The European Commission invites proposals for the restoration of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Projects are expected to focus on degraded terrestrial, freshwater, coastal or marine ecosystems, responding to relevant restoration goals enhancing biodiversity. The project results are expected to contribute to maintained and enhanced natural carbon sinks and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The Commission considers proposals requesting a contribution between €16-25 million. Research organizations in some 130 developing countries are automatically eligible for funding. The full list of these countries is provided in the call. The submission deadline is 26 January 2021. More information here
universities
AI for Development — Technology to Achieve SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)
The AI for Development (AI4Dev) Challenge seeks ideas in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to achieve 4 Sustainable Development Goals (including Goal 2: Zero Hunger) in Arab & African countries. Teams of at least two members that research and develop AI innovations are invited to submit their idea. Selected participants will receive mentorship and training from experts, and guidance to develop prototypes. The challenge offers monetary prizes of up to US$5 thousand. The deadline to submit ideas is 17 November 2020. AI4Dev Challenge
BiodivERsA — Conservation and Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems
BiodivERsA announces a call for proposals for the “Conservation and restoration of degraded ecosystems and their biodiversity, including a focus on aquatic systems.” The call aims to support transnational research projects jointly studying the biological processes of conservation/restoration and the benefits of restoring ecosystems. The participating countries in this call are Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, and Tunisia. The total amount for this call is €23 million. Scientific research projects must be transnational research consortia with eligible partners from minimum 3 countries performed by eligible research organizations (profit and non-profit). Pre-proposals have to be submitted by 07 December 2020. More
UK Government — African Agriculture Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
The UK Government invites applications for agriculture knowledge transfer partnerships between UK registered higher education institutions or research organizations and African businesses or non-profit organizations. The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme will support African knowledge bases in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa in support of capacity building for sustainable agriculture and strategic innovation projects that tackle challenges in Africa. Each application must be led by a UK registered knowledge base, working with an African business partner and African knowledge base. Typically projects cost no more than £125 thousand per year. The application deadline for this scheme is 27 January 2021. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
British Council — Funding for Climate Challenge Workshops
The British Council offers grant funding for interdisciplinary research workshops on climate change. Researcher Links Climate Challenge (RLCC) grants are designed to provide financial support to host virtual research workshops for participants from the UK and partner countries (Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan, South Africa, Egypt, and Brazil). Lead applicants are required to take an interdisciplinary approach by bringing together early career researchers from different fields. Workshops must take place before the end of August 2021. The application deadline is 27 November 2020. Link
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in the Mediterranean Basin (Cabo Verde)
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for large grants (up to US$110 thousand) for projects that support the conservation and preservation of biodiversity in coastal areas of Cabo Verde. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, community groups, universities and private enterprises. The ecosystem profile technical summary is available in English and Portuguese. LOIs must be submitted by 30 November 2020. Access to CEPF
U.S. Agency for International Development — Feed the Future Bangladesh
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks applications for a cooperative agreement from qualified entities to implement the Feed the Future Bangladesh Livestock and Nutrition Activity. The goal of this activity is to sustainably increase livestock productivity, marketability, and consumption of livestock products. USAID intends to award one Cooperative Agreement of US$19.5 million in total funding. Eligibility for application is unrestricted. The closing date for applications is 03 December 2020. Link
African Academy of Sciences — Food Security and Nutrition in Africa
The Grand Challenge Africa makes seed grants to innovative projects and technologies that achieve food security and nutrition in Africa. The challenge focuses on the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. The call seeks innovative global development and health solutions related to achieving food security and nutrition. The call will fund projects up to US$100 thousand for a maximum of 2 years. Applicants can be colleges and universities, government laboratories, research institutions, for profit and non-profit organizations. The call encourages scientific collaborations between African researchers and other organizations across the continent. The application deadline is 04 December 2020. Find the call
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation — Smart Farming Innovations for Small-Scale Producers
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation seeks smart farming solutions that leverage digital technology innovations that have the potential to drive positive impact for small-scale producer entrepreneurs. There are two grant types – Seed Grants (up to US$250 thousand) and Scale-Up Grants (up to US$1.5 million) – each with its own requirements detailed in the announcement. The Foundation will prioritize applicants who partner with organizations interested in smart farming in low- and middle-income countries. Applicants should be part of a consortium consisting of several types of organizations, such as enterprise technology platforms, enterprise agriculture, ag-tech startups, research organizations, national and international NGOs and farmer-based organizations, government and international organizations. The application deadline is 25 February 2021. Details here
OpenIDEO — Reimagine Charitable Giving Challenge
The Reimagine Charitable Giving Challenge seeks innovative digital ideas on how we might reinforce a culture of generosity by creating charitable giving solutions that are more accessible, inclusive, and effective. Ideas, concepts, startups and organizations at any stage of development are invited to participate and may be submitted to the challenge. Up to 10 concepts will be selected as finalists and receive a share of up to US$100 thousand in prize funding. Submissions are accepted until 06 November 2020. Click for details