The Sustainable Mekong Research Network (SUMERNET) seeks to reduce water insecurity for the poor, marginalized and socially vulnerable groups in the Mekong Region. SUMERNET will provide up to two grants to collaborative research projects that focus on water access; governance and management of water-related disaster risks; and transboundary interactions with water systems. The proposed project must cover the whole Mekong region or at least two countries in the study area. Funding support will not exceed US$ 45 thousand per research project to be completed within 6-12 months. The Lead Applicant must be a formal SUMERNET network member. Expressions of Interest have to be submitted by 20 September 2021. Rapid Response Grants
South Asia
Asia Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources — Capacity Building Program
The Asia Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources (ANSAB) invites civil society organizations from Fiji, Nepal and Vietnam to submit their expression of interest for possible funding to implement sub-projects. The objective of the proposal should be to strengthen the knowledge of targeted CSOs at local and national levels through trainings, workshops, awareness campaigns, and local meetings. Capacity building activities should enable participants to understand the impacts of climate change on local communities and locally-based sustainable livelihoods. Anticipated funding for each sub-project is US$90 thousand for 9 months. Proposed activities are to be implemented in Fiji, Nepal and Vietnam for the benefit of local communities. Eligible organizations must submit their expression of interest before 30 September 2021. More information
United Nations Capital Development Fund — Agritech Challenge
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) invites Expressions of Interest for the Agritech Challenge 2021 to co-create or adapt solutions for smallholders farmers. Solutions must focus on key challenges of small farmers in Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia in Africa and India, Indonesia, Malaysia in Asia. The program invites applications from start-ups with solutions that are addressing low productivity, climate risk, or inefficient supply chain challenges and are interested to pilot their solution in one of the seven participating countries. Applicants must submit a complete application form before 30 August 2021. UNCDF Agritech Challenge
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Infrastructure for Biodiversity Collections
The GBIF Secretariat seeks contractors to support cooperative activities with focus on further developing access and data linkage to scientific collections and ecological datasets in Asia. Applicants are expected to provide technical help-desk assistance, training and mentoring to support institutional engagement in the mobilization and use of biodiversity data. Individuals located in eligible countries and areas in South-East Asia, South Asia and North-East Asia are eligible. Applications must be submitted by 07 September 2021. Link
Earth Journalism Network — Zoonotic Diseases in the Asia-Pacific Region
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers story grants to journalists to support the production of in-depth stories that will call attention to zoonotic diseases and One Health in Asia and the Pacific region. Stories can be produced in any language, but the application must be submitted in English. ENJ accepts applications from journalists residing in Southeast Asia, South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific Islands (but not Australia and New Zealand). ENJ expects to award 20 grants with an average grant amount of US$1,500, depending on proposal and needs. Larger grant amounts may be considered, if justified. The application deadline is 15 August 2021. Zoonotic Diseases Reporting Grants
IDEX Accelerator — IDEX Fellowship 2022
The IDEX Fellowship Program aims to build the capacity of young professionals for social enterprise in areas such as agriculture, education, clean energy, sanitation, healthcare, livelihoods, and impact investing. The program provides six months of leadership training in enterprise development, including field placements at social enterprises in India. Candidates should be 21 to 35 years old, with a minimum of one to three years of professional work experience. IDEX offers a limited number of partial scholarships on program tuition to a select number of candidates. The application deadline is 31 October 2021. Info
Impact Collective — Investments for Asian Startups
Impact Collective is a community-driven acceleration program for Asian startups. The program invites startups who seek to solve global challenges ranging from food security, sustainable livelihoods to sustainable cities, and environmental innovations. Early-stage startups who have working prototypes or products are eligible to apply. The Impact Collective Fund provides investments that typically range between US$25 thousand and US$100 thousand. The application period ends on 15 August 2021. Know more
Cultural Survival — Community Radio Transmitters
Cultural Survival supports Indigenous community radio projects. The Community Radio Transmitters Call gives Indigenous community radio stations the chance to acquire transmitters and complementary equipment. The maximum grant amount awarded will be US$4 thousand. Eligibility extends to Indigenous community radio stations in Latin America, Namibia, Botswana, Nigeria, South Africa, Nepal, and India. The deadline for submitting proposals is 03 July 2021. Click here
U.S. Mission to Malaysia — Environmental Exhibit
The U.S. Mission to Malaysia supports the development and implementation of a traveling exhibit on environmental themes targeting youth audiences on environmental issues such as climate change, conservation, reducing carbon emissions, waste management, sustainable economies, renewable/green technology, and/or other environmental themes. Applicants may propose workshops, lectures, activities, etc. and a companion website. The proposed travel exhibit is to be hosted in six locations across Malaysia. Estimated total project funding is US$130 thousand. Eligibility extends to foreign public and private educational institutions, as well as not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks. The closing date for applications is 31 July 2021. Details here
Total S.A. and others — Energy Access Booster 2021
TotalEnergies, Enea Consulting and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) launch the Energy Access Booster 2021 – a call for projects to support entrepreneurs in the field of energy access in Africa and Asia focusing on sustainable mobility. Five selected entrepreneurs will receive up to US$50 thousand and expertise support as well as mentorship. The deadline for applications is 15 August 2021. Energy Access Booster 2021