The Eurasia Foundation (EF) announces Innovative Solutions Grants in support of civil society organizations in Central Asia (Kazakhstan). Grants are designed for civil society representatives proposing new solutions to social problems and civic initiatives that can lead to demonstrable positive change. Funding amounts range from US$2 thousand to US$10 thousand. Applications will be accepted in Kazakh and Russian. Applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis with the following deadlines: 28 February, 31 May, 31 August, and 30 November 2021. Click here for details
Eurasia/Central Asia
UK Department for International Development — Funding for Small Charities
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
MarTERA — Transnational Research and Innovation Projects
MarTERA provides funding to collaborative research and innovation projects. The call identifies the following priority areas: (1) environmentally friendly maritime technologies; (2) innovative concepts for ships and offshore structures; (3) automation, sensors, monitoring and observations; (4) advanced manufacturing and production, (5) safety and security. Applicants from Belarus, Belgium, Germany, Malta, Norway, Poland, Romania, South Africa, and Turkey are eligible for funding. The transnational call has a budget of €8.5 million. The deadline for the submission of pre-proposals is 26 March 2021. Find more information
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in the Mountains of Central Asia (Turkmenistan)
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites applications for small grants to promote conservation of biodiversity in the Mountains of Central Asia. This call is open to NGOs, community groups, universities, civil society organizations in Turkmenistan. The maximum funding amount per project is US$20 thousand. Expressions of interest should be submitted by 15 January 2021. Know more
Global Landscape Forum — Landscape Restoration in the Aral Sea Region
The Global Disruptive Tech Challenge 2021 aims to identify and support disruptive technologies and innovative approaches to landscape restoration in the Aral Sea region and Central Asia. Innovators (individuals or organizations) from around the world are invited to submit disruptive technologies that can help alleviate the negative impacts on landscapes from natural and human induced factors (including unsustainable agricultural and forestry practices, water scarcity, and climate change). The best proposals will obtain awards in the form of cash and/or in-kind. The application deadline is 15 January 2021. Link
Asian Development Bank — Healthy Oceans
Healthy Oceans Technology Innovation Challenge (TIC) calls for the submission of pilot technology solutions that prevent plastic waste or that can help restore and/or protect coral reefs. The selected proposal can receive a grant of up to US$500 thousand, but technology providers must co-finance at least 10% of the total cost. Innovations have to be implemented in Asia. Eligibility extends to companies, non-profit organizations, CSOs, research institutions and government-owned enterprises. The deadline for submissions of EOIs is 27 November 2020. Healthy Oceans Technology Innovation Challenge
Asian Development Bank — Urban Technology Innovation Challenge
Urban Sector Technology Innovation Challenge (TIC) calls for the submission of pilot technology solutions for more effective and efficient wastewater treatment and sanitation in urban communities. The selected proposal can receive a grant of up to US$500 thousand, but technology providers must co-finance at least 10% of the total cost. Innovations have to be implemented in Asia. Eligibility extends to companies, non-profit organizations, CSOs, research institutions and government-owned enterprises. The deadline for submissions of EOIs is 04 December 2020. Urban Development TIC
ENI CBC Med — Exploitation of Grape Waste from Winemaking
BESTMEDGRAPE aims to support the creation of new start-ups and small businesses by exploiting the by-products of winemaking as a source of bioactive compounds that can be transformed into innovative commercial health products. Aspiring Mediterranean entrepreneurs with innovative ideas for the exploitation of grape waste from winemaking are invited to submit applications. Selected entrepreneurs receive vouchers to cover the costs related to services aimed at developing their business idea. The deadline for applications varies by country (Tunisia: 15 December, Italy: 24 November, Lebanon: 06 December, Jordan: 15 December). BESTMEDGRAPE
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
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