The European Commission (EC) seeks to help reduce malnutrition and food insecurity in the Indian Ocean region (Mauritius, Comoros, Madagascar, Seychelles). EC intends to grant a total of €5 million for the increase and diversification of agricultural production, €400 thousand to improve the nutritional situation of vulnerable populations in Mauritius and Seychelles, and €1.6 million to improve the nutritional situation of vulnerable populations in Madagascar and the Comoros. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, producer organizations, farmers’ organizations, cooperatives, social enterprises, and international organizations. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 26 March 2021. Link
Africa
Pan African Women Empowerment Network — Aspiring Entrepreneurs Program
The Pan African Women Empowerment Network (PAWEN) invites applications for the Aspiring Entrepreneurs Program. The program consists of training and networking opportunities for African women entrepreneurs with the aim to give practical knowledge and guidance on how to move from idea to long-term sustainable business startup. 50 participants will have an opportunity to pitch for start-off grants and other funding. African women who are career professionals or students and who want to become self-sustainable entrepreneurs may apply to this program. The application deadline is 12 February 2021. Aspiring Entrepreneurs Program
United States Government — African Civic Engagement Academy
The African Civic Engagement Academy (ACEA) is a free online training program offered in English, French, and Portuguese to mid-career NGO and public sector leaders across Sub-Saharan Africa. Participants will develop professional skills, acquire tools to improve community/government engagement and receive a certificate from the University of Georgia (USA) upon completion. Applicants must be between the ages of 30 and 45 and serve in a leadership role with a civil society organization (including NGOs and non-profit community organizations) or a government unit. All applications must be submitted by 15 February 2021. Link to ACEA
SEED — Low Carbon Award 2021
SEED supports small-scale eco-enterprises in the developing world which integrate social and environmental benefits into their business models. Applicants should be able to explain how the enterprise will be financially viable in the long term and be in the set-up phase and in the early stages of implementation. The eligible countries are Indonesia, India, Ghana, Thailand, Uganda, and South Africa. Each award recipient is granted capacity building and networking opportunities. The call for applications is open until 22 March 2021. More
SEED — Climate Adaptation Award 2021
SEED supports small-scale eco-enterprises in the developing world which integrate social and environmental benefits into their business models. Applicants should be able to explain how the enterprise will be financially viable in the long term and be in the set-up phase and in the early stages of implementation. The eligible countries are Zambia, Malawi, and Botswana. Each award recipient is granted capacity building and networking opportunities. The call for applications is open until 22 March 2021. More
Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture — Masters Scholarships
The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, provides Masters Scholarships to citizens of any African country for studies at Egerton University in Kenya and Gulu University in Uganda. The scholarships are intended for disadvantaged, marginalized communities and those coming from conflict and post conflict areas. For the academic year 2021/2022, 30 Scholarships will be made available, of which 50% will be for Kenya and Uganda nationals. About 50% of the scholarships will be awarded to female applicants. The deadline to apply is 31 March 2021. MCF@RUFORUM Scholarship
Lemelson Foundation — International Entrepreneurship
The Lemelson Foundation supports programs to empower local inventors and entrepreneurs in India and East Africa to address social and economic challenges to improve the lives of the poor. Supported solutions include access to clean water and sanitation, agricultural productivity, and access to clean and affordable energy. The Foundation funds very few unsolicited applications. However, it accepts short concept notes on a rolling basis. Learn more about International Entrepreneurship
Ford Foundation — Community Rights over Natural Resources
In its theme Equitable Development, the Ford Foundation makes grants to challenge inequality. The sub-theme “Natural Resources and Climate Change” seeks to ensure that indigenous and other communities have secure access to and control over natural resources, and can benefit from them fully. The Foundation’s regional offices represent most of the developing world. The Foundation accepts project ideas at any time. Link
LEAP-RE — Joint Europe-Africa Call on Renewable Energy
The Long-term Europe-Africa Partnership on Renewable Energy (LEAP-RE) program aims to increase the use of renewable energy via research, demonstration, and technology transfer projects in both continents. LEAP-RE funds joint basic research, applied research and experimental development projects with a duration of 12-36 months. The call for proposals is aimed at actors in the renewable energy value chain (including universities, research institutes, companies, private sector, NGOs and public authorities). The maximum funding for each project is €1 million. Pre-proposals must be submitted no later than 01 April 2021. Link
European Commission — Food and Nutritional Security Support to Chad
The European Commission (EC) seeks to promote the socio-economic development of Chad through a reduction in malnutrition. The call aims to increase access to irrigated land and the sustainable optimization of the use of water resources, and promotes the diversification of food systems and agricultural production to support rural producers and families. Funding of up to €3 million is available, depending on target region and focus area. Projects need to have a duration of between 46 and 48 months. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations. The deadline for submitting applications is 15 April 2021. Know more