The Biodiversity Information for Development program aims to enhance capacity for effective mobilization and use of biodiversity data in support of decision- and policymaking for sustainable development in Asia. The program supports projects that strengthen the capacity of institutions to manage and mobilize biodiversity data, mobilize primary data on Asian biodiversity, and increase open data on Asian biodiversity to fill taxonomic and geographic gaps. Applicants may request a maximum of €20 thousand for projects implemented over a maximum period of 18 months. Applicants must be legal entities such as government agencies, natural history museums, research institutes, universities, or NGOs located in Southeast Asia, South Asia or Northeast Asia. Concept notes must be submitted by 09 February 2021. Biodiversity Information Fund for Asia
South Asia
UNCDF ASEAN Programme — Women Enterprise Recovery Fund
The Women Enterprise Recovery Fund looks to partner with private sector innovators to design and launch digital solutions that support women enterprises economically impacted by COVID-19. Eligible institutions include companies and service providers from the agriculture/agritech industry. Successful applicants will receive US$ 50 thousand in co-funding, technical assistance, mentorship, and connections with potential investors. Solutions must focus on women entrepreneurs in one or several of the following countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Vietnam. Applicants must submit their application on 15 February 2021. Find the call
U.S. Agency for International Development — Reducing Pollution in Vietnam
The U. S. Agency for International Development in Vietnam (USAID) seeks applications from qualified entities to implement the “USAID Reducing Pollution” activity. The overall objective of this activity is to reduce environmental pollution in targeted areas through a collective impact approach. USAID intends to provide up to US$11.3 million in total funding (please note that USAID has established a minimum required cost share of 10%). Eligibility for this call is not restricted. Applications must be submitted by 01 March 2021. Click here to know more
SEED — Low Carbon Award 2021
SEED supports small-scale eco-enterprises in the developing world which integrate social and environmental benefits into their business models. Applicants should be able to explain how the enterprise will be financially viable in the long term and be in the set-up phase and in the early stages of implementation. The eligible countries are Indonesia, India, Ghana, Thailand, Uganda, and South Africa. Each award recipient is granted capacity building and networking opportunities. The call for applications is open until 22 March 2021. More
U.S. Mission to Pakistan — Empowering Girls through STEM
The U.S. Mission to Pakistan seeks an implementing partner to organize a series of technology-based programs on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) themes for middle to high school-aged girls in Pakistan. The programs should emphasize the development of critical thinking, creative problem-solving, collaboration, and design thinking skills. The total project funding is US$50 thousand. Eligibility is open to international non-profit organizations. The closing date for applications is 26 March 2021. More information
Lemelson Foundation — International Entrepreneurship
The Lemelson Foundation supports programs to empower local inventors and entrepreneurs in India and East Africa to address social and economic challenges to improve the lives of the poor. Supported solutions include access to clean water and sanitation, agricultural productivity, and access to clean and affordable energy. The Foundation funds very few unsolicited applications. However, it accepts short concept notes on a rolling basis. Learn more about International Entrepreneurship
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
Cargill — Cargill Global Scholars Program 2021
The agribusiness company Cargill offers scholarships to university students interested in food security, agriculture, and risk management. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Russia, or the USA — and attend university in those countries. Each Cargill Global Scholar receives an annual scholarship for up to two years, as well as opportunities for leadership training and networking. The application deadlines are 04 March 2021 for India; 04 March 2021 for applicants in the USA; 31 March 2021 for Russia; 27 April 2021 for China; 26 May 2021 for Brazil; and 04 June 2021 for Indonesia. About the Global Scholars Program
United Nations Capital Development Fund — Women’s Empowerment in Bangladesh
The Women’s Empowerment for Inclusive Growth (WING) program supports women-led small businesses and social enterprises in Bangladesh who are working on real economic empowerment of women and girls. Interested enterprises are invited to submit their gender-responsive business proposal application for funding. WING provides technical assistance and financial support such as development grants, credit enhancements, and guarantees. The deadline for submission of investment proposals is 31 January 2021. Link to the call
U.S. Department of State — YSEALI Marine Accelerator Program
The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Marine Accelerator Program (MAP) seeks emerging conservation leaders and influencers that address marine and inland waterway issues in Southeast Asia. Selected youth leaders will receive capacity training and participate in workshops to scale their initiative. Participants will also get a chance to receive up to US$2 thousand in project grants. Eligibility extends to citizens and residents of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. Applicants may apply as individuals or represent private entities (including startups and social enterprises), civil society organizations, or academic institutions. The application deadline is 31 January 2021. Visit YSEALI MAP to know more