With funding provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Horticulture Innovation Lab makes research grants in support of agricultural development. The Lab is soliciting proposals on improving post-harvest handling, storage, and marketing of tomatoes for Burkina Faso (deadline: 12 September 2016). It also calls for research proposals on dried apricots in Tajikistan (deadline: 12 September 2016). Additionally, the Lab invites concept notes for research on integrated animal-horticulture systems, particularly for Cambodia, Nepal, and Rwanda (deadline: 19 September 2016). Proposals led by U.S. university researchers will be given priority for funding. However, some programs are open to additional participation. Link
Ilka Westermeyer
European Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) — Enterprises in e-Agriculture
“Pitch AgriHack!” is sponsored by the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP-EU, in partnership with other organizations. The aim is to help young start-ups in e-agriculture develop business services. The programme is open to start-ups whose owners are ages 18 to 35, and who have a prototype or operating mobile application or ICT service for agriculture in any of the ACP (Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific) countries. There will be a selection to determine which start-ups and teams will attend a boot camp and pitching event in Kenya. Winners for proof of concept will receive grants up to €7.5 thousand; winners for scaling-up will receive grants up to €15 thousand. The deadline for applications (English, French) is 25 September 2016. Link
Peace Direct — Awards for Environmental Peace Building
The program Tomorrow’s Peacebuilders makes awards to recognize the achievements of grassroots peace activists. The categories for the awards include one for environmental peacebuilding. Tomorrow’s Peacebuilders will offer US$10 thousand to the winning organization in each category, plus promotional opportunities. There is no geographical restriction on applications. Applicants for the awards should be local independent organizations. Peace Direct prefers applications submitted in English, but it will also accept applications in French and Spanish. The deadline for applications is 10 October 2016. Link
Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Voice
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs is partnering with HIVOS and Oxfam on methods to effectively empower and give voice to marginalized and discriminated people in low- and lower-middle income countries of Africa and Asia. The thematic areas include one for improved governance and access to productive resources (e.g., land and water) and employment. The priority countries are Cambodia, Indonesia, Kenya, Laos, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Philippines, Tanzania, and Uganda. Voice hopes to stimulate learning about the most successful methods of building community empowerment. Applications are invited from legally registered nonprofit civil society organizations and community groups. The applicant (or a consortium member) must be based in Africa or Asia, and operate in one or more of the focus countries. There are four types of grants varying in purpose, amount, and implementation period. The application deadline is 15 October 2016. Link
International Tree Foundation — Sustainable Community Forestry Programme
The International Tree Foundation makes grants through its Sustainable Community Forestry Programme to conserve and restore local forest resources and associated biodiversity; improve local livelihoods; and increase resilience to climate change. ITF welcomes applications for community tree projects in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. The applying organization must be a registered NGO in the country where the project will take place. Grants are up to £3,000 for one year, with the possibility of applying for a second year. The deadline for applications is 17 October 2016. Link
U.S. Agency for International Development — Water and Sanitation in Madagascar
USAID will fund a 5-year program in Madagascar (the “RANO WASH program”) to expand the country’s supply of potable water and improve sanitation in approximately 250 rural communes. The program will work with the Government of Madagascar, NGOs and private enterprises, academic and research institutions, and others to achieve sustainable water management for households and municipalities. USAID intends to offer one award. Eligibility for funding is open to nonprofit and for-profit organizations in any country. Funding Opportunity RFA-687-16-000007. The application deadline is 17 October 2016. Link
Wuppertal Institute — Knowledge Exchanges for Renewable Energy
SEPS (Sustainable Energy Project Support) will fund knowledge exchanges that promote small-scale renewable energy. The countries considered for this call are those within the Caribbean, South and Central America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. The target groups of the knowledge exchanges are energy practitioners and organisations, together with other stakeholders, in the eligible priority regions. The deadline for applications is 17 October 2016. Link
U.S. Agency for International Development — Water Innovation Technologies in Jordan
USAID aims to assist Jordan with water-saving technologies and practices. The measures include interventions for safe water collection and storage; improved public awareness about water conservation; incentives for financing water infrastructure; and others. The 5-year program will focus in communities most impacted by immigration, and it will also support water-conserving technologies in agriculture. Eligibility for funding is unrestricted. Funding Opportunity RFA-278-16-000013. The application deadline is 24 October 2016. Link
UK Research Councils — Building Research Capacity to Address Development Challenges
The Global Challenges Research Fund invites applications to grow research capability in the UK to meet the challenges faced by developing countries. Examples of thematic areas include sustainable agriculture; clean air, water, and sanitation; renewable energy and materials; addressing environmental shocks and long-term environmental changes; and others. Partnership building between UK research organisations and partners in developing countries is an essential part of this call. Awards will range from £2 million to £8 million over four years. The deadline for registering intentions to submit is 25 October 2016. Link
Masdar Institute — Graduate Studies in Environmental Sciences in the UAE
The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi provides a cross-disciplinary program of study and research focused on sustainable technologies and policies. Masdar offers full financial scholarships to qualified candidates for masters and doctoral degree programs. Subject areas include water and environmental engineering, among others. For international applicants applying for 2017 admissions, the application period is 01 October 2016 through 15 November 2016. Link