African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) invites research proposals on Climate Change and Economic Development in Africa to deepen understanding of environmental challenges and climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. The case studies will focus on, but not limited to, the following themes: climate-smart agriculture, impact of climate change on green and blue economies, natural resources, energy options and technologies, etc. Total budget should not exceed US$15 thousand and total duration of the study should not exceed 12 months. Researchers who completed at least one AERC research project or participated in a research project on relevant topics are eligible to apply. Interested researchers should submit proposals before 14 May 2021. Know more
universities
Thought For Food — Food Systems Game Changers Lab
The Food Systems Game Changers Lab supports game-changers who have ideas, initiatives, or innovations that have the potential to bring positive change to global food systems. The Lab will offer facilitation, learning resources, expert coaching, live sessions, and tailored mentorship programs. Participants are not required to be registered as a legal entity (company, nonprofit, government) and can submit solutions as an individual or a team. Ideas have to be submitted before 14 May 2021. Link to the Lab
United States Agency for International Development — Biodiversity Conservation in Liberia
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks applications for a cooperative agreement from qualified entities in Liberia to implement the Conservation Works activity. The goal of the activity is to conserve biodiversity and threatened species, especially western chimpanzees, by strengthening Protected Areas (PA) and helping communities be less reliant on protected resources for their livelihoods. USAID intends to provide US$19.5 million in total USAID funding over a five-year period. Eligibility for this call is not restricted. The closing date for applications is 25 May 2021. Click here for details
U.S. Department of State — Women’s Economic Empowerment in the Mekong
The U.S. Department of State seeks applications from organizations to support women’s economic empowerment in the Mekong through providing financial literacy training and support. This project should increase the access of women entrepreneurs and business owners to financing, market opportunities, and training to help establish and grow their micro, small, or medium enterprises. The Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs anticipates having approximately $395 thousand of economic support funds available to support one successful application. EAP welcomes applications from non-profit organizations and institutions of higher education. The closing date for applications is 15 June 2021. Link
United States Agency for International Development — Enhancing WASH in Ghana
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks applications for a cooperative agreement from qualified entities to implement the Enhancing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Activity. The goal of the activity is to increase access to sustainable WASH services in districts located in six regions of northern Ghana. USAID intends to provide US$39 million in total USAID funding over a five-year period. Eligibility for this call is not restricted and is open to all entities that can meet the requirements. The closing date for applications is 28 June 2021. Link to details
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Latin America
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Bolivia and Peru. The priorities under this call include one on environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management. The average contribution is C$35 thousand to C$45 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The deadline for submission is 06 May 2021. Click here
Microsoft — AI for Earth Grants
Microsoft seeks proposals from around the world that focus on the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to better monitor and manage Earth’s natural systems for a more sustainable future. Funding supports the creation and deployment of open source trained models and algorithms in the focus core areas of climate change, biodiversity, agriculture, and water. The grant provides software developers with Azure compute credits worth up to US$15 thousand. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. The two remaining revision deadlines for project submission in 2021 are 05 July and 04 October 2021. Azure Compute Grants
Copernicus Masters — ESA Digital Twin Earth Challenge
Copernicus Masters is an international innovation competition that honors the best solutions using earth observation data and applications to solve global challenges. The ESA Digital Twin Earth (DTE) Challenge, sponsored by the European Space Agency, seeks solutions which combine Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data to provide forecasting on the impact of climate change and responding to societal challenges. The winner of the climate challenge receives €10 thousand. All participants have the chance to win an additional €10 thousand if chosen as the overall Copernicus winner. The competition is open to participants worldwide. Submissions are open until 19 July 2021. Find the ESA Challenge
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Lebanon
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Lebanon. The priorities under this call include the environment. The average contribution is C$20 thousand to C$50 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The deadline for submission is 21 April 2021. Link
International Development Research Centre — Gender in STEM Research Initiative
Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) announces a new funding opportunity to advance gender analysis and women’s leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This initiative will support university-led consortia to expand and deepen scholarship in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa, on the challenges and opportunities that women scientists experience in STEM fields. IDRC will provide CA$1 million to CA$1.25 million per research consortium. The call is open to public universities from low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia, or Latin America/Caribbean. Extended Deadline: 10 May 2021. STEM Research Initiative