Ecologia aims to build global connections that create civil society and support environmental, human health, and economic sustainability. In support of these objectives, Ecologia established the Virtual Foundation to raise financial contributions over the internet, and to steer this funding towards project implementers in partner countries. The Virtual Foundation supports small scale projects with grants of up to US$5 thousand, with preference for projects under US$2 thousand. There is no calendar deadline. Link
Eurasia/Central Asia
U.S. Department of State — Small Grants Program
The U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan invites applications for the Small Grants Program. Priority focus will be given to projects that focus on countering human trafficking, addressing air quality, and promoting renewable energy. Non-governmental and/or non-profit organizations registered in Kazakhstan are eligible for this program. Awards are between US$10 thousand and US$50 thousand. The current application deadline is 30 April 2021. More
Volkswagen Foundation — Research and Higher Education in Central Asia and the Caucasus
The Foundation’s program “Between Europe and the Orient” addresses the newly emerged independent states of Central Asia and the Caucasus, as well as Afghanistan and some of the immediately neighboring regions of the Russian Federation and China. The Foundation aims to work closely with local scholars and scientists to develop relevant research and to strengthen intra-regional cooperation. Additionally, the Foundation invites proposals for training of young researchers; support for academic infrastructure; and workshops, symposia, and summer schools. Thematic areas of interest include environment, natural resources, and renewable energy. Applications can be submitted anytime. About the program
Global Development Network — Biodiversity and Development Award
The Global Development Network (GDN) and the French Development Agency (AFD) launch the AFD-GDN Biodiversity and Development Award. The program creates an opportunity for researchers based in select developing countries to produce and disseminate quality research and policies relevant to create the link between biodiversity and development. The program consists of four individual research grants of up to US$40 thousand for a 24-month project and two additional multidisciplinary grants of up to US$15 thousand. The call is open to teams of researchers belonging to a university or any other research oriented organizations based in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Guinea, Guyana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Republic of Congo, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, and Vietnam. Expressions of interest must be submitted before 07 March 2021. Details here
European Commission — Climate for Cities
The European Union aims to support Southern Neighborhood cities in their energy and climate transition. Therefore, the European Commission calls for proposals that foster local integrated approaches that ultimately improve societal cohesion locally. Proposals should include a coherent package of activities that encompasses a combination of environmentally sound infrastructure components as well as capacity building and awareness raising activities. Grant funding ranges from €2,5 million to €3,5 million. Please be aware that the EU will not cover more than 30% of the infrastructure component of the project. In order to be eligible for a grant, the lead applicant must be a nonprofit making local authority, local public education, academic or research organization in Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, or Tunisia. The application deadline is 31 March 2021. Climate for Cities
French Agency for Ecological Transition — Mediterranean Climate Change Adaptation Awards
Mediterranean Climate Change Adaptation Awards reward exemplary and concrete actions to adapt to climate change in the Mediterranean. The competition is aimed at local authorities, universities, companies and NGOs (in partnership with a local public stakeholder) which take action and develop solutions to adapt the Mediterranean regions to the changing climate. Selected partners receive tailored support (study tour, meetings with technical and financial partners), invitations to an international workshop (ECCA 2021), and international promotion. Applications close 15 April 2021. More about the competition
University of Nottingham — Postgraduate Excellence Award
The University of Nottingham offers scholarships covering £2 thousand towards full-time masters tuition fees for international students from the Commonwealth and other selected countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Eligible countries include: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Students must apply for and receive an offer to study a full-time masters before applying for the scholarship. Applications close on 21 May 2021. Click here
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Biodiversity Information for Development: Asia
The Biodiversity Information for Development program aims to enhance capacity for effective mobilization and use of biodiversity data in support of decision- and policymaking for sustainable development in Asia. The program supports projects that strengthen the capacity of institutions to manage and mobilize biodiversity data, mobilize primary data on Asian biodiversity, and increase open data on Asian biodiversity to fill taxonomic and geographic gaps. Applicants may request a maximum of €20 thousand for projects implemented over a maximum period of 18 months. Applicants must be legal entities such as government agencies, natural history museums, research institutes, universities, or NGOs located in Southeast Asia, South Asia or Northeast Asia. Concept notes must be submitted by 09 February 2021. Biodiversity Information Fund for Asia
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
UK Department for International Development — Funding for Small Charities
The Small Charities Challenge Fund (SCCF) supports UK-based grassroots organizations to help priority countries to enhance their capacity and efforts to help the poor, vulnerable and most marginalized. UK Aid Direct operates in the lowest 50 countries in the Human Development Index and in countries considered to be of high or moderate fragility. Thematic areas include agriculture, climate change, environment, water resources and others. Grants of up to £50 thousand will be available for projects of up to 2 years. Applications are reviewed on a 6-monthly basis. The next review of project grant proposals is 25 March 2021. Link