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
Africa
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
World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) — Young Scientist National Awards in Africa 2016
The AU-TWAS Young Scientist National Awards are co-sponsored by TWAS and the African Union. Monetary prizes of US$2 thousand are offered to young (not over age 40) African scientists in each of two categories: life and earth sciences; and basic sciences, technology, and innovation. Participating countries are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, and Zimbabwe. Nominations of women scientists are particularly encouraged. The closing date for nominations is 21 November 2016. Link
Energy and Environment Partnership for Southern and East Africa — Project of the Year 2016
The EEP will make an award for “EEP Project of the Year 2016.” Nominations are invited from current or previously completed EEP S&EA projects. EEP will fund travel, accommodation, and associated costs for one representative of the winning project to present at the African Utility Week / Clean Power Africa in Cape Town (May 2017). The deadline for nominations is 15 September 2016. Link
Michigan State University — Graduate Studies in Meteorology for Mali
With funding from the U.S. government, the Borlaug Higher Education Agricultural Research and Development (BHEARD) Program supports long-term training of agricultural and food security researchers and policy advisors at master’s and doctoral levels. The program currently includes scholarships for staff at selected agricultural and meteorological institutions in Mali to pursue graduate studies in meteorology. Additionally, the program is open to NGO personnel in the Mopti region who are working in subjects of environment and climate. Applications from women candidates are particularly encouraged. The application deadline is 30 September 2016. Link
French Institute for Development Research — Research Program with Ivory Coast
France’s IRD is a partner with the Ivory Coast’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in a program of research (PReSeD-CI 2) on natural products, agriculture, energy and minerals, environmental governance, and other themes in support of sustainable development. Applications are welcome from from Ivory Coast, France, and researchers associated with CAMES (Conseil africain et malgache pour l’enseignement supérieur). The application deadline is 10 October 2016. Link
ARCOS Network — Biodiversity Conservation in Africa
The ARCOS Small Grants enhance collaboration to develop sustainable solutions for biodiversity and people, focusing on critical landscapes and watersheds of the Albertine Rift, the Great Lakes Region, and the African mountains. The grants program is open to civil society organizations. Governments and for-profit organizations may participate as project partners, or in coalitions where a civil society organization is the main applicant. The maximum grant is US$5 thousand. Applications (English, French) are invited during two periods each year: 01 April to 31 May, and 01 October to 30 November. Link
German Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture — Processing Local Food in Africa and Asia
The German Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture (BMEL) will fund international research cooperation on the topic of innovative approaches to process local food in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. The aim is to contribute to improved nutrition, as well as to qualitative and quantitative reduction of food losses. BMEL will make grants to suitable research institutions in Germany, which will work with partner institutions in Africa and Asia. The projects should focus on perishable food items of plant, animal, and fungal origin, in particular with seasonal surpluses. Consideration should be given to the potential for innovation using neglected and under-utilized crops. The deadline for short proposals and consortium agreements is 01 December 2016. Link
BRICS Scientific, Technological, and Innovation Framework Programme — Pilot Call for Proposals 2016
The BRICS Scientific, Technological and Innovation Framework Programme announces a call for research proposals on priority areas which can best be addressed by a multinational approach. The multiple themes include water resources and pollution treatment; promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency; and prevention and monitoring of natural disasters. The framework program is supported by funding organizations in Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Proposals should include collaborators from at least three countries. The deadline for applications is 25 August 2016. Link