The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) invites nominations for the Young Forest Champions initiative. This program recognizes individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 who lead innovative projects in forest monitoring using geospatial technology to support climate action. Eligible applicants include individual forest practitioners, researchers, and community leaders from Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Peru, Uganda, or Zambia, with a specific focus on those contributing to indigenous and local community efforts. Selected champions receive a US$10 thousand grant to scale their projects, along with technical mentorship and an invitation to participate in the XVIV IUFRO World Congress. The application deadline is 21 March 2026. Young Forest Champions
Africa
Hindsight Ventures — AFRISE Challenge
Hindsight Ventures invites applications for the AFRISE Challenge accelerator program. This initiative supports young African founders between the ages of 18 and 35 who are developing scalable solutions in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and financial services. Eligible applicants must be based in Nigeria, Uganda, Morocco, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, or Senegal. Participants receive a four-week virtual bootcamp, mentorship from industry experts, and access to more than US$600 thousand in technology credits from partners like AWS and Microsoft. The program concludes with an international demo day where the top 15 startups can pitch for grant and equity-based funding. The application deadline is 27 March 2026. Know more
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Liberia
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) provides small-scale grants to support high-impact projects designed by local partners in Liberia. Eligible applicants include local non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and community groups working on thematic priorities such as inclusive governance, peace and security, and economic growth. Funding contributions typically range from CAN$20 thousand to CAN$49 thousand, with a maximum possible allocation of CAN$100 thousand for qualified projects. The deadline for the current call for proposals is 27 March 2026. CFLI Liberia
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Côte d’Ivoire
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports high-impact projects focused on peace and security, inclusive governance, and climate action. The program primarily funds local non-governmental organizations, community groups, and academic institutions, with a focus on projects designed by local partners. Average grants range from CAN$20 thousand to CAN$49 thousand, while complex projects may receive a maximum of CAN$100 thousand. The deadline for the current call for proposals is 27 March 2026. CFLI Côte d’Ivoire
OPEC Fund for International Development — Young Professional Development Program
The Young Professional Development Program (YPDP) is a two-year program designed to prepare young professionals from OPEC Fund member countries for a career in global development. The themes include poverty reduction, energy and sustainable development, environment, and other related science and technology fields. YPDP offers training, coaching and mentoring, the opportunity to experience different departments and access to professional networks. To be selected for the program, applicants must be 30 years of age (or younger) and hold a Master’s degree. The deadline for applications is 11 April 2026. More about the YPDP
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association — Advancing Seagrass Science
The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) invites proposals to enhance the conservation, restoration, and governance of seagrass ecosystems. This initiative supports applied, policy-relevant research designed to contribute to climate action and sustainable blue economy goals across the Western Indian Ocean region. Funding is available for up to two projects, with each eligible for a grant of up to EUR 150,000 (approximately CAN$220,000) for a 12-month implementation period. To be eligible, proposals must be submitted by a consortium of institutions from at least two of the following countries: Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, or Tanzania. The deadline for submitting proposals is 15 April 2026. Details here
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development — Gender Responsive Agriculture Systems Policy
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) manages the Women in Agriculture Leadership Program to strengthen the leadership and research skills of female scientists working on climate-responsive agriculture. This two-year, non-residential fellowship is open to mid-career women scientists who are nationals of and reside in Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, or Sierra Leone. While the program does not provide direct cash grants to individuals, it is a fully funded fellowship that covers all costs for high-level leadership training, science mentoring, and professional development workshops. The deadline for applications is 26 April 2026. GRASP Fellowship
Australian Government — Australia Awards Africa
The Australian Government invites applications for the Australia Awards scholarships to provide mid-to-senior-level professionals from eligible African countries the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in Australia. The program targets individuals from 25 countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa, who work in priority sectors such as agriculture, climate change, and international security. Applicants must be at least 25 years old and possess five years of relevant post-graduate work experience. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, return air travel, a one-off establishment allowance, and a contribution to living expenses for the duration of the study. The deadline for applications is 30 April 2026. Australia Awards Africa
Urgent Action Fund Africa — Rapid Response Fund for African Women
Urgent Action Fund Africa (UAF-Africa) is a rapid response fund that offers financial and technical resources at critical moments of need to African women’s organizations and women’s rights activists. Grants are made in five categories, including one category on natural resources governance & climate change. The Fund aims to respond to most urgent requests within 24 hours. Grants are up to US$12 thousand. Applications can be submitted in five languages (English, French, Swahili, Arabic, Portuguese) at any time. About
Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development — Fellowships Program
The Arab Fund Fellowships Program provides Arab Ph.D. holders with opportunities to conduct research and/or teach internationally. The fellowship provides maintenance allowances (about US$50 thousand over a period of 12 months), round-trip tickets for the beneficiaries and the eligible members of their families. Arab nationals who are currently working at universities in Arab member countries are eligible to apply. Applications can be submitted anytime but must be submitted at least one year before the expected starting date of the Fellowship. Find the application procedure