SparkUp Initiative offers a fellowship that helps women-led NGOs and grassroots organizations worldwide build their fundraising and project-development capacities. Participants receive training in crafting effective fundraising strategies, writing grant proposals for international foundations and public institutions, and exploring crowdfunding and digital fundraising. The program is open to women-led organizations from developing countries in Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe. The next application deadline is 20 December 2025. Link
South Asia
Imagine H2O — Water-Technology Startups Asia
Imagine H2O seeks innovative water solutions from anywhere in the world. Any company offering solutions for water access, safety, resilience, or efficiency is welcome to apply. Selected candidates will have access to a network of industry executives, experts, and entrepreneurs and showcase their ideas during a week-long boot camp at the Water Innovation Week. Participants will receive cash awards and in-kind donations from strategic partners. The deadline for applications is 19 December 2025. For more information, visit the Imagine H2O Accelerator Program
Association of Commonwealth Universities — Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) supports the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries. The scholarships fund cultural and academic exchanges and are awarded across many subjects, including climate resilience and life sciences. Eligibility extends to citizens of (or with refugee status in) a Commonwealth country other than the country hosting the award. Scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses (stipend) for the duration of the award, return economy flight, one-off arrival allowance, and research support grant (on request). The application deadline is 14 January 2026. Find the available scholarships
European Commission — Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowships
The European Commission, through the Euraxess initiative, offers the Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowships to support researchers from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. ZUKOnnect aims to extend research networks and environments through on-campus research stays at thirteen departments of the University of Konstanz. Subject areas include ecology, limnology, ecotoxicology, botany, amongst many others. The fellowship offers a stipend of €1,300/month for doctoral students and €2,000/month for postdoctoral researchers, as well as travel expenses and access to resources and events. The deadline for applications is 01 February 2026. Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowships
Aga Khan Foundation — International Scholarships
The Aga Khan Foundation supports programs in rural development, broadly defined, in several developing countries. It provides scholarships and loans for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from the developing world, with priority for master’s studies. The Foundation also considers applications for PhD programs in certain circumstances. Applications are invited from the following nationalities: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Foundation assists students with tuition fees and living expenses only. Please note that half of the scholarship amount is considered as a loan, which must be reimbursed. The application deadline is 01 February 2026, but earlier in some countries (please check the dates carefully). About the Fellowships
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission — Commonwealth Shared Scholarships 2026
With funding from the UK’s Department for International Development, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are available to citizens of Commonwealth countries for master’s studies at UK universities, usually for one year. The participating academic programs include several subject areas such as environmental science and management, agroforestry, livestock management, remote sensing, disaster management, wetlands science, etc. The CSC lists the participating universities and their eligible courses. Potential applicants must check with the relevant UK university regarding their admission requirements and guidelines for applying. The deadline for scholarship applications is 09 December 2025. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics — Environmental and Resource Economics in South Asia
SANDEE invites research concept notes in any area of environmental and resource economics relating to the development of South Asia and the Hindu Kush Himalaya, including environmental issues faced by people living in the plains, hills, and mountains. Examples of research previously supported by SANDEE include: renewable energy subsidies that target the poor; analysis of possible payments to farmers for ecosystem services; and research on the economics of climate change. Proposals must include a strong economics component. Grants will be in the range of US$20-30 thousand over a two-year period. Concept notes have to be submitted by 31 December 2025. SANDEE Research Grants
Ocean Park Conservation Foundation — Wildlife Conservation in Asia
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 2026. Criteria here
Climate Technology Initiative — Funding for Climate or Clean Energy Projects
The Climate Technology Initiative (CTI PFAN) provides funding to climate or clean energy projects. PFAN accepts applications for projects in low- and middle-income countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands. Projects may request between US$1 million and US$50 million. Projects providing energy access or rural electrification (clean cookstoves, solar home systems, mini-grids) may request smaller sums between US$500 thousand and US$50 million. Proposals are invited from companies, individuals, or legal persons; public-private partnerships; and entities that are legally structured to redistribute profits. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Climate Technology Initiative
Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research — Call for Proposals 2025
The Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) launches its 2025 call for proposals. The Collaborative Regional Research Programme (CRRP) supports research on physical, biological, and human dimensions of change in the Earth’s systems. The Capacity Development Programme (CAPaBLE) focuses on training, awareness raising, and partnerships. APN lists priority research topics (climate change, disaster risk reduction, smart agriculture, water quality, and invasive species, among others) for each of South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania. Applications can be submitted by researchers, academics, and practitioners working at institutions based in APN member countries and approved countries. APN encourages applications from early-career scientists. For both programs, the deadline to submit summary proposals is 30 November 2025. Link