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
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
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
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
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
The Small Charities Challenge Fund (SCCF) supports UK-based grassroots organizations to help priority countries to enhance their capacity and efforts to help the poor, vulnerable and most marginalized. UK Aid Direct operates in the lowest 50 countries in the Human Development Index and in countries considered to be of high or moderate fragility. Thematic areas include agriculture, climate change, environment, water resources and others. Grants of up to £50 thousand will be available for projects of up to 2 years. Applications are reviewed on a 6-monthly basis. The next review of project grant proposals is 25 March 2021. Link
SDG Impact Accelerator (SDGia) is a global accelerator for entrepreneurs and startups working on products and services in the field of financial inclusion in Bangladesh or digital agriculture in Uganda. SDGia Digital Agriculture and Financial Inclusion calls are open for teams from all around the world. Selected teams will receive equity-free grants of up to US$15 thousand and, in the event that their product or service is selected for implementation in Bangladesh or Uganda, teams may also receive impact investment. The application deadline is 22 January 2021. SDG Impact Accelerator
The Social Alpha Agritech Challenge 2.0 seeks innovators and start-ups with science and technology-based solutions that have the potential to create an impact in the lives of smallholder farmers in India. The winners receive support in the areas of product development, testing, pilots, product validation, product management and market strategy. Additional funding will be decided on a case-to-case basis. The challenge is open to individuals, teams, social enterprises, nonprofits, and companies registered in India. The deadline for application is 31 December 2020. Link
The International Foundation for Science invites research proposals on accelerating transformation through agricultural transformation in Southeast Asia. The current call focusses on initiatives that contribute to solutions or provide evidence in support of food security policy during the global pandemic, and economic and social crisis. Eligibility for funding extends to researchers from Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, and Timor Leste. Applicants must be attached to a national research institute or a university. Grants are up to US$20 thousand. The deadline for the grant application is 15 February 2021. IFS-SEARCA Advanced Research Grant
The U.S. Embassy in Thailand announces an open competition for organizations and individuals to submit applications to carry out programs that promote the US-Thai partnership. The Embassy funds activities that increase awareness of Thailand’s environmental interests, including the importance of water management, among other areas of interest. The maximum grant amount is US$30 thousand per project. Nonprofit organizations, universities and individuals are eligible to apply for funding. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until 31 December 2021. Click here for details