The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites expressions of interest from organizations interested in serving as the regional implementation team for the Guinean Forests Biodiversity Hotspot (Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone and Togo). The maximum funding available for the RIT grant is USD 1,5 million. Organizations that submit an expression of interest will be invited to submit full proposals. The deadline for expressions of interest is 28 July 2025. Implementation Team Guinean Forests
partnerships/collaboration
International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology — Collaborative Research Grants
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) provides funding for scientific projects in the life sciences, healthcare, bioenergy, and agricultural biotechnology. This program is open to principal investigators at universities or research institutes located in ICGEB Member States, with a specific category of “Early Career Return Grants” available for researchers under 40 who have recently returned to their home country from abroad. Grants provide a maximum of €25 thousand per year for projects lasting up to three years, for a total award of €75 thousand. The application deadline is 30 April 2026. Collaborative Research Program
International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology — BiotechNet Grants
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) supports original research projects in basic science, healthcare, and biotechnology specifically for investigators in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. These two-year grants offer a maximum annual contribution of €24,000 (€48,000 total) to cover consumables, equipment, and travel, with a unique requirement that lead investigators must host a fellow from another partner country to foster regional collaboration. Eligible applicants must hold a position at a university or research institute in one of the four beneficiary countries, and a special “Early Career Return Grant” is available for researchers under 40 who have recently returned to the region after at least two years abroad. The application deadline is 30 April 2026. BiotechNet Grants
Zendesk — Tech for Good Impact Awards
The Zendesk Tech for Good Impact Awards provides free software and multiple grants ranging from US$5 thousand to US$50 thousand to global nonprofit organizations. Impact Awards are made to products that promote resilience, foster community, and increase access to careers in technology in areas that range from refugee rights to environmental justice. Zendesk will also provide free product and software donations and Pro Bono support. Applications are due 15 July 2026. Tech for Good Impact Awards
Union for the Mediterranean — Project Implementation Support
The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) does not fund the implementation of the projects but it assists project development, the search for financial resources, and the search for political and technical support needed for project implementation. UfM promotes a wide range of projects in the Mediterranean region in subject areas that include energy and climate, water, environment, blue economy, and several others. Proposals are accepted continuously; there is no calendar deadline. Details
Mangrove Breakthrough — Mangrove Conservation and Restoration
Mangrove Breakthrough seeks projects worldwide that protect, restore or support mangrove ecosystems. Eligible proposals include mangrove restoration or conservation; blue-carbon finance; biodiversity or climate-linked crediting mechanisms; community-based livelihood or stewardship initiatives; nature-tech or monitoring tools for mangrove health; and sustainable businesses tied to mangrove landscapes (e.g. fisheries, coastal agriculture, eco-tourism). Successful submissions gain visibility, exposure at global climate events, and access to investors or funders. The deadline to submit the Expression of Interest is 30 January 2026. Link to more details
Free Electrons — Clean Energy Transition
The Free Electrons Program is a global open-innovation accelerator that connects energy startups with leading utilities and energy system operators to pilot and scale breakthrough solutions for the energy transition. The program is open to startups worldwide with mature, market-ready technologies addressing areas such as grid digitalization, renewables integration, energy storage, flexibility, electrification, and climate resilience. Selected startups receive non-dilutive support, including paid pilot opportunities, access to utility partners, technical validation, mentoring, and global exposure (rather than a fixed cash grant). The application deadline is 31 January 2026. Free Electrons Program
LEAP-SE — Research and Innovation Partnership on Sustainable Energy
LEAP-SE funds collaborative research and innovation projects that advance clean energy technologies, systems, and policies aligned with the Africa–Europe energy transition agenda. The call is open to consortia of organizations, including universities, research institutes, companies, NGOs, and public bodies, from African Union Member States and European countries. Funding amounts vary by country and partner, with a maximum funding of €500 thousand per partner. Proposals must be submitted in two stages, with pre-proposals due by 05 February 2026. Details
UNCDF — Financing for Nature-Positive Private Sector Enterprises
The UNCDF seeks expressions of interest from private micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises operating in the Congo Basin region that are implementing or scaling nature-positive, deforestation-free, and climate-resilient business models. The call targets enterprises working in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, forest-industry transformation, landscape restoration, and ecotourism. The call is open to nonprofits, NGOs, social enterprises, private sector entities, and consortia. Applicants may request support ranging from US$250 thousand to US$1.5 million. The application deadline is 28 February 2026. Link to more information
ETH Zurich — Faculty Exchange Grants
ETH for Development (ETH4D) provides grants for visiting scientists who belong to academic institutions in low and lower-middle-income countries. The visiting scientist may visit ETH Zurich to conduct a short research stay or to attend a conference or workshop organized by ETH Zurich scientists. The grant covers expenses up to a maximum of CHF 10 thousand. The main applicant has to be a senior scientist or professor of ETH Zurich and invite colleagues from lower-income countries. The application deadline is 30 March 2026. ETH Faculty Exchange Grants