1.4 million. Eligibility extends to U.S.- or foreign-based non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, and business. Applications are due 03 April 2023. Details
U.S. Government — International Environmental Governance Capacity Building
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency seeks applications for a collaborative program that would enhance environmental governance capacity in several regions in Central America and the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East and North Africa, and other bilateral initiatives, including Mexico, China, Indonesia, Taiwan, Sub-Sahara Africa, Ukraine, and Brazil. Applications will be accepted from local governments; international organizations; public and private universities; and non-profit institutions. Award amounts are expected to range from US$750 thousand to US$7 million. Application must be submitted no later than 01 March 2023. Details
The Bridge International — Funding for Social Entrepreneurs
The Bridge International (TBI), a non-profit organization based in South Korea, seeks social entrepreneurs in Asia and Africa who wish to participate in The Global Bridging Fund 2023. Selected enterprises will get seed funds of up to US$5,000 as a 0% interest loan. Registration is open for all social entrepreneurs in Asia and Africa. The application is open from 25 January to 12 February 2023. Global Bridging Fund
Swedish Institute — Management Program Asia
The Swedish Institute Management Program (SIMP) Asia seeks ambitious and innovative leaders who want to learn more about sustainable business practices. The international leadership program offers proven tools and knowledge from experts with the goal to help participants to develop and implement an action-oriented sustainability strategy. The Swedish Institute covers the cost of training and content for all participants. Participants of the SIMP program will be selected from both businesses and organizations. Applicants must be citizens and residents of China, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand or Vietnam. The application deadline is 13 February 2023. Link to SIMP
Ocean Park Conservation Foundation — Wildlife Conservation in Asia 2023/24
The Ocean Park Conservation Foundation solicits projects on threatened animal species in Asia. The Foundation supports conservation research and management, as well as community education and capacity building. Priority will be given to projects from Eastern, Southern, and Southeast Asia. Coastal countries connected to Asia, where funding is limited and with threatened wide-ranging Asian species, are included. The majority of projects are for one year, but the Foundation will also consider multi-year projects if they show promise of clear conservation outcomes. Successful applicants receive on average HK$250 thousand per year. The application deadline is 31 January 2023. Criteria here
U.S. National Science Foundation — Biodiversity on a Changing Planet
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) invites submission of interdisciplinary proposals addressing grand challenges in biodiversity science within the context of unprecedented environmental change, including climate change. The program supports a comprehensive and integrative approach to understanding planetary biodiversity from a functional perspective. Research supported by this program will improve modeling and forecasting of the consequences of functional change in biodiversity. The program supports both US-only collaborative proposals and proposals with international partnerships with National Science Foundations in China, Brazil, and South Africa. Proposals may be submitted by non-profit organizations and institutions of higher education. The total anticipated funding amount is up to US$17 million. Depending on the quality of proposals, 4-6 awards are estimated to be made for design and implementation. Applications have to be submitted by 29 March 2023. Link
Government of The Netherlands — Chinese Scholarship Program
The Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship is a Dutch-Chinese scholarship program for Dutch and Chinese students. Each student is offered a scholarship to study or do research in the Netherlands for at least one academic year. The scholarship consists of a contribution of €16 thousand per year towards the total costs of a study or research. The scholarship program focuses on 3rd-year bachelor, master or PhD students. The deadline to submit an application is 27 March 2023. Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship
Ramsar Regional Center – East Asia — Wetland Fund 2023
The Ramsar Regional Center – East Asia (RRC-EA) accepts project proposals for funding support under the RRC-EA Wetland Fund 2023. Wetland advocates from the region are invited to apply for small grants in line with the following thematic areas: (1) Wetland Conservation; and (2) Celebration of World Wetlands Day. RRC-EA will support up to 4 projects under Thematic Area 1 with a budget of US$10 thousand each, and up to 3 projects under Thematic Area 2 with a budget of US$5 thousand each. Applicants can be practitioners, policy makers, researchers, local community leaders, media, or NGOs based in East, Southeast, and South Asia. Applications have to be submitted by 16 December 2022. Details here
UN Global Compact — Young SDG Innovators Program
The Young SDG Innovators Program is an accelerator program for future business leaders and changemakers to develop and drive innovative SDG solutions through new technologies, initiatives, and business models. Participants participate in online and in-person workshops, case studies, company visits and forum discussions. Companies based in Brazil, China, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Ukraine, United Kingdom or the United States have the opportunity to collaborate with their Global Compact Local Networks to nominate young professionals for the program. The nomination deadline is 17 December 2022. Link to UN Global Compact