The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) supports female scientists in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) with doctoral fellowships in the natural sciences. The early-career fellowships are for the pursuit of a doctoral degree at a host institution in a developing country that is not the applicant’s home country. The Fellowship is for two years and provides up to US$50 thousand. Applicants should be qualified young women science graduates (generally below 40 years of age), who have an M.Sc. degree or outstanding B.Sc. in the natural sciences. The eligible scientific fields include agricultural sciences; biological systems and organisms; and many others. The deadline for submission of applications is 14 March 2024. OWSD Early-Career Fellowship
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Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Vietnam
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Vietnam. The priorities under this call include women’s economic rights, decent jobs and entrepreneurship, and investing in the poorest and most vulnerable (which may include agriculture or aquaculture projects), as well as environment, climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, and water management. The average contribution is C$15 thousand to C$30 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The deadline for submission is 17 March 2024. CFLI Vietnam
Fondation Segré — Conservation Action Fund
Fondation Segré provides support to address global conservation efforts specifically focusing on the conservation of globally threatened ungulate species as recognized by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The calls aim to safeguard their habitats, address the threats they face, and promote the well-being of both the species themselves and the communities that share the same ecosystems. The maximum grant size for conservation action support is €50 thousand for a maximum duration of 12 months. The maximum grant size for research support is €7 thousand. Applicants have to be enrolled in a curriculum at an academic institution to apply. The deadline for submission of proposals is 04 April 2024. Conservation Action Fund
African Impact Initiative — Business Challenge
The African Impact Challenge supports early-stage African entrepreneurs. In 2024, the challenge focuses on Botswana. Top-performing teams will receive up to US$25 thousand in either grant funding or a simple agreement for future equity investment. Projects and business ideas can focus on any sector as long as they are impact-focused entrepreneurship as a means of livelihood. The idea should address an identified problem/challenge and provide a comprehensive solution using a technology component. Registration for the 2024 challenge closes on 15 April 2024. African Impact Challenge
ygap — Poverty Solutions for South Africa
The ygap accelerator provides support to South African leaders with solutions to poverty. Entrepreneurs and startups with project ideas and solutions for their local community are invited to apply for the training program. The program offers a three-day accelerator followed by twelve months of tailored support including business skills development, strategy insights, mentor support, and more. Participants will gain access to professionals (designers, lawyers, coaches, etc.) and have the opportunity to apply for small grants. Eligibility extends to social entrepreneurs operating in South Africa, who are dedicated to creating a positive change in the lives of people living in poverty. Applications are closing on 31 July 2024. ygap South Africa
Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development — Development Projects in Arab Countries
The Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD) finances development projects in countries of the League of Arab States. Grants can be used for technical and economic feasibility studies; or seminars and conferences. Thematic areas include agriculture and dry lands, water supply, environment, and many others. Grant size varies from less than US$20 thousand to over US$10 million. Grants are made to governmental organizations, NGOs, and civil society organizations. There is no application deadline. More information
Photographers Without Borders — Revolutionary Storyteller Grant
The Revolutionary Storyteller Grant supports revolutionary storytellers across all fields. Five recipients will be awarded US$5,000 to support the creation of an impactful photography project, a video, and a community exhibition. Projects should have a strong call to action on land and/or water protection. Applications are due 07 March 2024. Link to Photographers Without Borders
Reckitt — Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)
The Young One World Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 6 seeks to support solutions that work to achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all, paying special attention to the needs of rural communities in developing economies. The challenge welcomes solutions from young innovators (18-30 years old). The winner will receive a US$50 thousand project startup grant and 12 months of mentorship from Reckitt professionals. The application deadline is 10 March 2024. Lead2030 Challenge Clean Water and Sanitation
Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Water Innovation Prize 2024
The MIT Water Innovation Prize is a startup competition focused on water innovation. Submitted projects must involve a technology, product, service, or process aimed at solving a problem related to the world’s water challenges. Entering teams must include at least one student who is fully enrolled at any college or university. There are no restrictions regarding nationality. Winners will be awarded innovation grants of up to US$50 thousand. The application deadline for the statement of intent is 09 February 2024. Water Innovation Prize
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Argentina
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Argentina. CFLI provides funding to projects that implement environment and climate action projects focusing on adaptation and mitigation, and water management, among other thematic priorities. The average contribution for each project is C$25 thousand to C$35 thousand. Eligibility extends to not-for-profit local, national or community-based organizations. The deadline for submission is 13 February 2025. CFLI Argentina