The Equator Prize 2023 recognizes innovative initiatives from Indigenous peoples and local communities that demonstrate exceptional achievements in nature-based solutions for local sustainable development. Nominated projects may focus on solutions for sustainable food systems, restoration of ecosystems that help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change, or protection of terrestrial or marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and wildlife. Special consideration will be given to nominees working on water security and disaster risk reduction. The nominated initiative must have been in existence for at least three years. Each winner will receive US$10 thousand. Nominations must be submitted by 12 April 2023. Equator Prize
forests
Lacuna Fund — Datasets on Climate and Forests
The Lacuna Fund seeks proposals from organizations interested in developing datasets that will help to better understand the relationship between Climate & Forests and generate interventions that could mitigate the impacts of climate change. Lacuna anticipates supporting up to 6 smaller projects with budgets between US$50-100 thousand and up to 3 larger projects with budgets ranging from US$200-300 thousand. To be eligible for funding, organizations must be either a non-profit entity, research institution or for-profit social enterprise. The deadline to apply is 01 June 2023. Climate and Forests
Pulitzer Center — Rainforest Journalism Fund
The Pulitzer Center invites proposals for grants to journalists to support reporting on tropical rainforests in the Amazon Basin, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia. The supported journalism projects will focus on the tropical forests’ role in the overall climate equation and weather patterns, deforestation drivers, and solutions to halt deforestation. The Pulitzer Center will fund costs associated with reporting projects on tropical rainforests in the range of US$2,500 to US$7,500. Grants are made to local journalists based in the tropical rainforest region. In addition, the Pulitzer Center makes grants to journalists reporting for major American and European news outlets on tropical rainforests in any part of the world. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. More
Pacific Development and Conservation Trust — Community Projects in the Pacific Islands
New Zealand’s Pacific Development and Conservation Trust makes grants for conservation, cultural heritage, development, and goodwill in the Pacific Islands. The priority is community projects, including conservation projects that involve representative, endangered, threatened, or unique habitats and species. Eligibility for grants extends to citizens of New Zealand and eligible Pacific countries and territories. Most past grants range from NZ$2 thousand to NZ$50 thousand. The deadlines for expressions of interest are 22 March 2023, 20 September 2023, and 20 March 2024. More about the application process
OPEC Fund for International Development — Young Professional Development Program
The Young Professional Development Program (YPDP) is a two-year program designed to prepare young professionals from OPEC Fund member countries for a career in global development. The themes include poverty reduction, energy and sustainable development, environment, and other related science and technology fields. YPDP offers training, coaching and mentoring, the opportunity to experience different departments and access to professional networks. To be selected for the program, applicants must be 30 years of age (or younger) and hold a Master’s degree. The deadline for applications is 24 March 2023. More about the YPDP
Norwegian University of Life Sciences — Finance and Rural Development
The Norwegian University of Life Sciences seeks candidates for a three-year PhD-position in International Environment and Development Studies with focus on Finance and Rural Development. The university welcomes research proposals by applicants undertaking case study, comparative, or conceptual inquiries into financial logics, practices, instruments and programs for specific agriculture, conservation, forestry, or other rural-centered resource sectors. Fellows receive a salary of approx. US$47 thousand per year. The application deadline for this position is 11 April 2023. Know more
Association of Commonwealth Universities — Higher Education and SDGs Grants
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) accepts applications for the Higher Education and the SDGs Challenge Grants to fund collaborative work around the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The grants are open to professional and academic staff at ACU member universities. Four grants of £2,500 are available. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with member universities to promote further Commonwealth partnerships, or other organizations such as local governments. The closing date is 02 May 2023. Details here
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation — Research Fellowship for Brazilian Postdoctoral Researchers
The Capes-Humboldt Research Fellowship supports postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers from Brazil with their research in collaboration with a host at a German research institution. Fellowships may last from 6 to 18 months and can be divided into up to three stays within three years. The monthly fellowship amount is €2,600. The next application deadline is 31 May 2023. More here
German Academic Exchange Service — Postgraduate Courses in Germany 2024-2025
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships to qualified individuals from eligible developing countries for post-graduate studies at German universities in development-related subjects. The program (EPOS) is open to individuals who have completed their previous academic degrees no longer than six years previously; who have at least two years of professional experience; and who are nationals of countries receiving official development assistance (DAC list of the OECD). The available courses range across water resources; renewable energy; land management and tenure; agricultural sciences; forest sciences; ecology; nature conservation; environmental governance; and many others. The application deadline for the next intake (October 2024) is 31 August 2023. EPOS Scholarship
Heritage Management Organization — Small Grants for African Heritage Projects
The Heritage Management Organization (HERITΛGE) funds projects that focus on the protection of and/or promotion of local heritage for socio-economic development in Africa. Small grants of up to US$50 thousand are made to organizations, groups, and individuals. Projects should have a long-lasting impact and benefit local people. Potential examples are protecting heritage sites from desertification by creating green belts, especially where such green areas can increase biodiversity, bring benefits to local agriculture, and encourage tourism. Applications can be submitted anytime. Know more