The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) invites proposals from non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations to submit project proposals on territories and areas protected by local communities. GEF makes COVID-19 relief grants to local communities in conserved areas in Jordan. Grants are up to US$50 thousand for a total duration of 24 months. Concept papers should be submitted no later than 28 February 2021. Know more
MENA
Pan African Women Empowerment Network — Aspiring Entrepreneurs Program
The Pan African Women Empowerment Network (PAWEN) invites applications for the Aspiring Entrepreneurs Program. The program consists of training and networking opportunities for African women entrepreneurs with the aim to give practical knowledge and guidance on how to move from idea to long-term sustainable business startup. 50 participants will have an opportunity to pitch for start-off grants and other funding. African women who are career professionals or students and who want to become self-sustainable entrepreneurs may apply to this program. The application deadline is 12 February 2021. Aspiring Entrepreneurs Program
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
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
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit — Investing for Employment in Tunisia
Investing for Employment (IFE) supports the creation of decent employment opportunities in Africa by offering co-financing grants for new investment projects with a high job creation impact. This opportunity is suitable for companies in the agriculture, fisheries or energy sectors. The IFE provides grants between €1 million and €10 million. Entities and Consortia registered in Tunisia are eligible to apply. Concept notes have to be submitted by 22 January 2021. Click here for details
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in the Mediterranean Basin (Algeria)
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for small grants (up to US$20 thousand) in support of biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean Basin. Funding will be provided in support of conservation/preservation of biodiversity in coastal areas and plant conservation in Algeria. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, community groups, universities and private enterprises. The ecosystem profile technical summary is available in English and French. LOIs must be submitted by 26 February 2021. Link to CEPF
Economic Research Forum — Mitigation and Adaptation to Impact of Climate Change in MENA Region
Economic Research Forum (ERF) supports climate research projects to address topics related to the impact of climate change in the MENA region. Possible research questions and areas of interest are outlined in the call for proposals. Proposals can be cross-country or focused on a single country. The maximum grant is US$8 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to experienced researchers. The deadline for the submission of proposals is 09 January 2021. Link
German Academic Exchange Service — Climate Research Fellowship
ClimapAfrica supports research on climate change and possible solutions. African PhD students are invited to submit postdoctoral climate research projects to one of the following research areas: Agriculture, Climate Science, Veterinary Medicine, Biodiversity, Food Security, Marine Science, Energy, Water Resources, and Forest Sustainability, among others. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) awards fellowships of max. €10 thousand, plus a monthly allowance to cover research costs for a period of 12 to 18 months. Fellows can apply for additional funding to cover a temporary research stay in Germany (2-6 months) to work on a specific research question. The application deadline is 15 February 2021. More about ClimapAfrica
ENI CBC Med — Exploitation of Grape Waste from Winemaking
BESTMEDGRAPE aims to support the creation of new start-ups and small businesses by exploiting the by-products of winemaking as a source of bioactive compounds that can be transformed into innovative commercial health products. Aspiring Mediterranean entrepreneurs with innovative ideas for the exploitation of grape waste from winemaking are invited to submit applications. Selected entrepreneurs receive vouchers to cover the costs related to services aimed at developing their business idea. The deadline for applications varies by country (Tunisia: 15 December, Italy: 24 November, Lebanon: 06 December, Jordan: 15 December). BESTMEDGRAPE
AI for Development — Technology to Achieve SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)
The AI for Development (AI4Dev) Challenge seeks ideas in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to achieve 4 Sustainable Development Goals (including Goal 2: Zero Hunger) in Arab & African countries. Teams of at least two members that research and develop AI innovations are invited to submit their idea. Selected participants will receive mentorship and training from experts, and guidance to develop prototypes. The challenge offers monetary prizes of up to US$5 thousand. The deadline to submit ideas is 17 November 2020. AI4Dev Challenge